A Seaman with H.M.S. Almanzora, Samuel died on 21st of July 1916 at the age of 21. Samuel was born at Oulton on 13 June 1895, a son of Harry and Emma Websdale. In 1901 his family lived at Saint Ann’s Terrace, Bridge Road, Oulton. By 1911 they were living at 22 The Street, Oulton, and, by September 1914, at 54 Essex Road. Samuel worked as a deck hand with the fishing fleet before he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 22 September 1914. He served on the transport ship Emperor and joined the transport Merion on 16 November 1914. He joined H.M.S. Gibraltar on 28 June 1915 and, from 28 September 1915, served on H.M.S. Almanzora.   Details of what happened to Samuel were given in a report in the Liverpool Post of 31 July 1916, page 3: SAILOR’S DEATH MYSTERYFrom Birkenhead Docks on Saturday morning Police Constable Edward Williams recovered the body of a young man named Samuel Augustus Websdale. He was 21 years of age, an able seaman on an armed liner, and belonged to Lowestoft. His cap had been found on the quay. It appeared that the deceased left the ship on 21st inst., and was due to returned on the following day. He had not since been seen, and the body seemed to have been in the water some days.Mr. J.C. Bate, the West Cheshire coroner, conducted an inquest on Saturday, when the jury returned an open verdict. 

A Civilian, Florence died on 27th of February 1941 aged 57. Florence was born at Carlton Cross, Saxmundham, on 18 April 1883, a daughter of James and Mary Crane. In 1891 her family lived at The Common, Friston. By 1901 Florence was a general servant, domestic, working for George Lake, architect, and living with the Lake family at 353 London Road, Kirkley. In 1905 Florence was living at Knodishall and she married Robert George Weeds, of Lowestoft, at Saint Lawrence’s Church. By 1910 their home was at 34 Beccles Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1921. Robert was a master mariner and trawler owner. In 1939 their home was at 476 London Road South.Florence died at her home during an air raid. 

A Fourth Hand with Trawler Boy Sam (Lowestoft), Percy died on 12th of May 1916 at the age of 16. Percy was born at Lowestoft in 1900, a son of Lily Florence Alger. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 30 June 1900, and his mother lived at 81 Oxford Road, Lowestoft. In 1901 he lived with his mother, and grandparents, at 81 Oxford Road. During 1901 Percy’s mother married Samuel William Welch and thereafter Percy was known as Percy Welch. In 1911 his family lived at 39 Thurston Road, Lowestoft.  Percy was the Fourth Hand on the sailing trawler Boy Sam, LT 1014. The trawler sailed from Lowestoft on 12 May 1916, intending to fish at Haisborough Sands. The trawler was due back at Lowestoft on 19 May 1916, but did not return. One website suggests that the Boy Sam was with the trawler Boy Percy and that both of them were scuttled by the German submarine UB-29 and that all of the crews took to lifeboats and were then lost at sea. However, the loss of the Boy Percy took place off Southwold. This is not consonant with the Boy Sam heading for Haisborough Sands. 

A Private with the 10th Battalion, George died on 30th of April 1918 at the age of 27. George was born at Kirkley in 1890, a son of George and Mary Welham. In 1891 his family lived at 112 London Road and by 1901 they were living at 259 London Road. They were still living at 259 London Road in 1911 and George worked as a ship’s carpenter for Richards shipbuilders. On 13 February 1914 George left for Australia, sailing from London to Brisbane on the S.S. Orsova.  George attested for the Australian Army, at Adelaide, on 17 October 1916. He joined the 23Reinforcements of the 10th Infantry Battalion, service number 7087. He embarked at Adelaide on 16 December 1916 and disembarked at Devonport on 16 February 1917. He joined the 3rd Battalion at Durrington and embarked at Folkestone on 14 May 1917 and arrived at Le Havre on 15 May 1917, joining the 1st Australian Base Depot. He was taken on the strength of the 10th Battalion on 28 May 1917. He became unwell, because of an inguinal hernia, and was admitted to 3rd Australian Field ambulance, then 56 Casualty Clearing Station on 7 July 1917, and 6 General Hospital, Rouen, on 9 July and was discharged to the 1st Australian Base Depot, at Havre, on 11 July. George was posted to the Central Training School, Havre, on 26 July to act as Batman to Lieutenant Dodson. He joined 1st Australian Base Depot on 11 August. George was sent to England on escort duty on 11 October 1917 and was granted ten days leave in England from 12 October 1917. On 16 October George married Florence Matilda Rose at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a soldier on active service and Florence lived at 10 Jacob Street.George rejoined 1st Australian Base Depot on 22 October 1917 and rejoined the 10th Battalion on 6 November. He was granted leave to the U.K. from 10 to 27 February 1918. On 30 April 1918 the 10th Battalion were in positions near Meteren. George was killed in action on that day, one of 26 men of the battalion killed during that month. 

Formerly a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery, John died on 8th of November 1919 at the age of 23. John was born at Westwoodhay, near Hungerford, Berkshire, in 1896, a son of John and Isabel Welling. In 1901 his family lived at Euston Road, Barnham Suffolk. By 1911 they were living at Park Cottage Somerleyton, and John, like his father, was a gamekeeper.  John volunteered to join the Army. He arrived in France on 11 July 1915. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 41881, and served with 92 Siege Battery. He was discharged to the Class Z Reserve on 15 March 1919 and granted a pension of 8/3 per week from 16 March 1919 to 2 September 1919. John then worked as an under-gamekeeper. He died at Blundeston. 

A Skipper with Fishing Vessel Encourage (Shoreham), Hector died on 25th of October 1940 aged 54. Hector was born at Liverpool on 4 May 1886, a son of Nicholas and Isabella Wellington. By 1890 his family were living in London and Hector became a pupil at Caledonian School. On 25 May 1891 he joined Flint Street School and his family lived at 113 East Street, Southwark. By 1901 his family were living at Guinness Trust Buildings, Pages Walk, Bermondsey, and Hector was an engineer’s apprentice. On 6 May 1912 Hector married Florence Emma Jacobs at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Horace was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. Hector was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper in 1913. In 1915 Hector and Florence lived at 4 College Road. Hector joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 January 1915 to serve as a Temporary Skipper, number 2005 S.A. He served with the trawler Nevertheless until March 1918. From June to August 1918 he served with the Valhalla and then joined another trawler in which he served in the Palestine operations. In November 1918 he joined the Duke. Hector was demobilised on 11 July 1919. Hector was mentioned in despatches on 11 April 1919 for his role in the naval operations at Palestine between September and November 1918.   In 1920 Hector and Florence lived at 6 Trafalgar Street and in 1921 at 41 A Cleveland Road and Hector was a fisherman working for J. Stead. By 1939 they were living at 72 Lovewell Road.In 1940 Hector was the Skipper of the Encourage. On 25 October the vessel was fishing off Breakwater Fort, Plymouth, and struck a mine. All four crew, including Hector, were killed.

A Civilian, Harriet died on 27th of February 1941 aged 71. Harriet was born at Lowestoft on 15 November 1869, a daughter of Frederick Mills and Ann Albrow. In 1871 her family lived at 84 Tonning Street, and this was still their home in 1891.On 6 June 1898 Harriet married Arthur William Wesson at Christ Church, Lowestoft. Harriet was living at Whapload Road and Arthur, a clerk, lived at 12 Fleetwood Street, Stoke Newington. In 1901 they lived at 15 York Gardens, Ilford, and in 1911 their home was at 101 York Road, Ilford, and this was still their home in 1939. Arthur died in October 1940 and by February 1941 Harriet was living at 478 London Road South, where she died there during an air raid. 

A Ships Corporal 1st Class with H.M.S. Formidable, Charles died on 1st of January 1915 at the age of 38. Charles was born at Carlton Colville on 15 January 1876, a son of William and Maria West of Bridge Road Oulton Broad. In 1881 his family lived at Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1901 they were living at Main Road, Carlton Colville. Later his mother lived at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. Charles joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 17 February 1891. He was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1911. On 17 October 1911 Charles married Ellen Sparkes at All Saints' Church, Pakefield. The marriage register states that Charles was in the 'Naval Police' and had a home at Carlton Colville and that Ellen was from Pakefield. Note: Charles was a Ship's Corporal, hence responsible for discipline on board ship. By 1915 their home was at 46 Sidney Road, Gillingham, Kent. On 1 January 1915 the Formidable was struck by a torpedo fired by German submarine U-24 when about 37 miles off the Devon coast. The Captain attempted to bring the ship closer to shore but a second torpedo, from U-24, hit the ship. Around 550, including Charles, were killed.See: HMS Formidable (burtonbradstock.org.uk)A marginal note next to Charles' entry in the baptism register at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, reads "Died for England in the Great War." 

A Mate with M.V. Adaptity (London), Frederick died on 5th of October 1940 aged 36. It seems that Frederick’s birth was registered in the Wangford district in 1904 and some Merchant Navy records state that he was born at Barsham, Suffolk. Commonwealth War Graves records state that his parents were Charles and Sarah West, but no civil records have been traced that verify this. In 1928 Federick married Daisy E Sheldrake, this was registered in the Depwade district. By 1939 their home was at 18 Lowestoft Road, Carlton Colville. Later Daisy remarried.  Frederick was the Mate of the coaster Adaptity. On 5 October 1940 the ship was sailing in the Thames Estuary and struck a mine and sank with the loss of four crew, including Frederick.

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Pembroke, Alexander died on 4th of September 1917 at the age of 32. Alexander was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 28 June 1885, a son of James and Jane Westgarth. In 1891 his family lived at 12 Severn Terrace, Carlton Colville, and by 1901 at Worcester Terrace, Carlton Colville. Alexander was working as a stoker and fisherman when he joined the Royal Navy on 23 March 1909 as a Stoker 2nd Class. He joined to serve five years full-time and seven with the reserve. Alexander was discharged on 21 March 1914 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve, number Ch.B./10487, on 22 March 1914. On 31 October 1915 Alexander married Mabel Mahala Liffen at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Alexander was a Stoker with the Royal Navy and they both gave their residence as Carlton Colville. By 1917 Mable was living at 25 Tonning Street and later she lived at 9 Riverside Road.Alexander was called out for service on 7 August 1914, and he served with H.M.S. Dido, from 19 August to 31 October 1914; H.M.S. Fearless from 1 November to 27 November 1914; H.M.S. Hecla from 28 November 1914 to 19 April 1916; H.M.S. Faulknor, from 20 April 1916 to 31 December 1916, including service at the Battle of Jutland. He was drafted to H.M.S Attentive II on 1 January 1917 and served until 18 May 1917 when he was given 14 days detention, due to absence. He joined H.M.S. Pembroke on 2 June 1917.  In September 1917 the Royal Naval Barracks at Chatham was full of ratings and overflow accommodation had to be found at the Drill Hall. On 3 September 1917 Alexander was at Chatham Barracks. That night five German Gotha bombers made a raid on the Medway towns, including Chatham. The Drill Hall took a direct hit and over 130 men were killed or wounded. Alexander was wounded and taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, where he died of wounds on 4 September. Ninety-eight of the men were buried at Gillingham, and others, including Alexander, were buried closer to their homes.  

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Implacable, Joseph died on 2nd of December 1918 aged 22. Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 25 November 1898, a son of Joseph and Louisa Westgate. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 16 December 1898 and his family lived at 46B Crown Street and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 121 Saint Margaret’s Road.Joseph added two years to his age when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 30 July 1915. He served with the trawler West Anglia until 10 December 1916 when he joined the trawler Blackthorn. On 23 February 1918 he joined the depot ship H.M.S. Venerable and on 18 May 1918 he joined H.M.S. Implacable.  Died of influenza and pneumonia whilst at sea. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Gleaner of the Sea, Ernest died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 27.Ernest was born at Dunwich on 23 June 1889, a son of Joseph and Sarah Westoby. In 1891 his family lived at Coast Guard Buildings, Kessingland. By 1901 Ernest’s mother had died and he lived with his father at Beach Road, Kessingland. In 1911 they lived at 2 Church Road, Kessingland, and Ernest was a drifter fisherman. Ernest was enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11th January 1915 and he served on board the Drifter 'Gleaner of the Sea'. In 1915 the 'Gleaner of the Sea' was part of the Dover Patrol and the crew had the task of tending the anti-submarine nets. On 24th April 1916 a German submarine, the U-13, became tangled in the drifter's anchor chain. The Skipper, Robert Hurren, attacked the submarine with a 'lance bomb' which exploded and damaged the submarine which was subsequently sunk. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Gleaner of the Sea, along with several other Lowestoft trawlers in the Dover Patrol, was attacked by German destroyers and sank with the loss of all hands. For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

A Chief Petty Officer with H.M.S. Ibis, Leslie died on 10th of November 1942 aged 29. Leslie was born at Lowestoft on 22 July 1913, a son of John E. and Kathleen F. Westoby. In 1939 his parents lived at 60 Kirkley Park Road. On 10 April 1937 Leslie married Vera Beatrice Annie Grice at Saint Margaret’s Church. Leslie was serving with the Royal Navy and based at the Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham, and Vera was a clerk living at 57 Reeve Street. In 1939 their home was at 49 Church Road. Vera remarried in 1950. A career sailor Leslie was serving on the sloop H.M.S. Ibis in 1942. On 10 November, north of Algiers, French Algeria, the Ibis was hit by an airborne torpedo fired from an Italian aircraft and capsized. Leslie was one of 109 people lost with the Ibis. Leslie’s brother-in-law, Philip Goode, served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and died in 1941. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Queen Mary, Robert died on 31st of May 1916 at the age of 20.Robert was born at Smallborough, near North Walsham, Norfolk, on 7 June 1894, a son of Benjamin and Naomi Weston. In 1901 his family lived at Horning Row, Worstead, Norfolk. By 1911 they were living at Oxpits Cottages, Reedham, Norfolk. Later his parents lived at Hemblington and his sister, Louise, lived at Lound Road, Blundeston.  Robert joined the Royal Navy, as a Stoker 2nd Class, on 2 December 1912. On 4 September 1913 he joined H.M.S. Queen Mary. Robert was serving on H.M.S. Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland. Early in the battle the Queen Mary was hit twice by shells from the German battlecruiser Derfflinger and the Queen Mary's magazines exploded sinking the ship. Robert was one of 1,266 crew who were killed.  

A Private with 2nd Battalion, Edward died on 24th of February 1917 at the age of 24. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 5 January 1898, a son of George and Mary Ann Whale. Edward attended Saint Andrews School and, from 17 September 1900, was a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. His family lived at 85 Oxford Road, Lowestoft. Later they lived at 22 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 his family were living at 19 South Elmham Terrace, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Later his parents lived at 18 Wellington Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft.  Edward enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment at Great Yarmouth in late 1910/early 1911. It seems that when the 1911 Census was enumerated he was on home leave with his family. Edward was posted to the 2nd Battalion in India. Edward was in India, with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, when the First World War began. The Battalion went straight to Mesopotamia and Edward arrived there, with the rest of the Battalion, on 15 November 1914. Edward would have been present at the Battle of Shaiba in April 1915. On 21 November 1915 the 2nd Battalion were in a night march moving into position ready for an attack at Ctesiphon at dawn on 22 November 1915. The Battalion suffered 267 casualties during the Battle of Ctesiphon, around half their fighting strength.  On 29 November 1915 the British, including the 2nd Norfolks, were ordered to retreat to Kut-al-Amarah. The forced march lasted 46 hours and they managed to reach Kut on 3 December 1915. From 7 December the British and Indian Army garrison was besieged by the Turkish Army. The siege lasted 147 days and the garrison suffered terribly during that time. On 29 April 1916 the garrison surrendered. The garrison was marched into captivity at Aleppo. Less than 90 of the Norfolk Regiment men survived the siege at Kut.Official records give a confusing account of what happened to Edward. Soldiers Died in the Great War states that he was killed in action on 24 February 1917, while some Pension Record Cards show that he was killed in action on 10 March 1917. The Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects states 24 February 1917 Mesopotamia and does not show a cause of death.Given that Edward was serving with the 2nd Battalion in Mesopotamia from 15 November 1914, and in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, it seems most likely that Edward was taken prisoner at Kut and died in captivity on 24 February 1917. One of Edward’s legatees was Florence Wright. Edward’s brother Reginald served with the Rifle Brigade and died in 1918.

A Rifleman with 1st Battalion, Reginald died on 1st of November 1918 at the age of 20. Reginald was born at Lowestoft on 12 January 1893, a son of George and Mary Ann Whale. In 1901 his family lived at 85 Oxford Road, Lowestoft, and later lived at 22 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft. Reginald attended Church Road School and, from 27 September 1909, became a pupil at Saint John’s School. Lowestoft. By 1911 his family were living at 19 South Elmham Terrace, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Later his parents lived at 18 Wellington Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft.   By 1915 Reginald was a labourer and, in 1916, was working as a boiler cleaner. He had been convicted of larceny in 1915 and, in 1916, was sentenced to three years detention at a borstal for stealing lead. See The Police Gazette 7 July 1916, page 4 and The Thetford and Watton Times, 29 April 1916, page 4. Reginald must have had an early release from borstal as he enlisted in the Army. He enlisted at Whitehall, London. He joined the Rifle Brigade, service number 38626. Reginald was posted to the 1st Battalion in France. On 1 November 1918 the 1st Battalion attacked enemy positions east of the Rhonelle River at Preseau. The artillery put down a creeping barrage and the attack went well. There was light resistance, but the objective was gained. However, the Battalion lost touch with the flanks and the enemy made immediate string counter attacks on each flank and the men were forced back through Preseau after severe fighting. In the evening the Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. In the attack eight officers were wounded and among the other ranks the casualties were 51 killed, including Reginald, 200 wounded and 13 missing.Reginald’s brother Edward served with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment and died in Mesopotamia in 1917.   

A Gunner with 53 Anti-Aircraft Driver Training Regiment, Frank died on 7th of February 1941 aged 39. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 1 June 1902, a son of Albert and Mary Ann Whaley. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 6 October 1902 and his family lived at 7 Factory Court. In 1911 his family lived at 1 Sterrys Cottages, London Road, Pakefield. From 6 January 1914 Frank was a pupil at Lovewell Road School and his family lived at 1 Smith’s Cottages, Kendal Road. The school admission register states that he left in March 1915 to go to Bungay. In 1921 Frank’s family lived at 34 Lawson Road and Frank was a bricklayer’s labourer for Machonichie Preserved Provision Manufacturers. On 7 September 1929 Frank married Ethel Rita Edwards at Saint Margaret’s Church. Frank was a painter living at 34 Lawson Road and Ethel lived at 27 Princes Road. By 1939 they were living at 9 Saint Leonard’s Road and Frank was a railway employee.  Frank joined the Royal Artillery in 1930 and served until 1935. He re-enlisted in 1936 and served with the Territorial Army. He was mobilised when the war began and served with the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Driver Training Regiment, based at Edinburgh. Official casualty list 478 of 2 April 1941 shows that Frank was killed in action, but it seems that he was not with his regiment at the time as the list of civilian casualties in World War Two states that he died at the L.N.E.R. Harbour Yard, Lowestoft. He was buried at Kirkley Cemetery on 12 February 1941.Frank’s brother-in-law, Sidney Arthur Edwards, served with the Royal Sussex Regiment and died in 1918.

A Signal Boy with H.M. Drifter Persistive, Harry died on 9th of February 1916 at the age of 16. Harry was born at Kirkley on 30th March 1899, a son of Arthur Oswald and Margaret Emily Whatling. Note that his given names were John Harry, but he often used Harry as his first name, including when he served in the Royal Naval Reserve. Harry was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 28 April 1899. In 1901 his family lived at 160 Pakefield Street, Kirkley. Harry attended the Cunningham National School, Pakefield, from 7 April 1902 until 28 July 1911. By 1911 the family had moved to 36 Pakefield Street, Pakefield.Harry joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 February 1915 and joined the crew of the Drifter Persistive. (Note his R.N.R. service sheet shows him serving on the Persistive from 15 January 1915).The Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. Seven of the crew were killed and one other severely wounded. Harry's father, Arthur, served as a Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve from 28 January 1915. Arthur was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (London Gazette 7 June 1918) for his part in sinking a German submarine on 10 March 1918.   

A Second Lieutenant with the 1st Battalion, Frank died on 11th of August 1916 at the age of 34. Frank was born at Ilford, Essex, in 1882, a son of Frank Richard and Zillah Annie Wheatley. In 1891 his family lived at 151 High Street, Lowestoft. Frank was educated at Framlingham College. By 1901 Frank was a draper’s apprentice living, and working, at 35 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich. On 5 February 1907 Frank married Evelyn Mary Linforth at Saint Margaret’s Church, Streatham Hill, London. Frank was a draper living at 152 High Street, Lowestoft, and Evelyn lived at 29 Quicklade Avenue, Streatham. In 1909 they lived at 46 Denmark Road, Lowestoft, and by 1911 they were living at Enfield House, Marina, Lowestoft, and Frank was a draper’s manager. On his return to Lowestoft Frank worked with his father at his father’s drapery. After Frank’s death Evelyn married Josiah Brewster and they lived at Saint Martin’s, Station Road, Lowestoft.Soon after the First World War began, Frank volunteered and joined the Officer Training Corps. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Essex Regiment on 21 August 1915 (London Gazette 30 August 1915, page 8629). He joined the 12th (Reserve) Battalion. Frank was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 2 April 1916, joining the Battalion, at Acheux, on 8 April 1916. Frank took part on the Battalion’s attack at on 1 July 1916. The 1st Essex attack took place at Mary Redan, Beaumont Hamel, and they fought alongside the Newfoundland Regiment. The Battalion’s casualties were nine officers and 207 men.  In early August 1916 the 1st Battalion were in Brigade Reserve at Ypres. On 9 August they moved into trenches from Duke Street to Park Lane and from Park Lane to the Railway. The War Diary for 11 August 1916 has:Germans made a raid with party of 10 to 12 men, one German got into the Gully, and bombed 2 Lieutenant Wheatley and Sergeant Edwards. All three died. The German belonged to 362 regiment. An article in The Evening Star (Ipswich) 23 August 1916, page 2, adds:His brother officers say of him: ‘He was a true friend, a thorough English gentlemen, and an excellent soldier. He had shot a German at close quarters, and was killed, together with his platoon sergeant, by the German dropping a bomb as he was falling.’There is a brass plaque, to Frank’s memory, at Christchurch, Lowestoft. 

An Engineer with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), Arthur died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 26. Arthur was born at Hales, Norfolk, on 4 October 1887, a son of Samuel and Clara White. In 1891 his family lived at Beccles Road, Hales. Between 1891 and 1896 Arthur attended Loddon School. In 1901 his family lived at Town Farm, Pound Lane, Ditchingham.  Arthur married Ada Thwaites, at Lowestoft, in late 1911. They lived at 6 Beckham Road, Lowestoft.Arthur worked as an Engineman 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. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Horace died on 20th of July 1916 at the age of 30.  Note: Horace also used the first name Henry. Also, in some pre-WW1 records, he is shown as Horace Hornigold. Horace was born at Lewisham, Kent, in late 1885, a son of Jane White. In 1890 his mother married Robert Hardy Hornigold, and for a time, Horace used the surname Hornigold. In 1891 his family lived at Cyprus Cottage, 4 Cyprus Terrace, Wallington, Croydon. Surrey. In 1901 his family lived at 8 Dibbens Cottages, London Road, Beddington. On 11 April 1909 Horace married Maud Mary Ann Day at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Horace was a labourer, living at Beddington, Surrey, and Maud lived at Whapload Road. In 1911 they lived at 2 Albert Villas, Percy Road, Beddington, and Horace was a labourer at Croydon Corporation Sewerage Works. By 1913 they were living at Lowestoft. In 1919 Maud lived at 14 Beckham Road and she married James Jowsey. At some point she lived at 26 Silver Street, London Road, Peterborough, and later at 96 Long West Gate, Scarborough.Horace volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 12656. He arrived in France on 17 February 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion. Around February 1916 he was wounded, and his name appears in the War Office Daily (Casualty) List 16 March 1916.  Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 2nd Battalion’s attack at Longueval 20 July 1916:It was still dark when the artillery bombardment lifted and the advance began. The two Suffolk companies in the forward line marched in double lines of platoons with a front of 140 yards each. Much bitter fighting followed, which, although indecisive locally enabled a footing to be gained in High Wood by the 33rd Division. The battalion’s losses were:Officers: four killed, two wounded, six missingOther ranks: 108 killed – with an unrecorded number wounded and missing.Horace was reported as wounded and missing on 20 July. Maud was notified, in October 1916, that he had died, and it was determined that he had died of wounds on, or since, 20 July 1916. 

A Civilian, Beryl died on 13th of January 1942 aged 21. Beryl was born at Lowestoft on 24 January 1940, a daughter of William and Mildred Whiting. In 1921 her family lived at 2 Russell Terrace, Fir Lane, and by 1939 their address was 17 Fir Lane and Beryl was a shop assistant selling boots and shoes. Beryl died at London Road North during the Waller Raid. Beryl's brother, Ernest, died during an air raid in 1940.

A Police Constable, Ernest died on 10th of October 1940 aged 34. Ernest was born at Battersea, London, on 21 September 1906, a son of William and Mildred Whiting. On 8 November 1909 Ernest became a pupil at Bildeston School. In 1911 his family lived at Bildeston, near Ipswich (note that the 1911 and 1921 Census Ernest is shown as Walter). In 1921 his family lived at 2 Russell Terrace, Fir Lane, Lowestoft, and by 1939 their address was 17 Fir Lane. In 1930 Ernest married Hilda Olive Smith, this was registered in the Mutford district. Ernest was a Police Constable with the East Suffolk Constabulary and in 1939 Ernest and Hilda lived at The Police Station, Samford. Subsequently Ernest became the police officer at Worlingworth and they lived at Worlingworth Police Station. In October 1940 an unexploded bomb was discovered at a field at Oak Tree Farm, Fingal Street, Worlingworth. Ernest was given the task of guarding the area while Sappers from 4 Bomb Disposal Section Royal Engineers were making the bomb safe. The bomb exploded killing four Sappers and Ernest.  Ernest’s funeral was held at Worlingworth on Monday 14 October, followed by a cremation at Ipswich. Reverend Wilkes, the Rector of Worlingworth-with-Southolt, spoke about Ernest (see Norfolk and Suffolk Journal and Diss Express 18 October 1940, page7):In the course of a sincere tribute of esteem to the memory of the departed as a friend of all in the Parishes and as their Police Officer, the Rector said that Ernest Whiting, during a year of extreme national and individual anxiety had shared fully amongst them a sheaf of personal graces, cheerfulness, kindness, gentleness and good fellowship, which many lesser men reserve solely for their own more intimate friends and relatives. As a Police Officer out of the abundance of his own high courage he had imparted to all a greater confidence and courage than was perhaps their natural want. To the older men and women at all times he gave counsel, guidance, service in full measure, pressed down and running over. To the little ones, when needed, the help of a good father, himself the father of young children. To the young men, he brought the example of a young man, full of the frailties of human nature exercising in himself and others the discipline to overcome them. The deepest sympathy went out to the widow and children, relatives and comrades from everyone in the Worlingworth area. Ernest, and the four Sappers, are commemorated by a memorial at the edge of the field in which the bomb exploded and each year a service held at the site to remember them. Ernest's sister, Beryl Whiting, died during the Waller Raid in 1942. 

A Engineman with H.M. Drifter Eyrie. William died on 2nd of September 1914 at the age of 44. William was born at Leiston, Suffolk, in 1869, a son of George and Sophia Whiting. In 1871 his family lived at Coldfair Green, Leiston, and in 1881 at Snape Road, Leiston. By 1891 William was living at The Common, Friston, and working as a maltster's labourer. William married Jane Clark in 1893. In 1901 they lived at Cold Fair Green, Leiston, and William worked as a engine driver. By 1911 they were living at 89 Worthing Road, Lowestoft, and William was a marine engine driver on a steam drifter. Later they lived at 4 Harold Road, Lowestoft.William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914 and served on the drifter Eyrie. He died when H. M. Drifter Eyrie struck a mine in the North Sea. The Irish Times of Thursday 3 September 1914, page 6, has:BLOWN UP BY MINESNews reached Lowestoft yesterday that the steam drifter Eyrie has been blown up by a sunken mine in the North Sea. Of the crew of eleven six were drowned. The disaster happened early yesterday, the vessel sinking in three minutes. The drowned included Thomas Scarll, William Slater, and Robert Burch, all belonging to Lowestoft. The Eyrie recently saved the crew of a Danish steamer sunk by a mine in the vicinity. 

A Civilian, Muriel died on 13th of January 1942 aged 20. Muriel was born at Lowestoft on 4 October 1921, a daughter of William Robert and Alice Maud Whitlam. In 1939 her family lived at 8 Oaklands Terrace, Kessingland, and Muriel was in domestic service. Muriel at Waller’s Restaurant, 90 London Road North, during the Waller Raid. Muriel was buried at Saint Edmund’s Churchyard, Kessingland, on 22 January 1942. (Her mother died in March 1942). 

A Lance Corporal with 1/10th Bn. Harold died on 21st of September 1917 at the age of 21.Harold was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Arthur and Ellen (Nellie) Whyard. His family home was at 24 Norwich Road. In 1911 Harold worked as an assistant oilskin dresser at an outfitter's shop. Later his parents lived at 65 Trafalgar Street, Lowestoft. Harold's mother died in 1915 (his father later married Eva Riley). Harold enlisted in the Army at Liverpool and joined The King's (Liverpool Regiment). He served with the 1/10th Battalion. His Battalion was involved in a Divisional attack on 20 September 1917 and half of the Battalion was attached to 164 Infantry Brigade whilst two companies were under the command of 165 Infantry Brigade and moved into a line of holes in the vicinity of Elms Corner at the rea of Hill 37 and were in that area on 21 September 1917. No specific details of what happened to Harold are known other than the fact he was killed in action. 

A Private with 7th Bn. Walter died on 22nd of August 1918 at the age of 34. Walter was born at Leiston, Suffolk, in 1884, a son of James and Hannah Wigg. In 1891 his family lived at Snape Road and in 1901 their address was 1 Snape Road, Leiston, and Walter was a boiler maker's labourer. In 1911 his family were living at 32 Paradise Place, Leiston, and Walter was a bricklayer's labourer.Walter was working as a labourer, for Mr. A. Gibbs, of Leiston, and was living at Leiston, when he enlisted in the Suffolk Royal Garrison Artillery (Militia), at Ipswich, on 7 June 1904. He served until July 1905. On 24 June 1914 Walter married Emma Marjoram at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Walter was working as a barman and Emma a widow. They both gave their address as The Elephant and Castle, Church Road. By 1915 they were living at 14 Saint Margaret's Plain, and Walter worked as a stonemason. Walter enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Army Service Corps, service number T.4/088610, and served in France with No 4 Company 29th Divisional Train. He was then transferred to the 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, service number 61524, before being transferred to The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and joining the 7th Battalion.On 22 August 1918 the 7th Battalion followed the 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment to clear the town of Albert. The 7th Battalion War Diary records that by 4 p.m. the Battalion had suffered heavy casualties. Official records indicate that no one was sure what had happened to Walter and the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects states that he was 'killed in action or died of wounds.' Note the Commonwealth War Graves website states that he had served with the Royal Army Medical Corps. This supposition is based on Graves Registration Report Form that suggests he had a former service number D-86610 and that he died on 22 August 1918. There is no evidence, in any official military record, of these facts being correct. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Harmon died on 31st of December 1916 at the age of 28. Harmon was born at Barnby on 1 July 1888, a son of Noah and Matilda Wiles. In 1891 his family lived at Beccles Road, Barnby. Harmon was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Barnby, on 26 August 1893, and his family lived at Barnby. Harmon attended Barnby Board School and, on 13 September 1898, became a pupil at Beccles Board School. By 1901 Harmon's father had died and he lived with his mother, and siblings, at Back Lane, Barnby. Harmon's mother remarried and then lived at Alpha Cottage, Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad. Harmon's sister, Beatrice Smith, lived at Maple Cottage, Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad. In 1910 Harmon enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. He served with the Norfolk Regiment, number 8164. In 1911 he was serving with the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment at Farnborough. Harmon was in India, with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, when the First World War began. The Battalion went straight to Mesopotamia and Harmon arrived there, with the rest of the Battalion, on 15 November 1914. Harmon would have been present at the Battle of Shaiba in April 1915. On 21 November 1915 the 2nd Battalion were in a night march moving into position ready for an attack at Ctesiphon at dawn on 22 November 1915. The Battalion suffered 267 casualties during the Battle of Ctesiphon, around half their fighting strength.  On 29 November 1915 the British, including the 2nd Norfolks, were ordered to retreat to Kut-al-Amarah. The forced march lasted 46 hours and they managed to reach Kut on 3 December 1915. From 7 December the British and Indian Army garrison was besieged by the Turkish Army. The siege lasted 147 days and the garrison suffered terribly during that time. On 29 April 1916 the garrison surrendered. The garrison was marched into captivity at Aleppo. The War Office Daily List of 19 November 1916 reported that Harmon had been taken prisoner at Kut-al-Amarah. He died on 31 December 1916, possibly at Aleppo.

A Musician with H.M.S. Exeter, Douglas died on 6th of September 1943 at the age of 20. Douglas was born at Lowestoft on 10 December 1922, a son of John Charles and Anne Wilkin. He was baptised at Saint John's Church and his family lived at 9 Tonning Street. Later his family lived at 50 Raglan Street and then at 15 Bevan Street. Douglas was serving on H.M.S. Exeter when the ship was sunk during the Second Battle of the Java Sea on 1 March 1942. Most of the crew, including Douglas, were taken prisoner by the Japanese.He died from malaria, at Pomalea, East Celebes, whilst a prisoner of war in Japanese hands.

A Private with 1st Bn., Frederick died on 4th of May 1915 at the age of 22. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 12 August 1892, a son of Charles and Hannah Harriet Willgoss. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 31 August 1892 and his family lived at 19 Christchurch Square. By 1911 his family were living at 9 Spurgeon's Score and Frederick was a herring fisherman. Later his mother lived at 12 Waveney Terrace, Whapload Road, Lowestoft.Frederick married Clara Jane Hitter at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 13 August 1913. At that time Frederick lived at 9 Spurgeon's Score, and Clara at 13 Milton Road, and Frederick worked as a fisherman. Clara died in 1914.Frederick volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 14 April 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. On the 29 April the Battalion was heavily shelled while digging new trenches, which they occupied on May 2. The intervening days were miserably spent as the dugouts were half full of water and the hostile aircraft and artillery continually busy. On May 2 “A” Company, parading to occupy the new trenches, sustained thirteen casualties. On the 4th the Battalion was bombarded with trench mortars, and one officer and twelve men were killed.Frederick was reported missing on May 4 1915 and by January 1917 it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that date. 

A Private with the 5th Battalion, George died on 22nd of March 1943 aged 22. George was born at Lowestoft in 1922, a son of George Alfred and Grace May Willgoss. In 1939 his family lived at 66 Waveney Drive. George enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment and was subsequently transferred to the East Yorkshire Regiment. At 1.30 a.m. on 22 March 1943 the 5th Battalion began an attack on Ksiba Ouest, Tunisia. The assault was to be carried out without artillery support, but early indications showed that the enemy were very alert and that the attack needed artillery. At 6.15 a support barrage, lasting tens minutes, was laid down but there was no tank support for the attack and about midday several German tanks appeared, and the situation became very difficult. The battalion held positions throughout the day despite repeated enemy attacks and shelling. George was reported wounded and missing on 22 March and it was later presumed that he had been killed in action.      

A Lieutenant with the 1st Battalion, John died on 11th of June 1944 aged 21. John was born at Hockley, Birmingham, on 16 September 1922, a son of The Reverend Fred and Marion Frances Sylvester Williams. By 1939 John’s father had become the Vicar of Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, and his family lived at Saint Johns Vicarage, 17, The Esplanade, Lowestoft.John became an Officer Cadet and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Norfolk Regiment on 1 May 1943. He served with the 1st Battalion. The 1st Battalion landed at Normandy on D-Day. On 7 June they took up a position known as Rover and during the next few days they sent out fighting patrols. During the night of 11-12 June John was involved in a fighting patrol sent out to inspect a bridge on the Rover Orne. The patrol was fired on by medium machine-guns and John was killed by a sniper. Note: the battalion war diary suggests that he was killed about 12.30 a.m. on 12 June.  

A Second Hand with Steam Trawler Lord Haldane (Lowestoft), John died on 7th of November 1940 at the age of 58. John was born at Lowestoft on 27 August 1882, a son of Charles and Charlotte Williams. In 1891 his family lived at 227 Raglan Street. By 1911 John was a herring fisherman living with his aunt, Eliza Harris, at 26 Whapload Road. On 30 September 1911 John married Hilda May Williams at Saint Andrew’s Church, Plaistow, Essex. In 1915 they lived at Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 23 September 1915. He served as an Engineman, service number ES 4073. John served with the trawler Norfolk County. On 17 January 1918 John joined the drifter Smilax. On 5 May 1918 the Smilax attacked, and sank, an enemy submarine. John received a Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette 14 March 1919, and £64-10-04, being his share in an Admiralty bounty of £500 for his part in the engagement. John also received the Romanian Distinguished Conduct Medal 5th Class for ‘distinguished services rendered during the war’, London Gazette 14 March 1919. He was demobilised on 3 March 1919.In 1920 John was awarded his certificate of competency as a second hand.     John and Hilda lived at 14 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, in 1921. John was an out of work trawl fisherman who usually worked for Lowestoft Fish Selling Company. In 1939 their home was at 2 Oulton Road and later at 28 Saint Margaret’s Road.In 1940 John was the Second Hand on the trawler Lord Haldane. On 4 November 1940 the Lord Haldane left Milford Haven for the fishing grounds and was last seen on 7 November 1940. Official records state that John was missing, supposed drowned, on 7 November, but other sources suggest that the Lord Haldane was lost on 12 November. The trawler had ten crew, all of whom were lost.   John's son-in-law, George Reeve, served with the Royal Engineers and died in 1944. 

A Rifleman with the 2/9th Battalion, Leonard died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 32. Leonard was born at Lowestoft in 1885, a son of William James Williams and Susan Elliott Williams. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 17 April 1885. In 1891 his family lived at 110 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. Leonard attended The College, Beccles. By 1911 his family were living at Kilwimung, 46 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft, and Leonard worked as a clerk at a fishing business.Leonard enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the 9th London Regiment, service number 6016. He arrived in France on 4 February 1917 to join the 2/9th Battalion London Regiment and served with A Company. In 1917 he was renumbered 392478.On 26 September the 2/9th Battalion began an attack on German positions between St. Julien and Passchendaele, focussing on Aviatiak Farm. The attack soon became confused, but they managed to take 58 prisoners before the Germans made a counter-attack. One officer and five men of Leonard's Company are known to have been killed, and one officer and 22 men wounded. Four men of the Company, including Leonard, were missing and later it was concluded that Leonard had died 'on or since' 26 September 1917. 

A Sergeant with 2nd Bn. Michael died on 14th of September 1914 at the age of 32. Michael was born at Islington, London, a son of Mabel Emma Williams. By 1901 his mother and sister were living at No. 6 Row 99 Kings Street, Great Yarmouth, later they lived at Rose Cottage, Milton Road, Lowestoft, 48 Lorne Park Road, and then 80 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft.Michael worked as a labourer. He served with the 7th (Militia) Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps before joining the regular battalions of the Regiment, at Great Yarmouth, on 28 November 1900. Michael was posted to the 4th Battalion on 22 February 1901. He saw active service in South Africa from 11 December 1901 and was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion on 31 January 1904.Michael was promoted to Corporal on 27 February 1908 and Unpaid Lance Sergeant on 1 October 1911. In 1912 he re-engaged to serve 21 years with the Colours. He was promoted Sergeant on 12 March 1913. He arrived in France, with the 2nd Battalion, on 13 August 1914.  Until 14 September 1914 the 2nd Battalion were only involved in very minor skirmishes as part of the Retreat from Mons. On 14 September they were ordered to the plateau at Troyon and held positions opposite twelve German fields guns that fired on them at a range of 600 yards. In the engagement the Battalion lost 15 officers and 306 men killed, wounded or missing. Michael was reported missing between 14 and 17 September 1914. By March 1916 it was determined that he had been killed in action on 14 September 1914. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Hood, Albert died on 24th of May 1941, aged 21.Albert was born at Lowestoft on 31 October 1919, a son of Thomas and Laura A. Willis. In 1921 his family lived at 10 Sandringham Road and this was still their home in 1939. By May 1941 Albert was served on H.M.S. Hood. Early on 24 May the Hood engaged the German battleship Prince Eugen, which was sailing with the battleship Bismarck. Both the Prince Eugen and the Bismarck returned fire and the Hood exploded and sank with the loss of 1,418 crew.

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, John died on 22nd of June 1941 aged 25. John was born at Colchester in 1916, a son of John Albert and Ellen Willis. In 1939 his family lived at Hilldora, Elmstead Road, Colchester.John was a senior clerk in the Colchester offices of the Pearl Assurance Company and volunteered for service with the Royal Air Force in 1938.John married Margaret Hide Breach, of 263 Whapload Road, Lowestoft, in 1939, this was registered in the Ploughley district of Oxfordshire. By June 1941 John was aircrew with 221 Squadron. On 22 June 1941 he was part of the crew of a Wellington Viii, number W5664, flying out of Limavady, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The aircraft was on an anti-submarine warfare patrol but failed to return.  WITH THANKS TO:Malcolm Barrass

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Thomas died on 1st of July 1944 aged 23. Thomas was born at Carlton Colville 0n 18 July 1921, a son of Thomas William and Winifred Mabel Willis. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 14 August 1921 and his family lived at The Garden House, Carlton Colville. In 1939 his family lived at Endeavour, Beccles Road, and Thomas was an apprentice carpenter and joiner. Thomas joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after October 1941. In July 1944 he was a Flight Engineer serving with 12 Squadron, based at Wickenby, Lincolnshire.On 1 July Thomas was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number ND842 PH-K, which was taking part in a raid on the Vierzon railway yards. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at Magny about eleven miles south-west of Chartres. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

An Ordinary Signalman with H.M. Trawler Stella Sirius, Alan died on 25th of September 1940 aged 22. Alan was born at Lowestoft on 16 October 1917, a son of Herbert and Jessie Frances Wilsher. In 1921 his family lived at 12 The Gables, Oulton Broad, and by 1939 their home was at 45 Beccles Road.In 1939 Alan worked as a window dressing instructor and lodged at 12 Lime Hill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. In September 1940 Alan was serving with the requisitioned trawler Stella Sirius. On 25 September the trawler was moored at the South Mole, Gibraltar, when Vichy French forces carried out an air raid and bombed the trawler. Several of the crew, who were shelter at the forepeak, were killed and the trawler set on fire. Because of the danger of explosion, the trawler was scuttled. Note: The Royal Navy War Graves roll gives the name of Alan’s ship as H.M.T. Esquimaux. It is not clear why this is given, and no vessel of that name has been traced. 

A Private with 9th Bn., Arthur died on 25th of September 1915 at the age of 19. Arthur was born at Oulton in 1897, a son of Jacob and Jane Wilson. In 1901 his family lived at Woods Loke, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 3 Sunshine Terrace, Marlborough Road, Oulton Broad, and Arthur was an apprentice coach builder. Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. he joined the Suffolk Regiment and arrived in France with the 9th Battalion on 31 August 1915. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 9th Battalion’s involvement in the Battle of Loos from 25 to 27 September 1915, pages 121-122:At 8 p.m. on 25 September the 9th Battalion moved off and began to wend its way, in a double line of platoons, across the battlefield of Loos. A steady advance – not towards the 9th Division as originally intended, but in the direction of Vendin-le-Vieil – was maintained, the battalion passing in turn over its own support line, its own front line, the German front line, and the German support line. About midnight the advance was held up, the battalion digging themselves in between that hour and dawn, with the German support line still behind them. At 5 a.m. they were ordered back to that line.During the forenoon of the 26th an order was received for an attack at 11 a.m. with the 9th Battalion to support the 72nd Brigade, following some 600 yards behind. Unfortunately, however, this order was not received until 11.25 a.m., whereupon Lieutenant-Colonel, passing a message down the line, ordered the battalion to advance immediately. Without hesitation each section mounted the parapet and began pushing forward under heavy artillery fire towards the objective of the previous evening. The advance continued until the leading line reached a point about two hundred yards or so beyond the Hulluch-Lens Road where it was definitely checked. At 5 p.m. the right flank began to give way. For three hours the centre held on to the road, and during that time the flanks advanced and retired twice. Then the left flank, coming under a heavy machine-gun fire from the direction of Hulluch, was forced back. Here most of the 9th Battalion’s casualties occurred.About 2 a.m. on the 27th the battalion was relieved.The Battalion’s casualties were: Officers, one killed, six woundedOther ranks, nine killed, two died of wounds, 81 wounded, 45 missingNote that Commonwealth War Graves records show that Arthur died on 25 September 1915. However other records, such as the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects, state that he died 'on or since' 2nd October 1915. In fact all of the Battalion's fatal casualties at the Battle of Loos, including those known to be missing, were listed as having been killed in action on 25 September 1915.   

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Horace died on 14th of July 1916 at the age of 21. Horace was born at Somerleyton in 1895, a son of Henry and Clarissa Wilson. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Somerleyton, on 17 March 1895. In 1901 his family lived at The Green Somerleyton. This was still their address in 1911 when Horace was a farm labourer. Horace volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 14350, and arrived in France on 14 August 1915 to join the 8th Battalion. On 14 July 1916 the 8th Battalion moved into positions at Bernafay Wood. The battalion was subjected to heavy shelling on the 14th. The battalion’s casualties from 14 – 15 July were four men killed and 22 wounded. Horace was killed in action on 14 July. 

A Cook with Fishing Vessel Research (Lowestoft), James died on 17th of May 1916 at the age of 62.James was born at Lowestoft on 16 April 1853, a son of John and Mary Ann Wilson. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 1 May 1853. In 1861 his family lived at Infirmary Plain, Lowestoft. By 1871 James' family were living at 3 Turner's Court, Factory Lane, Lowestoft, and James was a scavenger. In 1881 James lived with his sister, Hannah Balls, and her husband, Alfred, at 9 The Hemplands, Lowestoft, and James worked as a general labourer. In 1891 James was still working as a general labourer and living with his sister Hannah, and family, at Bishops Buildings, Lowestoft. In 1901 they were living at 25 Crown Street, and James was a general labourer. In 1911 James was living with his sister Hannah, and her children, at 6 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft, and James was a general labourer. James was the Cook on the sailing trawler Research, LT 1028. On 17 May 1916 the Research spotted a submarine, UB-18, about two miles away. The submarine closed on the trawler and fired. The Skipper of the Research, George Smith, ordered the crew to get their small boat out, which they did under fire from the submarine. Just as the boat was ready to be launched a shot hit the trawler in the rigging and brought down the mainsail. Pieces of shell hit three of the crew, killing James outright and wounding the others. The crew managed to get clear and took James' body with them. The submarine then sank the trawler. Some local newspaper reports state that the 'Research' was fired on without any warning. James was buried at Lowestoft on 22 May 1916.  

A Gunner with A Battery, 52nd Brigade, John died on 28th of May 1917 at the age of 33.John was born at Ely in 1883, a son of John and Emma Wilson. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Middle Ten Bank, Ely. By 1901 they were living at Walpole Lane, Ely, and John was a domestic servant. Later his parents lived at 21 Silver Street, Ely.On 25 February 1905 John married Louisa Alice Mitchell at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. John was a bus conductor living at Silver Street, Ely, and Louisa lived at 28 Queen’s Road, Lowestoft. They lived at Ely before moving to Peterborough and in 1911 they lived at 21 Henry Street, Peterborough, and John was a domestic groom. Subsequently Louisa returned to Lowestoft and, in 1921, married Robert Yallop and they lived at 5 Essex Road. John enlisted in the Army at Peterborough. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 177959. John was posted to France and served with A Battery, 52 Brigade. The Brigade war diary gives no details of how, or when, John was wounded. However, the diary does show that from 9 May 1917 to 1 June 1917 the Brigade’s casualties were one officer killed, four officers wounded, and 15 men killed and 108 wounded.John died of wounds and is buried at Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery. The cemetery was begun by field ambulances in the area and it is probable that John had died as one of those field ambulances. 

A Chief Engineer with S.S. Planudes, Richard died on 18th of January 1917 at the age of 29. Richard was born at Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1888, a son of Richard Allison Wilson and Ann Llewellyn Wilson. In 1891 he was living with his grandmother, Ellen Llewellyn, at Burnaby Street, Byker. In 1901 he was living with his parents at 11 Mason Street, Byker. In 1911 Richard was the Second Engineer on the S.S. Active (London) at King’s Lynn. On 26 June 1913 Richard married Vaironica Jones at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Richard was an engineer living at Heaton, Newcastle, and Vaironica lived at Anguish Street. They lived at Bath Cottage. In 1919 Vaironica married Daniel Cooper and lived at 51 Whapload Road. On 18 January 1917 the Planudes was en route from Newcastle upon Tyne to Trouville, France, with a cargo of coal. The ship struck a mine, off Whitby, and sank. Richard was one of eleven crew killed in the loss of the ship.  Richard’s son, also named Richard, served in the Royal Navy and died in 1942.  

A Petty Officer Cook with H.M.S. Traveller, Richard died on 12th of December 1942 aged 25.Richard was born at Lowestoft on 18 August 1917, a son of Richard Allison and Vaironica Wilson. Richard's father was a Chief Engineer in the Mercantile Marine and died in 1917. Subsequently his mother remarried (Cooper). Richard was baptised at Christ Church, Lowestoft, on 7 October 1917 and his family lived at Bath Cottage. In 1921 his family lived at 51 Whapload Road. In the 1930s Richard joined the Royal Navy for long service.On 7 November 1939 Richard married Greta de Haan at Saint Andrews’ Church, Valetta, Malta. Richard was a navy cook serving with H.M.S. Vulcan, and Greta a probationary nurse at King George V Hospital, Floriana, Malta. Later Greta lived at Gordon's Bay, Cape Province, South Africa. Richard joined the submarine service on 1 September 1941 and was drafted to H.M.S. Dolphin before joining the submarine H.M.S. Traveller on 16 February 1942. Richard was advanced to the rate of Petty Officer Cook on 30 November 1942. On 28 November the Traveller left Malta to carry out reconnaissance of Taranto harbour is preparation for Operation Principal, a human torpedo attack. The Traveller had not returned by 12 December, and it is assumed that the submarine had struck a mine and sunk, with all hands, on 4 December. 

A Private with the 10th Battalion, Samuel died on 20th of July 1916 at the age of 30.Samuel was born at Wissett, Suffolk, in 1891, a son of Henry and Harriet Wilson. In 1891 his family lived at Balhams Cottages, Wissett. By 1901 they were living at Beccles Road, Barnby, which was still their address in 1911. Later his parents lived at Saint Georges Hut, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville.Samuel volunteered and had enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft by November 1914. He joined the Essex Regiment and was posted to the 10th Battalion. He arrived in France with the Battalion on France 25 July 1915. From 19 July 1916 the 10th Battalion were heavily engaged in the fighting at Delville Wood. On 20 July they were tasked with taking over the line from King Street to east of Rotten Row. Samuel was reported missing on 20 July and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. 

A Private with the 1/1st Battalion, Stuart died on 31st of July 1917 at the age of 20. Stuart was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Frederick Charles and Miranda Wilson, and twin brother of Elvin. In 1911 the family lived at 78 Morton Road, and, by 1915, at 4 May Villas, Church Road, South Lowestoft.In 1911 Stuart, and his brother Elvin, got into trouble for stealing pigeons. Stuart enlisted into the Army at Bury St. Edmunds at the same time as his brother Elvin. They joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment on 17 August 1916, Elvin being numbered 7859, and Stuart 7860. They were posted to the 3/1st Battalion. On 2 January 1917 they arrived in France and joined 15 Infantry Base Depot. They were posted to the 1/1st Battalion and joined the battalion in the field on 26 January. Around March 1917 they were renumbered: Elvin as 329163 and Stuart 329164. On 31 July 1917 the 1/1 Battalion began their advance as part of the Third Battle of Ypres. At 5.30 a.m. the battalion advanced and by 6.00 a.m. reached Wilson’s Farm and came under shell fire. At 6.15 a.m. they reached Boundary Road. By 7.45 a.m. they had reached Bellevue Farm and despite enemy shelling they had only sustained eight casualties. At 8.55 a.m. the advance resumed and about 9.15 a.m. the enemy shelling became much heavier. At 10 a.m. they reached Corner Cot under a very heavy high explosive barrage: at this point casualties numbered about 35. At 10.25 they crossed over the Hanebeek and now came under rifle fire. By 11 a.m. they were consolidating their positions, which included Border House. At 11.20 a.m. neighbouring battalions were seen to be retiring and, at 11.35 a.m., the battalion were ordered to make an attack to relieve the pressure on nearby units at St. Julien. The enemy counter-attacked ay 12.12 p.m. and this was repelled but was followed be another attack at 12.40 p.m. and at 1.15 p.m. a further enemy attack was made. The battalion was now running short of small arms ammunition. By this point the battalion’s casualties numbered about 10 officers and 135 men. Before 2 p.m. protective machine-gun and artillery barrages were laid down ahead of the battalion’s positions. At 4.10 p.m. and further enemy advance threatened to envelope the battalion and a hostile barrage was laid down. The battalion continued to hold their positions and by 6.15 p.m. the battalion’s losses were around 16 officers and 250 men. The situation was exacerbated because the British artillery were also firing on the battalion’s positions. Between 7 and 8 p.m. the battalion withdrew. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: six killed, two died of wounds, ten woundedOther ranks: 30 killed, 26 missing, 2 wounded and missing, 215 woundedStuart was reported wounded and missing on 31 July, later he was presumed to have been killed in action on that date. His brother Elvin was badly wounded in the arm on 31 July and was discharged because of his wounds.     

A Private with 3rd Bn., Thomas died on 30th of March 1915 at the age of 19. Thomas was born at Barnby in 1895, a son of Harry and Harriet Wilson. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Barnby, on 28 October 1900. In 1901 his family lived at Beccles Road, Barnby, and this was still where they were living in 1911. Later Thomas' parents lived at Myland Cottage Carlton Colville Lowestoft.Thomas volunteered and he enlisted in the Army at Beccles. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 3rd Battalion at Felixstowe. Thomas died at Felixstowe. Thomas in named on the Barnby War Memorial. 

A Private with 6th Bn., Wilfred died on 8th of August 1917 at the age of 20. Wilfred was born at Milton, Cambridge, on 23 August 1896, a son of David and Agnes Wilson. He was baptised at Milton on 27 September 1896. In 1901 his family lived at Cambridge Road, Milton, and his father kept a bakery and post office. By 1911 they were living at Alexandra House, High Street, Milton, Cambridge, and Wilfred was 'learning farming'. Later he lived at Ilketshall Saint Andrew, near Bungay, where, presumably, he was engaged in farming. His parents later lived at 63 London Road South, Lowestoft. Wilfred enlisted in the Army at Bungay. He joined the East Surrey Regiment, service number 10689. Subsequently he was transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and served with the 2nd Battalion before being posted to the 6th Battalion and serving with B Company. We do not know exactly when Wilfred was wounded, but his Battalion suffered no casualties between 4th and 8th August 1917, hence it must have been prior to the 4th. He died form his wounds at 19 Casualty Clearing Station.  

A Civilian, Charles died on 7th of February 1941 at the age of 38. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 1 July 1902, a son of Edward Bert and Jane Emma Wilton. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 25 July 1902 and his family lived at Rotterdam Road. Charles attended Lovewell Road School until 15 February 1909 when he joined Saint Margaret's School. At that time his family lived at 66 The Hemplands. From 8 November 1910 he was a pupil at Saint John's School, and his family lived at 100 Norwich Road. By 1911 his family were living at 24 White Horse Street and from 27 October 1911 he attended Mariner's Score School. On 28 September 1929 Charles married Emily Elizabeth Meades at Saint Margaret's Church. Charles was a labourer, living at 41 A High Street, and Emily was a beatster living at 79 Seago Street. By 1939 they were living at 69 Roman Road and Charles worked as a steel-bender with concrete reinforcements. On 7 February 1941 Charles was working at the Harbour Works. He was injured during an air raid and died the same day at the Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.

A Civilian, Elsie died on 13th of January 1942 aged 14. Elsie was born on 20 May 1927, a daughter of Albert John and Mary Annie Wincup. Her birth was registered in the Blything district. By 1939 her family were living at 2 School Cottages, Carlton Colville. Elsie died at Waller’s Restaurant, 90 London Road North, during the Waller Raid.

A Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel S.D.J. (Lowestoft), James died on 11 May 1947, aged 29.James was born at Newark, Peterborough, in 1918, a son of William and Maria Winfield. In 1921 his family lived at New Road, Newark, Peterborough. In 1939 his family lived at Wadenhoe, near Oundle.On 26 December 1940 James married Pearl Elizabeth Curtis at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield. James was a blacksmith based at Christchurch Barracks, Hampshire, and Pearl lived at 14 Nelson Terrace. During the Second World War James joined the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 5885533, and was transferred to the Durham Light Infantry. James saw active service with the Eighth Army in North Africa, Sicily and North-West Europe. In May 1947 James was a Deck Hand on the Lowestoft trawler S.D.J., LT 1187, this was reported missing on 11/12 May and it was presumed to have been sunk by a mine in the North Sea, with the loss of all nine crew. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, John died on 9th of April 1917 at the age of 23.John was born at Mutford on 20 April 1893, a son of George and Elizabeth Wingfield. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Barnby, on 4 September 1893. His father died in 1895. From 14 March 1898 John was a pupil at Cunningham School. In 1900 his family lived at Kessingland Road and in 1901 at Hall Farm, London Road, Pakefield. In 1911 John worked as a brickyard labourer and lived with his brother George, and sister Elizabeth, at 12 Pretoria Terrace, Rock Estate, Oulton Broad. John was living at Kessingland when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13309, and was posted to the 9th Battalion. He arrived in France, with the battalion, on 30 August 1915.John was wounded in early 1916, and his name appears in the War Office Daily List 21 February 1916. He was wounded, for a second time, in August/September 1916 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List 11 October 1916.On 8 April 1917 the 9th Battalion took over front line trenches near Vermelles. The battalion’s war diary records that four men were killed and one officer and six men wounded on 8 April and one man was wounded on 9 April.We do not know precisely when, or how, John was wounded, but because he died of wounds at 18 Field Ambulance, Vermelles, on 9 April, it is highly likely that he was one of the men wounded on 8 or 9 April.   

A Private with 14th Battalion, George died on 16th of October 1916 at the age of 29. George was born at Rendham, Suffolk, on 23 October 1886, a son of Arthur and Ellen Maria Wink. In 1891 his family lived near the chapel at Rendham. George was educated at Pakefield. In 1901 his family lived at Birds Farm, Birds Lane, Carlton Road, Kirkley, and George was a grocer’s errand boy. By 1911 they were living at 41 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft, and George was a general carter.  George was a labourer when he attested for the Army, at Lowestoft, on 8 December 1915. He was called up on 1 March 1916. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 25023, and was posted to the 10th Battalion on 3 March 1916. He was transferred to the Essex Regiment, service number 6856, and posted to the 2/6th Battalion on 17 April 1916. George was transferred to the Durham Light Infantry, service number 42792, and posted to the 6th (Reserve) Battalion on 28 August 1916, The next day he arrived in France to join the 1/6th Battalion. On 16 September 1916 he was posted to the 14th Battalion.On 11 October 1916 the 14th Battalion moved to Needle Trench, near Guedecourt, Somme. On 13 October they moved forward to Rainbow Trench. One other rank was killed and three men, including George, were wounded. George received a gunshot wound to his back. He was admitted to 34 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died of his wounds, on 16 October 1916.  George's uncle, John Wink, died in 1916 in the loss of the trawler Boy Sam.

A Third Hand with Trawler Boy Sam (Lowestoft), John died on 12th of May 1916 at the age of 48.John was born at Peasenhall, Suffolk, in 1868, a son of John Walter and Mary Ann Wink. He was baptised at Carlton by Saxmundham on 13 September 1868. In 1871 his family lived at The Street, Peasenhall. In 1881 they lived at Bruisyard Road, Peasenhall.  On 28 July 1901 John married Clara Elizabeth Long at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. They both lived at Kirkley and John was a fisherman. In 1911 they lived at 26 Pakefield Street, Pakefield, and John was a herring fisherman. Later Clara lived at 31 Pakefield Street.    John was the Third Hand on the sailing trawler Boy Sam, LT 1014. The trawler sailed from Lowestoft on 12 May 1916, intending to fish at Haisborough Sands. The trawler was due back at Lowestoft on 19 May 1916, but did not return. One website suggests that the Boy Sam was with the trawler Boy Percy and that both of them were scuttled by the German submarine UB-29 and that all of the crews took to lifeboats and were then lost at sea. However, the loss of the Boy Percy took place off Southwold. This is not consonant with the Boy Sam heading for Haisborough Sands.  John's nephew, George Wink, died in 1916 whilst serving with the 14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry.

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Myrtle, George died on 14 June 1940, aged 22.George was born at Lowestoft on 13 February 1918, a son of Joseph and Annie Elizabeth Winney. George was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 14 March 1918 and his family lived at 19 Rant Score, and this was still their address in 1921. By 1939 George was living with his parents at 114 Whapload Road and he was a trawler fisherman.   During the Second World War George served with the trawler Myrtle which was used for minesweeping duties. On 22 November 1939 the Myrtle rescued survivors from S.S. Lowland which had been mined off Clacton on Sea. On 14 June 1940 the Myrtle was in the Thames Estuary and the crew attempted to take a magnetic mine on board when the mine exploded killing all of the crew.

A Police Constable, Robert died on 18th September 1940 at the age of 45. Robert was born at Gisleham on 31 July 1895, a son of Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Winney. He was baptised at Gisleham on 1 September 1895. In 1901 his family lived at 3 Sandy Lane, Gisleham. By 1911 they were living at Coopers Cottages, Gisleham, and Robert was a drifter fisherman and in 1915 they were living at Black Street, Gisleham. Robert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 November 1914, number 6674. A. From 2 March 1915 he served on the trawler 'Lord Salisbury'. Robert was injured when the Lord Salisbury was sunk by a mine on 4 May 1917. From 2 May 1918 he served on H.M.S. Ark Royal. He was discharged, time expired, on 9 November 1919. His intended place of residence was 67 Holm Road, West Ham.In 1921 Robert was still living at 67 Holm Road and he worked as a Police Constable with the Port of London Authority. In 1922 Robert married Dorothy Patin, who also lived at 67 Holme Road. In 1939 they were still living at 67 Holm Road.Robert was serving as a Police Constable when he was killed at the Royal Albert Dock during the London Blitz. Robert was buried at Kessingland on 24 September 1940. The burial register shows the address Jasmine House, Kessingland. This was the home of Robert's sister, Ada Bird. 

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Myrtle, William died on 14 June 1940, aged 41.William was born at Southwold, Suffolk, on 30 October 1898, a son of Harry and Emily Winter. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Southwold, on 4 December 1898. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Primrose Alley, Southwold, and by 1915 William was living at 12 Oulton Street, Oulton, Lowestoft. On 17 December 1915 William joined the Royal Naval Reserve, service number D.A.10072, as a Deck hand. He served with the trawler Lord Zetland until 1 July 1917 when he joined the Kosmos. He was advanced to Leading Deck Hand on 9 December 1917. William was promoted to Second Hand on 18 July 1918. He was demobilised on 15 March 1919. On 15 December 1920 William married Lilian May Sharman at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. William was living at Southwold and Lilian lived at Kirkley. By 1939 their home was at Ship Cottage, Stradbroke Road, Pakefield. William was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper in 1928. In November 1939 he was the Skipper of the trawler Lord Howe. William became a Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve with seniority from 12 February 1940, service number T.S. 433. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. He joined the patrol service base, H.M.S. Europe, in April 1940 and served with the St. Melante for a few days before joining the minesweeping trawler Myrtle on 30 May 1940. On 14 June 1940 the Myrtle was in the Thames Estuary and the crew attempted to take a magnetic mine on board when the mine exploded killing all of the crew.

A Private with the 2/6th Battalion, James died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 24.James was born at Aylsham, Norfolk, in 1892, a son of John and Agnes Ann Winterborn. In 1901 his family lived at 42 Victoria Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at 9 Grove Road and James was a furniture upholsterer. Later his parents lived at 18 Windsor Road and then at 448 London Road South.James enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Norfolk Regiment and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. He was transferred to the Gloucestershire Regiment, service number, and joined the 2/6th Battalion in France. From 10 July 1916 the 2/6th Battalion were in trenches near Fauquissart. On 19 July they began an attack, as described in the War Dairy:Bombardment of eastern trenches 11 a.m. return bombardment about 50 casualties. First wave of two platoons left tranches at 5.40 p.m. Barrage lifted 7 o’clock. Two more waves and part of 4th (Battalion) went out. Men practically blown back as they went over parapet by machine-gun and shrapnel. Withdrawn about 7 o’clock. Artillery turned on east front line again. 8 o’clock orders received to attack again at 9 p.m. 8.20 p.m. orders received cancelling attack. 9 p.m. orders received to prepare for relief by 2/7 Worcesters. Relief completed 2 a.m. Total casualties 13 officers 165 other ranks.James was reported missing on 19 July. Enquires were made with the Red Cross. Because no conclusion had been reached about his fate before March 1917 he was, technically, renumbered as 267217 but he would never have actually used that number himself. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Leonard died on 16th of September 1917.Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 28 March 1892, a son of William George and Honor Womack. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 29 April 1892, and his family lived at 32 Crown Street. In 1901 his family lived at 81 Seago Street. By 1911 Leonard’s mother had died, his father remarried, and the family lived at 6 Kent Road and Leonard worked as a sawyer for a timber merchant. Leonard’s sister, Mrs. Abia Ethel Mulberry, lived at 98 Beeches Road.Leonard enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Middlesex Regiment, service number G/8154. Leonard arrived in France on 8 June 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion. In 1916 Leonard suffered from shell-shock, and his name appears in the War Office Daily List dated 18 December 1916. By September 1917 Leonard was attached to A/23 Trench Mortar Battery, but note that medal rolls state that he was a permanent staff member of the Trench Mortar Battery. No war diary for his unit has been traced, but the 23rd Infantry Brigade war diary shows that on 16 September the Trench Morta Battery were firing on positions at Laundry. Throughout the day the Brigade’s position were subject to enemy artillery fire and the trench mortars were particularly active during the enemy bombardment at 10 a.m. There are no specific details of what happened to Leonard, other than the fact he was killed in action.  The following account appeared in the Lowestoft Journal, 27 October 1917, page 3:PRIVATE LEONARD WOMACKMr. and Mrs. Womack, 6 Kent Road, Lowestoft, have received information that their son, Private Womack, 2nd Middlesex Light Infantry (sic), has been killed in action in France. Private Womack, who joined up soon after the war broke out, saw a good deal of service in France. His death will be regretted by a wide circle of friends, and much sympathy will go out to the bereaved parents.  

A Private, Frederick died on 19th of March 1916 at the age of 41.Frederick was born at Battersea, London, in 1875, a son of Henry and Emma Wood. In 1881 his family lived at 23 Culvert Road, Battersea. By 1891 his family were living at Melboure Road, Lowestoft, and Frederick was an oilman’s assistant. On 1 July 1896 Frederick married Eva Gertrude Brown at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Frederick was a painter living at 42 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and Eva lived at 193 High Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 they lived at 63 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and Frederick was a house painter. In 1911 they were still lived at 63 Cambridge Road and Frederick was a self-employed house painter. Later Eva lived at 6 Osbourne Street, Lowestoft.  Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 3 August 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion. On 19 March 1916 the 2nd Battalion were in trenches at The Bluff, near Poperinghe, Belgium. The Battalion War Diary states that a position known as Camp A was shelled, several men wounded and Frederick killed.Two of Frederick’s sons served in the Army during World War One: Henry, who served with The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) from 1914 to 1917; and Frederick who served with the 1st Suffolk Battery Royal Field Artillery.  

An Aircraftman 2nd Class with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, George died on 16th of December 1943 aged 20. George was born at Lowestoft on 20 August 1923, a son of Thomas Robert Vere and Margaret Elizabeth Wood. In 1929 his family lived at 130 Denmark Road and George was a bus depot storekeeper. George enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer reserve after December 1941. In December 1942 he was at 20 Service Flying Training School in Southern Rhodesia undergoing pilot training.  On 16 December 1943 George was on a training flight from Cranborne, Rhodesia, in a Harvard I aircraft, number P5954. His aircraft crashed about 35 miles from Marandellas.  WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Lance Corporal with 2/1st Bucks Battalion, Stanley died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 19. Stanley was born at Kendal, Westmorland, on 24 November 1896, a son of Thomas and Isabella Wood. In 1901 his family lived at 14 Shaws Brow, Kendal, and subsequently they moved to the Lowestoft area and lived at Ivy Cottage, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad. Stanley attended Saint Marks' School, Carlton Colville, before, from 14 September 1910, becoming a pupil at Lowestoft School of Science.  Stanley volunteered to join the Army and served, initially, with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment before being transferred to the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, service number 5342.The 2/1st Battalion landed in France on 24 May 1916 as part of the 184th Brigade in the 61st Division. The battalion had their first experience in the trenches at Faquissart on 11 June 1916 and the battalion suffered its first casualties almost immediately. By mid-July 1916 the Germans had withdrawn personnel from the Faquissart sector in order to reinforce their divisions on the Somme and it was decided that this gave a good prospect for a successful attack. The attack had been scheduled for 16 July but had to be pushed back. On 18 July shells from the British bombardment fell short and 78 men of the 2/1st Battalion were gassed. On 19 July 1916 the 2/1st Battalion were tasked with attacking the trenches from the Faquissart-Trivelet Road to Cordonerie Farm. The bombardment was very intense and within the first few minutes the battalion lost 100 men due to shell-fire: thus only 20 officers and 622 men were available for the attack. The attack met with heavy resistance and few men reached the German lines. The battalion suffered 75% casualties amongst the officers and 49% among the men, including 65 men missing.Stanley died of wounds on 19 July.See http://www.lightbobs.com/1916-21st-bucks-fromelles.html for further information about the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion on 19 July 1916 (link courtesy of Tanya Marshall). Photos credit: broadlandmemories.co.uk

A Sergeant with 11th Bn., Stephen died on 26th of September 1915 at the age of 23.Stephen was born at Harleston, Norfolk, on 21st February 1892, a son of Jeremiah and Mary Wood. He was baptised at the parish church of Redenhall with Harleston and Wortwell on 30 October 1892, and his family lived at Kirkley, Lowestoft. By 1901 his father had died and his mother had married Thomas Farrow, and they lived at 235 London Road, Lowestoft. Later his mother lived at 12 Payne Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 Stephen was working as a deck hand on the trawler Arimathea (sic – LT 300?) at Penzance. Stephen volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Essex Regiment and was posted to the 11th Battalion. Stephen was promoted to Corporal in June 1915 and was already a Sergeant when he arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 August 1915. Describing the events of 26 September 1915, the 11th Battalion War Diary has:2 a.m. (At Vermelles, near Lone Tree) Got into the German first and second trench. 6 a.m. Breakfast on remains of haversack ration and iron rations and water, being shelled intermittently without much loss.11 a.m. Were ordered to attack trenches to our front and advanced in lines of platoons – our left moving roughly parallel and about 600 yards south of the Hulluch – Vermelles Road . . . when we left the trenches we were heavily shelled  - but suffered little loss considering the volume. 11.15 a.m. Reaching appoint south of Hulluch we came under very heavy machine-gun fire which came apparently from houses to the west end of Hulluch, and suffered many casualties especially in crossing the road from La Bassee passing through Hulluch.11.30 a.m. When the leading line had reached about 300 yards east of the road running north – south as above and order came that we were to get into the sunken road on the right . . . further advance under such heavy fire seemed useless the men were got into the sunken road and fire opened on Hulluch . . while the stream of men from various regiments was gradually drawn back to the easternmost end of the German trenches which was manned and organised.  On 26 September the 11th Battalion lost 18 officers and 350 men. The following report appeared in the Lowestoft Journal of 20 November 1915, page 1:LOWESTOFT ROLL OF HONOURSERGEANT STEPHEN WOODSergeant Stephen Wood, of the 11th Battalion Essex Regiment, son of Mrs. Farrow, of 12 Payne Street, South Lowestoft, has been killed in action during the fighting at Hulluch. The Major of the battalion writes to Mrs. Farrow:-“This battalion was very warmly engaged on the morning of 26th September, beginning their attack about 11 o’clock. It was between11 and 12.30 that your son was killed. He was gallantly leading the men of his platoon under a very heavy fire, and at the conclusion of the fighting was, together with many others, reported to be missing. The battalion was moved from that neighbourhood during the night and we have only just been informed that your son was buried by another battalion. It will be some slight consolation to you, I know, to know that he and the whole battalion that day showed the greatest coolness, and advanced under a devastating fire as if on parade. Please accept the deepest sympathy from the officers and all ranks for your great loss. We, too, feel that we have lost a gallant and valuable non-commissioned officer.”

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Lindsell. Arthur died on 3rd of September 1914 at the age of 30. Charles was born at Carlton Colville in 1885, a son of Israel and Clara Woodgate. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 28 June 1885. Note his given names were Arthur Charles. In 1891 his family lived at Burnt Hill, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1901 his family were living at Barsham and Charles worked as a blacksmith. In 1909 Charles married of Eva Maud Baker. In 1911 they lived at 2 Catherine Terrace, London Road, and Charles worked as a herring fisherman. Later they lived at 1 Belvoir Cottages, Carlton Colville.Charles was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper in 1910. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914 and was the Skipper of the steam drifter Lindsell. The Lindsell struck a mine thirty miles off the East Coast, near the Humber, and sank with the loss of five crew, including Charles. The survivors were rescued by H.M.S. Speedy but 15 minutes later the Speedy also struck a mine and sank.

A Private with the 1/1st Battalion, Christopher died on 27th of May 1917 at the age of 25. Christopher was born at Sheringham on 2 May 1892, a son of William Henry and Caroline Woodhouse. He was baptised at Upper Sheringham on 22 July 1894. In 1901 his family lived at Lifeboat Square, Sheringham. By 1911 they were living at Weston Street, Sheringham, and Christopher was a general labourer for the county council. Christopher volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 3519. On 25 October 1915 Christopher married Eliza Charlotte Howlett at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Christopher was a solider stationed at Bawsey Manor Camp, and Eliza lived at 95 Saint Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft. Christopher was transferred to the Cambridgeshire Regiment, service number 6912, and posted to the 1/1st Battalion in France. In 1917 he was renumbered 328221. On 27 May 1917 the 1/1st Battalion had working parties in Ypres and on the railway near Vlamertinghe. The latter party was shelled and four men, including Christopher, killed, and eleven wounded. 

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Sidney died on 6th of March 1917 at the age of 20. Sidney was born at Carlton Colville in 1896, a son of Stephen Frederick and Harriet Woods. In 1901 his family lived at Park Road, Rock Estate, Oulton, and by 1911 they were living at 4 Rock Road, Rock Estate, Oulton Broad.Sidney volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13996, and arrived in France with the 8th Battalion on 25 July 1915.Sidney was wounded in late 1915 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of casualties dated 27 January 1916. He was wounded again in July 1915 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of casualties dated 14 August 1916.On 3 March 1917 the 8th Battalion moved into trenches at Petit Miraumont and Pys. For the next two days they prepared for an attack on Resurrection Trench and A and Companies made the attack at 12.30 a.m. on 6 March. The attack was preceded by a barrage which was effective, even though some shells fell short. A bombing party worked its way along the trench while machine-gunners repelled a counter-attack from the direction of Irles. By 4 a.m. the trench was practically cleared. Overall the attack was judged to be a success and laid the foundation for a subsequent attack on Irles. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: one woundedOther ranks: seven killed, 17 woundedSidney was killed in action on 6 March. His body was buried at map reference 57d.R.5.d.6.9. and his grave marked with a cross. In 1919 he was reburied at Queens Cemetery.     

A Lieutenant, attached to the 11th Battalion, Thomas died on 22nd of March 1918 at the age of 21. Thomas was born at Blundeston in 1897, the only son of Captain Thomas Hardwick Woods and Mrs. Florence Emily Rose Woods. Thomas was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 14 May 1897, and his family lived at Blundeston Hall and this remained one of their homes throughout Thomas’ life.In 1911 Thomas was a pupil at Claremont House School, Kirkley Cliff. Later he had a home at Winchester House, Newport.Early in World War One Thomas was a private soldier serving with the Suffolk Yeomanry and by mid-1915 he was a Corporal. Thomas was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment on 7 May 1915. Thomas’ medal index card states that he arrived in France on 1 January 1916. By February 1916 he had joined the 1/4th Battalion ‘in the field’. On 19 February Thomas, as part of C company, was involved in a successful ‘straafe’ on the enemy’s support line opposite Sap 45. Thomas threw nine live grenades in the attack. At Switch Trench, Somme, on 15 July 1916 the 1/4th Battalion supported the 1st Middlesex Regiment in their attack and Thomas was wounded. Thomas was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 July 1917 and by March 1918 he was attached to the 11th Battalion.  On the night of 20/21 March 1918 the 11th Battalion relieved the 16th Battalion Royal Scots in the sector just north of the River Sensee. Patrols went out during the night: the enemy was heard, but not seen. At 5 a.m. the enemy placed a heavy bombardment on the battalion area using gas and heavy Minnenwerfer. The bombardment caused few casualties but did great damage to the trenches. At 8 a.m. a party of stormtroopers entered the front line trench, but were repelled. An intense bombardment was again laid on the battalion area between 3 and 3.30 p.m. as the enemy attacked on the battalion’s left. For the rest of the day they withstood repeated attacks and at 8 p.m. they received an order to withdraw to the second line, at Henin Hill, once it was dark. The withdrawal began about 8.30 p.m. By 1 a.m. on 22 March they had taken new positions with A and C Companies in the first line of the second system. At 5 a.m. a bombardment was opened up on Henin Hill. At 9 a.m. it was noted that the units on the right were retiring. Once these men had retired A Company sent a platoon to form a defensive flank on the right. Repeated attacks took place throughout the morning. At 11 a.m. A Company were in a position overlooking dead ground in the valley in front and held back small parties trying to advance through this area. At this time the shelling on the left side of Henin Hill became very intense. At 1 p.m. a further withdrawal on the right left the battalion’s flank in the air. At 4 p.m. B Company withdrew into A Company’s area and Hind Avenue, where a defensive block was formed and several enemy attacks repulsed. At 6 p.m. the enemy launched an attack from the south against the right of the battalion. For the next hour C and A Companies were under constant fire from enemy troops on the slopes of Henin Hill.        At 7 p.m. C Company and the remainder of A Company [were] almost surrounded, started to withdraw into Hind Avenue, this withdrawal was completed by 8.30 p.m. They were covered by a few men of B Company and [a] Lewis Gun and Lt. C. H. Woods (sic), who showed exceptional gallantry and contributed largely to the success of the withdrawal, was killed.    The battalion’s casualties in March 1918 were:Officer: three killed; five woundedOther ranks: 29 killed; 8 died of wounds; wounded 88; missing 71

A Private with the 1st Bn. William died on 23rd of October 1918 at the age of 19.William was born at Lowestoft in 1899, a son of Alfred Christopher and Emma Jane Woods. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 May 1899, and his family lived at 73 Seago Street, which would be their home for the rest of William's life. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 38231. William was transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and posted to the 10th Battalion in France, before being posted to the 1st Battalion. From 22 October 1918 the 1st Battalion were involved in operations north-east of the Selle River, north-east of Le Cateau. The operations began with a heavy barrage laid down at 23.00 hours on 22 October and the Battalion were in action continuously until 26 October. During the operations the Battalion lost 16 men killed, including William.William, with Lance Corporal Haggerty and Private Francis, were all killed in action on 23 October and they received a battlefield burial at map reference K.16.b.9.5. and all three were reburied at Highland Cemetery in 1920. Note: Commonwealth War Graves details state that William served with No 1 Company, however the 1st Battalion did not number their companies, rather they were designated by letters, a, B, C, etc. So it is unclear what is meant by No 1 Company. 

A Private with 2nd Bn., Benjamin died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 35. Benjamin was born at Lowestoft on 1 July 1881, a son of Alfred and Ellen Mary Woolner. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 30 October 1881. In 1891 they lived at 109 Saint Margaret’s Road and, by 1901, they were living at 62 Cambridge Road, and this was still their address in 1911.Benjamin was living at 62 Cambridge Road and working as a labourer for Mr. Mummery of Lowestoft, when he attested for the 3rd Militia Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 24 January 1900. He was embodied for service from 18 June 1900 to 11 April 1902. Benjamin saw active service in the Boer War and was awarded both the Queen’s and King’s South Africa Medals. He was discharged, on completion of his engagement, on 23 January 1906. In 1907 Benjamin married Alice Maude Taylor at Retford. In 1911 they lived at 16 Chapelgate, Retford, and Benjamin was a gardener. In 1912 he had a business as a fruiterer. Later Alice lived at 49 Cobwell Road, Retford.Benjamin enlisted in the Army at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. He joined the Lincolnshire Regiment, service number 18964. In 1916 he was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France.  On 1 July 1916 the 2nd Battalion began an assault on the enemy trenches at Ovillers. The British bombardment commenced at 6/25 a.m. and immediately the German artillery retaliated and fired n the 2nd Battalion in their frontline and assembly trenches. At 7.25 the men moved into their assault positions and began taking casualties from enemy machine-gun fire and the support company suffered a lot of casualties from shell-fire. At 7.30 a.m. the advance began but due to the severity of the enemy fire the men had to advance in rushes, stopping to shoot as the opportunity allowed. On reaching the German front line they found it to be strongly held and they were met with showers of bombs. After a stiff fight, by 7.50 a.m. they held about 200 yards of the German front line. Officers rallied the men to attack the second line, but due to heavy fire they could not push on. The damage to the trench, bombing attacks, and enfilade fire, made it impossible to consolidate or advance. At 1 p.m. the battalion were ordered back to their assembly dugouts. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: four killed, two died of wounds, six wounded, three missing, three wounded and missingOther ranks: 26 killed, 303 wounded, 89 missing, 25 wounded and missing Benjamin was reported wounded on 1 July and later reported to be missing. In May 1917 it was officially confirmed that he was presumed to have died ‘on or since’ 1 July 1916.  Benjamin is buried at Blighty Valley Cemetery. This cemetery was greatly enlarged after the war as bodies were brought in from the Somme battlefields. Commonwealth War Graves records suggest that this is what happened with Benjamin’s body. Note: Soldiers Died in the Great War states that Benjamin was born at Retford, this is not correct: he lived there, but was born in Lowestoft.Benjamin is commemorated on Retford War Memorial. 

A Sergeant with the 8th Battalion, Arthur died on 12th of October 1917 at the age of 26. Arthur was born at Worlingham, Suffolk, in 1892. It is not possible, at this time, to state who is parents were. In 1901 he lived at Beccles Road, Mutford, with his grandmother Matilda Woolnough, and in 1911 they lived at Hulver Road, Mutford, and Arthur was a fisherman.Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 14136. He was posted to the 8th Battalion and arrived in France, with the battalion, on France 25 July 1915. By February 1916 Arthur had been promoted to Lance Corporal.  Arthur served with C Company. The battalion war diary shows that Arthur was particularly commended for his conduct during the battalion's attack on enemy positions on the Menin Road, including Glencorse Wood and Inverness Copse, on 31 July 1917. At a parade on 9 September 1917 Arthur was awarded a parchment certificate for gallantry by Brigadier General Higginson. Later Arthur was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette 30 October 1917).On 12 October 1917 the 8th Battalion were involved in an attack near Poelcappelle, Belgium, Between Rose Trench and the Langemarck to Peolcappelle Road the battalion faced a heavy enemy barrage and soon afterwards were subjected to heavy machine-gun fire. The men had to take cover in shell-holes. The valley was found to be impassable, and the attack was abandoned. Details from pension awards state that Arthur died of exposure on 12 October 1917. Forty-six men of the battalion died on 12 October. 

A Sergeant with 197 Field Ambulance, Ernest died on 26th of December 1942 aged 25. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 15 February 1917, a son of Ernest Charles and Ruby Elizabeth Rosamund Adams Woolnough. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 29 April 1917 and his family lived at Oulton Street. Later his parents lived at 50 Lowestoft Road, Carlton Colville. On 18 September 1937 Ernest married Edith Cavell Block at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Ernest was a net worker and Edith a beatster and they both lived at Kirkley. In 1939 they lived at 159 The Avenue and subsequently Edith lived at 4 Oulton Street. Ernest served with 197 Field Ambulance. His unit was formed in Norfolk in 1940 and was part of the 18th Division. The 197th embarked S.S. Oronsay, at Liverpool, on 30 October 1941 and departed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they embarked on American liners. His unit then sailed for South Africa before arriving in Bombay, India, on 27 December 1941. On 19 January 1942 the unit was embarked and their ship formed part of a convoy that arrived at Keppel Harbour, Singapore, later that month. During the Japanese assault on Singapore Ernest’s unit were involved in treating the numerous casualties. Ernest was captured at the Fall of Singapore 15 February 1942 and was held in the Changi district of Singapore. He died on 26 December 1942 from malignant disease of his right lung. He was buried at Changi cemetery on 26 December 1942 and in 1946 he was re-buried at Kranji War Cemetery. 

A Deck Hand, Ernest died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 24. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 21 June 1892, a son of William Walter and Alice Woolnough. He attended school in Kirkley.Ernest married Emily George in 1912 and they lived at 4 Danish Cottages, Police Station Road, Lowestoft.Ernest enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and joined the drifter Datum on 16 January 1915. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Datum was sunk by German destroyers. Ernest and the rest of the crew were lost when the Datum was sunk.For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)During the war Emily lived at 4 Victoria Row, High Street, Dover, most probably because Ernest's boat, the Datum, was part of the Dover Patrol. After the war she lived at Gas House Lane, Bungay.  

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Royalo, Herbert died on 23rd of September 1916 at the age of 42. Herbert was born at Kessingland on 30 January 1874, a son of William Henry and Lucy Mary Woolnough. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 5 April 1874. In 1881 his family lived at 2 Claremont Road and in 1891 at 4 Westbourne Terrace. Later his parents lived at 6 Lorne Road. On 18 August 1896 Herbert married Lillie Moore at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Herbert was serving on H.M.S. Onyx, but they both gave their address as 8 Lorne Road, Kirkley. In 1911 they lived at 9 Haward Street. By 1915 they were living at 43 Beaconsfield Road. Later Lillie lived at 72 Southwell Road. On 25 January 1890 Herbert joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class. He served continuously until 19 February 1904. Herbert served on H.M.S. Forte during the Boer War and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal. During the Boer War he served ashore with the armoured train at Natal. He joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 22 February 1904 and he re-enrolled on 22 February 1909 to serve for another five years. Herbert was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1911.He was mobilized when the war began and served with H.M.S. Humber. On 1 April 1915 approval was given for Herbert to transfer to the Royal Naval Reserve as a Temporary Skipper. Herbert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 9 August 1915. From 16 October 1915 he served with the Armed Boarding Steamer H.M.S. Stephen Furness. He spent time with the whalers H.M.S. Blackwhale and H.M.S. Bullwhale before, on 16 August 1916, joining the trawler Royalo.     Details of the inquest into the circumstances of Herbert’s death were printed in The Cambridge Daily News, 26 September 1916, page 4:THE RAILWAY MYSTERYInquest on Naval Warrant Officer Who Fell from TrainGOING HOME ON FURLOUGHAn inquest on the naval officer, who, as previously reported in the Cambridge Daily News, was admitted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital early on Saturday morning and died the following day as the result of a fall from a train near Sawston, was held at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Monday evening. From the evidence it was impossible to decide how the officer came to fall on to the line, and a verdict of ‘Death from shock following injuries sustained by accidentally falling from a train’, was returned.The officer was Herbert James Woolnough, 72, Southfield (sic) Road, Lowestoft, and he was a warrant officer in the Navy. At the inquest Superintendent West represented the County Police, Inspector T.R. Buck the G.E.R. Police, and Inspector Harradine and Mr. W. Hughes (District Superintendent of Operation), the G.E.R. Company.NEVER COMPAINED ABOUT ANYTHINGMr. William Henry Woolnough, 8 Lorne Road, Lowestoft, identified the body as that of his sin, who was aged 45. His son, he said, was travelling from London to Cambridge on Friday evening, but was not expected home. He had previously written to say he was coming home if he could get leave for the weekend. Witness presumed that he had got leave, and intended to wire on his way home. There was nothing that he knew to suggest that the affair was anything but an accident. Witness saw his son less than three months ago. He had never complained about anything. Inspector Harradine: had he very good eyesight?Witness: Yes, because he had passed all the tests for signalling. He was a signalman at the time of his death.‘WE HAVE LOST OUR CHUM’Mr. William James Huggins, warrant officer in the Navy, said on Friday evening he left Liverpool Street Station by the 10.07 train for Cambridge. He was travelling in a first-class compartment along with Woolnough and another man. They were all strangers to each other. They talked together about ships, fishing, etc., and then witness said he was going to have half-an-hour’s sleep. All three lay down, each one in a corner, and went to sleep. Witness was awakened by the carriage door banging against the side of the train. He saw Woolnough was not in the compartment, and wakened the other man up, and said, ‘I believe we have lost our chum along the line.’ Witness could not find Woolnough anywhere, and informed the guard. The door opposite their compartment was unfastened. It was on the corridor side of the train, and not on the side that they had entered at Liverpool Street Station. Woolnough had taken his shoes off and placed them under the seat, and had put his hat on the rack, and when witness woke up they were in the same positions. The light in the carriage was dim, but it was possible to see the door. When witness saw the outside door open he pulled it to, and noticed that the window was down. It was not down when they left London. Woolnough was in very good spirits when they were talking. Witness could not say whether the doors were examined before they left London.Inspector Harradine: Did Woolnough leave the compartment at any time during the journey before you missed him?Witness replied that he did not remember his leaving at any time.AWAKENED BY A CRASHMr. James Ralph Bullis, chief motor mechanic in the Navy, the other passenger referred to by the previous witness, said he saw Woolnough  for the first time at Waterloo Station about 8.30 on the Friday evening in question. Woolnough heard witness ask a taxi-driver to take him to Liverpool Street Station, and asked him if he could accompany him, and they travelled together. After they had been in the train for some time witness went to sleep, and was roused by some kind of a crash. His mate (the previous witness) grabbed him by the leg, and said he thought their chum was gone. Witness said he did not think so, and he might have gone to the lavatory. As far as he knew the door which the previous witness found open was closed when the train left London. HOW BODY WAS FOUNDJohn Seekings, a signalman on the G.E.R., residing at Sawston, said he was on duty early on Saturday morning at Sawston siding signal box, when it was reported to him from Whittlesford that there was a man missing from the down mail train for Cambridge. When the 1.15 a.m. train from Temple Mills to Cambridge came down, the guard called to witness that there was something lying against the crossing (Towgood’s crossing). Witness thought it might be the man who was missing, and went down the line and found Woolnough in the up-line four-foot way, about 240 yards from his signal box, in the direction of London. The body was near the level crossing that led to the paper mill. Woolnough was lying on his back, with his hands down by his sides, and near the inner rail. Witness called the gateman who lived near at hand, and told him to go for a doctor and the police. While the gateman was away a down train came along from Whittlesford and witness topped it, and with the assistance of the driver and the fireman, moved the man clear of the line. Witness thought at first that he was dead, but then found he was breathing faintly. He then returned to his signal box, leaving the body in charge of a platelayer from Sawston who had come to search the line. Witness examines the place next morning, and saw that the ballast had been scraped up for about 19 yards, which suggested that Woolnough had rolled that distance. If he had fallen from the mail train he would go head over heals.CLOTHE TORN AT THE NECKGeorge Bass, 128, Mill Road, Cambridge, a police constable on the G.E.R., said he was on duty at Cambridge Station at 12.05 a.m. on the 23rd inst. On the arrival of the mail train from London he saw two Navy men standing at a carriage door, and as something seemed to be wrong he went up to them, and they told him what had happened. He examined the lock of the door and the door itself, and both were in working order. It was possible to open the door from the inside. Woolnough was brought to Cambridge Station about 2.45. He had a first-class warrant from Portland to Lowestoft. His clothes were slightly torn about the neck, and gave the appearance that he had been dragged a short distance. He was taken to the Hospital at once. Witness heard him call out “Horace” two or three times, and “Lowestoft” once.In answer to Superintendent West, witness said there was no appearance whatever in the carriage of a struggle having taken place.HEAD BADLY SMASHEDDr. Hamed Mahmud, house surgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, said Woolnough was admitted to the hospital at three o’clock on Saturday morning. He was more unconscious that conscious, and he kept murmuring “Rotten” when asked how he was. That was all witness could get out of him. His head was bandaged with two handkerchiefs, and both were saturated with blood. His face was covered with blood also, which came from the head. He was in a collapsed condition, and his temperature would not rise at all. His left leg was paralysed and three fingers were broken. The wounds were consistent with having fallen out of a train. He made no progress whatever, and died at 11.30 on the following evening without regaining consciousness. He had concussion of the brain, which results in haemorrhage. The brain was badly bruised, and that there was a fracture of the skull as well, but not sufficient to account for death. There were no other injuries likely to cause death. He died from shock following the injuries. SEVERAL POUNDS IN GOLDThe Coroner (Mr. H. Saunders French) said he might mention a fact that was not brought out in the evidence. Woolnough had no trouble of a monetary character, because he had several pounds in gold on him. It could only be assumed, he thought, that he had got up out of his sleep and was making his way possibly to the lavatory, and by mistake opened the carriage door instead of the corridor door, and fell out. There was no evidence, so far as they could ascertain, of anything but an accident.ACCIDENTAL DEATHThe jury returned a verdict that Woolnough met his death by accident, as the result of shock following on injuries sustained by falling from the train on which he was travelling. The Foreman remarked that they wishes to thank the [police and railway officials for getting the evidence together.Note: Commonwealth War Graves records state that Herbert served with the trawler Royallien. There was no such vessel. The naval-history net website suggests that he served with the Royallieu, which is possible, but his Royal Naval Reserve service card shows the vessel as the Royalo. 

A Bombardier with 169 Siege Battery, James died on 3rd of November 1917 at the age of 21. James was born at Great Yarmouth on 6 June 1896, a son of James William and Jessie Woolnough. He was baptised at Great Yarmouth on 30 June 1896. In 1901 his family lived at 2 New Wellinton Place, Great Yarmouth. In 1911 they lived at 52 Tyrolean Square, Cobholm, Great Yarmouth, and James worked as a butcher’s boy.  Later James lived with his cousin, Lawrence Chapman, at Pond Farm, Saint Olaves Road, Herringfleet.James was living at Pond Farm, Herringfleet, and working as a farm labourer, when he attested for the Army at Great Yarmouth on 18 October 1915. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 59644, and was posted to no 4 Depot. He was posted to ‘A’ Depot on 24 June 1916 and joined 169 Siege Battery on 8 July 1916. He arrived in France, with 169 Siege Battery, on 5 October 1916. James was appointed Acting Bombardier, paid, on 10 June 1917 and confirmed in that rank on 29 June 1917.In October 1917 169 Siege Battery, as part of 64 Heavy Artillery Group, moved north from Le Brebis to the Hazebrouck area, and then to positions near to Dixmude. The volume of artillery was such that there was little protection in the battery positions and shelters were barely splinter proof. The war diary of 64 Heavy Artillery Group for 30 October states that until that day the enemy artillery had not replied to their fire, but during that afternoon 169 Siege Battery was ‘neutralized’ by enemy fire. On 1 November 169 Siege Battery were heavily shelled and one Bombardier and one Gunner wounded. It appears that James was the wounded Bombardier, and he died of his wounds at 36 Casualty Clearing Station on 3 November.  

An Aircraftman 1st Class with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, John died on 12th of May 1941 aged 29. John was born at Lowestoft on 11 March 1912 a son of Frederic William and Fenella Woolnough. In 1921 his family lived at 127 Wollaston Road. By 1939 they were living at 1 Cottages, corner, Belvedere Road and John was an under manager with a retail grocery and food distributor. John enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and June 1940. John served with No 60 Operational Training Unit which was formed at R.A.F. Leconfield in April 1941. On 12 May 1941 enemy aircraft attacked R.A.F. Leconfield. John was at the Station Headquarters and was killed and another man was wounded. WITH THANKS TO :Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 10th Battalion, Edward died on 19th of August 1918 at the age of 18. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 27 August 1899, a son of John and Edith Anne Woolston. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 10 November 1899 and his family lived at 36 Stevens Street and this was Edward’s home throughout his life. Edward enlisted in the Army at Ipswich. He joined the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), service number 103380. He was posted to France to join the 10th Battalion.  There is no record available that states when, where, or how, Edward was wounded, but the 10th Battalion war diary shows that the battalion were in the line near Vaux on 15 August 1918. On that day the battalion were subjected to a heavy enemy bombardment and all of D Company and most of B Company became casualties. In total 13 officers and 423 men were wounded that day and of the wounded almost all had to receive medical treatment at field ambulances, casualty clearings stations or hospitals. It is thought that Arthur was one of the men wounded that day. He died of wounds at a medical facility in Le Treport on 19 August. 

A Private with 7th Bn. Christopher died on 2nd of August 1915 at the age of 17. Christopher was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Walter and Maude Mary Wren. In 1901 his family lived at 139 Clapham Road, Lowestoft, and this was Christopher's home throughout his life.Ernest volunteered soon after the outbreak of war and enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment at Lowestoft. He served with the 7th Battalion and arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 May 1915. The War Diary of the 7th Battalion has the following entry for 1 August 1915:9.30 pm A bombing party under Lieutenant Sorley went out to bomb enemy's new work in front of T.M. (Trench Mortar). An accident occurred to one of them whose bomb exploded, killing one and wounding two. Lieutenant Sorley having a narrow escape. The covering party did good work and dispersed the enemy with rifle fire. Two bombs also thrown. The killed and wounded were recovered. The War Diary records no casualties for 2 August 1915 and so it is assumed that Christopher's death was in some way connected with the bombing party. Two other soldiers, Private Bell and Lance Corporal Pugh, are recorded as dying on 1-2 August and are also buried at Gunners' Farm. 

A Private with 2/6th (Cyclist) Bn. Clifford died on 4th of November 1914 at the age of 23. Clifford was born at Lowestoft in 1891, a son of Edward John and Clara Wren (formerly Sandwell). He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 December 1891 and his family lived at Henry Street. By 1901 his family were living at 128 Denmark Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911 when Clifford worked as a fish salesman's clerk. Clifford was working as a fish salesman when he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 5 October 1914. He died at the East Suffolk Hospital, Ipswich, after an operation for appendicitis. Note: The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects states that Clifford served with the 6th Reserve Cyclist Battalion. As the first line battalion of the 6th would have been the 1/6th (Cyclist) Battalion, it is assumed that the 'Reserve' Battalion is a reference to the 2/6th Battalion. Hence that is how Clifford's details are listed here.  Clifford's step-brother William Sandwell was killed in action 1917 whilst serving with the 2/2nd London Regiment. 

A Private with 7th Bn., Arthur died on 13th of October 1915 at the age of 20. Arthur was born at Market Harborough, Leicestershire, about 1897. No definite details have been found prior to 26 April 1909 when Arthur, and his younger brother George, became pupils at Saint Margaret’s School, Lowestoft, and his family lived at ‘Norwich House’.The 1911 Census shows his family: George Henry Wright, born Stamford 1875; Priscilla Wright, born Cambridge 1881; Arthur, and George Henry Wright, born Norwich 1902, all living at 13 Pigg’s Lane, Norwich. Later his family lived at 28 White Horse Street, Lowestoft.  Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 7th Battalion. He arrived in France with the 7th battalion on 30 May 1915. The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:12 October. 5.45 p.m. Parade to take over trenches from 1st Guards Brigade near Hohenzollern Redoubt.13 October. 12 noon. Intense bombardment of German lines by our artillery.2 p.m. Attack commences in accordance with Battalion order.B Company under cover of smoke attacked German trenches . .advancing over fire trench. Owing to smoke lifting and very heavy machine-gun fire . . this attack did not reach its objective but was instrumental in keeping out bomb attacks on (our) sap.Major Currey, 2nd Lieutenants Hartopp and Lee were killed. Lieutenant Daveron wounded and about 70 other ranks killed and wounded. At the same time A Company supported the Norfolk bombers in attack a sap. Great opposition was encountered at first and many casualties occurred. The party eventually rushed the German barrier and proceeded to bomb a trench.The machine-guns were ordered to follow this party and support advance with fire. Captain Cobbold was killed whilst leading the party of Suffolk bombers and 2nd Lieutenant Smith severely wounded.As the Suffolk bombers had become expended when the point G.5.d.10.3 was reached and the attack checked in consequence. O.C. A Company was ordered to consolidate his position on the line gained. At the same time D Company supported the Norfolk bombers in attacking a sap. This attack was temporarily held up by German bombers at their barrier which was eventually rushed by D Company.Captain Henty was wounded and Captain Sorley and Lieutenant Wood killed whilst leading the attack. Lieutenant Deighton then took command and by bombing down the trench drove the enemy back . . when this point was reached it was reported that the bombs had been used up. D was ordered to consolidate this position.As soon as points G.5.d.10.3 and G.6.c.2.1 were reached there were pushed forward 3 Suffolk and 1 Northamptonshire machine-guns with the object of establishing a strong point at G.5.d.9.1 and commanding the approach from the enemy’s trenches which had been closed by us with double stops. This arrangement proved quite satisfactory as by it the German bombers were easily kept at a distance by rifle and machine-gun fire. Casualties: eight officers killed and three wounded. 150 Other Ranks killed and wounded.    Arthur's brother George was killed in an air raid in 1940.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Arthur died on 29th of September 1917 at the age of 33. Arthur was born at Upton, Norfolk, in 1883, a son of James and Frances Wright. He was baptised at Acle on 30 July 1883. In 1891 his family lived at Moulton Road, Acle. By 1901 his family were living at Hall Road, Oulton Broad, and Arthur worked as a labourer and an iron works. Arthur married Maude Ethel Sayer in 1907. By 1911 they were living 'near' The Street, Blundeston, and Arthur was a labourer with the Great Eastern Railway Company.Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He served with the Suffolk Regiment and arrived in France on 3 December 1914 to join the 2nd Battalion. In July 1917 Arthur was admitted to 7 Field Ambulance, sick and transferred to 3 Casualty Clearing Station on 25 July. He was transferred to No 1 Ambulance Train on 30 July. Once recovered he returned to the 2nd Battalion.Between 25 and 29 September 1917 the 2nd Battalion were involved in an attack on positions near Zonnebeke. The attack was to follow a creeping barrage, but was, initially, held up by mist. The advance continued to Muhle when some consolidation began. W Company rushed and captured the Brickyard and Kiln areas. The final objective was rushed and captured with the exception of the extreme left by Zonnebeke Church. The Germans launched a counter-attack during the night of 26 September, but were repelled. The battalion then held the position until 29 September and were harassed by sniper fire and the use of gas shells. The battalion was relived on 30 September.The battalion’s casualties between 25 and 29 September were:Officers: one killed, eight woundedOther ranks: 41 killed, 192 wounded, 25 missing, Arthur is recorded as having been killed in action.  Arthur’s son Cecil Served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and died in 1943. Arthur's grandaughter, Barbara Wright, died during the Waller Raid in 1942. 

A Civilian, Barbara died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 16. Barbara was born at Lowestoft in 1926, a daughter of Doris Ethel Wright. In 1928 Barbara’s mother married Charles Reginald Brown and by 1933 Doris and Charles were living at Hackney, London. In 1939 Barbara’s mother lived at Queen’s Road School Fire Station, Hackney, and worked with the Auxiliary Fire Service. In 1939 Barbara lived with her grandmother, Maud Rackham, formerly Wright, at 16 Worthing Road, Lowestoft. Barbara died at Morling’s Music Shop, 106 London Road North, during the Waller Raid. Barbara’s grandfather, Arthur Wright, served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917. Her uncle Cecil served with the Royal Air Force and died in 1943. 

A Corporal with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Cecil died on 2nd of November 1943 aged 34. Cecil was born at Blundeston on 16 September 1909, a son of Arthur James and Maud Ethel Wright. Cecil's father was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment.By 1921 Cecil's mother had remarried and the family lived at 16 Worthing Road, Lowestoft.On 29 August 1935 Cecil married Mabel Mary Freestone at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Cecil was a hairdresser living at 16 Worthing Road, and Mabel lived at 20 Milton Road. By 1939 they lived at 7 Bevan Street and Cecil was a master hairdresser.Cecil enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after August 1940. He was captured at Java on 8 March 1942. He died from bacillary dysentery and was buried at Batoedoea (Liang) Cemetery. In 1946 he was reburied at Galala War Cemetery (now Ambon War Cemetery).  WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm BarrassCecil's niece, Barbara Wright, died during the Waller Raid.

A Lance Corporal with 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Chester died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 20.Chester was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of George and Mary Ann Wright. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 17 July 1896. His family had lived at 34 Tennyson Road but in 1901 they were living at 7 Lovewell Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft. By 1911 they had moved back to 34 Tennyson Road and Chester worked as a baker's assistant. Chester volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted at Marshchapel, Lincolnshire, presumably he had been working there at the time. He served initially with the Suffolk Regiment, number 2262; possibly with the 2/6th Battalion. Later he was transferred to the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, number 5316.The 2/1st battalion landed in France on 24 May 1916 as part of the 184th Brigade in the 61st Division. The battalion had their first experience in the trenches at Faquissart on 11 June 1916 and the battalion suffered its first casualties almost immediately. By mid-July 1916 the Germans had withdrawn personnel from the Faquissart sector in order to reinforce their divisions on the Somme and it was decided that this gave a good prospect for a successful attack. The attack had been scheduled for 16 July but had to be pushed back. On 18 July shells from the British bombardment fell short and 78 men of the 2/1st Battalion were gassed. On 19 July 1916 the 2/1st Battalion were tasked with attacking the trenches from the Faquissart-Trivelet Road to Cordonerie Farm. The bombardment was very intense and within the first few minutes the battalion lost 100 men due to shell-fire: thus only 20 officers and 622 men were available for the attack. The attack met with heavy resistance and few men reached the German lines. The battalion suffered 75% casualties amongst the officers and 49% among the men, including 65 men missing.Chester was among the missing and his name appears in the list of missing soldiers in the official casualty list dated 22 August 1916. Later he was presumed to have been killed in action on 19 July 1916. See http://www.lightbobs.com/1916-21st-bucks-fromelles.html for further information about the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion on 19 July 1916 (link courtesy of Tanya Marshall). Note that Chester's service number is given as 267082 on official casualty records. He was allocated this number in March 1917 as part of the renumbering of the Territorial Force. The reason he was posthumously given a new number is that, at that time, the Army had not concluded that he had been killed some months before. After the war Chester's family lived at 10 Kendal Road, Lowestoft. 

A Skipper with Steam Trawler Newhaven (Lowestoft), Edward died on 15th of January 1940 at the age of 32. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 5 November 1907, a son of William George and Louisa Elizabeth Wright. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 28 November 1907, and his family lived at Ezra Cottage, 8 The Hemplands. By 1911 Edward’s mother had died and his family still lived at Ezra Cottage. On 2 March 1935 Edward married Emma Eliza Wigg at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Edward was a fisherman and they both gave their address a 3 Junction Passage. By 1939 their home was at 2 Junction Passage and Edward was a skipper. In 1940 Edward was the Skipper of the trawler Newhaven.  The Newhaven was supposed to have been lost, around 18 miles south south-east of Lowestoft, due to a mine explosion.  

A Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Eric died on 29th of May 1940 aged 20. Eric was born at Lowestoft on 23 July 1919, a son of Sidney William and Gladys Muriel Wright. Eric was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 7 August 1919 and his family lived at 41 Park Road which was still their home in 1921. Eric’s mother died in 1928, and his father remarried. In 1939 his family lived at 15 Reeve Street. In May 1940 Eric’s battalion were involved in the general retreat toward Dunkirk. On 27 May the battalion fought a rearguard action around the villages of Riez du Vinage, Le Cornet Malo, Locon and Le Paradis. During that day the battalion were subject to full scale attack and by the end of the day the surviving men of the battalion had surrendered, but the commanding officer, Major Ryder, said that if any man thought he had a chance to get away he could do so. Of the men taken prisoner ninety-nine were taken to a farm at Le Paradis and massacred with only two men surviving the incident.It is not possible to say exactly what happened to Eric. Official casualty list 242, dated 27 June 1940, shows Eric as one of dozens of men from his battalion who were missing on ‘date not recorded’. Sources show that three of the men named in that casualty list were victims of the massacre at La Paradis. Official casualty list 806, of 24 April 1942, states that Eric was presumed to have been killed in action between 29 May and 2 June 1940 and this information is repeated in Eric’s Commonwealth War Graves Commission records.Work is ongoing to fully identify all of the Le Paradis victims: whether, or nor, Eric was one of them is not clear at present.

A Private with the 26th Battalion, Frank died on 9th of April 1917 at the age of 19. Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Herbert and Amelia Wright. In 1901 his family lived at 39 Tonning Street, and by 1911 they were living at 137 Raglan Street.Frank was living at Camberwell, London, when he attested for the Army at Osterly Park, Middlesex. He joined the West Yorkshire Regiment, service number 47954, and served with the 1st Battalion in France. He was transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 34864, and posted to the 26th Battalion (3rd Tyneside Irish).On 9 April 1917 the 26th Battalion supported the 24th and 25th Battalions of the Northumberland fusiliers in the attack at Arras. The attack began at 5.30 a.m. The preceding battalions were held up by machine-gun fire but in the afternoon the 26th battalion were able to reach their objectives. Further advance was not possible due to heavy machine-gun fire from Gravreller Weg. Three officers and 52 men of the 26th Battalion were killed in the attack, including Frank.  

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Birch, Frank died on 23rd of August 1916 at the age of 23. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 18 August 1890, a son of Thomas Bowler and Annie Wright. In 1891 his family lived at 113 Bevan Street. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 25 May 1892. By 1911 his mother had died and his father lived at 57 Essex Road. In 1911 Frank was a deck hand on the trawler may, LT 573, at Padstow. On 27 December 1915 Frank married Eliza Ellen Smith at Saint Margaret’s Church. Frank was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 1 May Road. By 1916 they were living at 27 Sandringham Road. In 1918 Eliza married Frederick Setterfield and lived at 44 Stevens Street. Frank joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 April 1916, and served with the trawler Birch. On 23 August 1916 the Birch struck a mine, off Yarmouth, and sank. Three of the crew, including Frank, were killed. 

A Mate with the Sailing Trawler Wanderer (Lowestoft), George died on 15th of May 1916 at the age of 44.George was born at Lowestoft in 1871, a son of William and Amelia Wright. In 1871 his family lived at Lowestoft Road, Carlton Colville. By 1881 they were living at 2 Alice Cottages, Dove Street, Lowestoft. In 1891 their address was 3 Alice Cottages, Dove Street. In 1901 the family lived at 4 Clarence Road, Lowestoft. By 1915 they were living at 11 Church Road, Lowestoft. Subsequently his parents lived at Lammas, Norfolk.On 19 June 1899 George married Elizabeth Chipperfield at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. George was a fisherman and they both lived at 4 Clarence Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 their home was at 16 Albany Road, Lowestoft.George was the Mate with the sailing trawler Wanderer, LT 611. The Wanderer sailed from Lowestoft on 11 May 1916, heading for fishing grounds near Haisborough Sands. The trawler was due back at Lowestoft on 21 May.  On Monday 15 May the Wanderer was seen by the crew of the trawler Research about sixteen miles north-east by north from Smiths Knoll Gas Buoy. Nothing more was seen or heard of the trawler, or any of the crew. Later it was concluded that the Wanderer had been attacked by an enemy submarine.George's brother William served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in the loss of the Michaelmas Daisy in 1916. 

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Dorothy Lambert, George died on 22nd of April 1941 at the age of 35. George was born at Lowestoft on 14 December 1905, a son of John Farrow and Ethel Elizabeth Wright. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 5 January 1906 and his family lived at 11 Wollaston Road. By 1911 they were living at 99 Oxford Road and in 1921 at 24 Beckham Road. On 12 June 1929 George married Medora Louisa Whiley at Saint Margaret's Church. George was living a 24 Beckham Road and worked as a fisherman, and Medora lived at 26 Arnold Street. Their home was at 84 Wollaston Road. Later Medora lived at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.  George was appointed Probationary Temporary Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve on 24 January 1940. He served with the trawler Dorothy Lambert from 13 May 1940.  George's Royal Navy Patrol Service card shows that he was killed on active service, but no other details are known. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, George died on 26th of November 1917 at the age of 24. George was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of George and Esther Wright. In 1901 his family lived at 13 Selby Street. By 1911 they were living at 36 Worthing Road, and George was an apprentice shipwright. Later his parents lived at 59 Church Road. George enlisted in the Army at Richmond, Yorkshire. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 24359. In 1916 he was posted to the 11th Battalion in France. George was wounded in 1916 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of casualties dated 9 September 1916. Subsequently he was posted to the 7th Battalion.  No record can be found of when, where, or how, George was wounded. Given that he died of wounds on 26 November it is likely that he was wounded in the Battalion’s attack on the Hindenburg Line, part of the Battle of Cambrai. George was buried at Villers-Guislain Communal Cemetery and at some point his, and four other graves, were destroyed by shell-fire and so George, and the other four men whose graves were lost, are commemorated on a special memorial in the cemetery.   

A Civilian, George died on 29th of November 1940 at the age of 38. George was born at Norwich on 26 August 1902, a son of George Henry and Priscilla Wright. On 26 April 1909 when George, and his older brother Arthur, became pupils at Saint Margaret’s School, Lowestoft, and his family lived at ‘Norwich House’.The 1911 Census shows his family living at 13 Pigg’s Lane, Norwich. By 1921 his family was living at 28 White Horse Street, Lowestoft, and George worked as a carter for Ellis and Sons at Whapload Road.On 30 March 1929 George married Dorothy Emma Hurry at the parish church of Redenhall with Harleston and Wortwell. George was a labourer living at Lowestoft and Dorothy lived at Harleston.   In 1939 they, and George’s mother, lived at 243 Saint Peter’s Road, Lowestoft, and George was a retort worker at the Co-op Wholesale Society (C.W.S.) canning factory on Waveney Drive. George was also an A.R.P. Warden and member of the Decontamination Squad at the factory.George died at the C.W.S. canning factory, Waveney Drive, during an air raid.  George is commemorated on the Co-operative Wholesale Society Lowestoft Factories war memorial. George's brother, Arthur, was killed in action in1915 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Civilian, Gladys died on 13th of January 1942 aged 26. Gladys was born at Lowestoft on 31 December 1915, a daughter of Herbert Walter and Lilly Maud Bull. Gladys was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 20 January 1916 and her family lived at 66 Crown Street. In 1939 her family lived at 55 Wollaston Road, and Gladys was a shop assistant selling underwear. Later her parents lived at Blackheath Road. In 1941 Gladys married Jack Frederick Wright, this was registered in the Lothingland district.During the Waller Raid, on 13 January 1942 Gladys, who was a warden, was trying to move people to safety at the back of the Marks and Spencer store at London Road North. Gladys was killed at the store during the raid. In 2018 staff from the Marks and Spencer store in Lowestoft arranged for a new headstone to mark Gladys’ grave at Lowestoft (Normanston Drive) Cemetery.

A Stoker 2nd Class with H.M.S. Aboukir. Leonard died on 22nd of September 1914 at the age of 20. Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 7 April 1894. Leonard was the adopted son Caroline Wright, a widow. In 1891 his family lived at 5 Burton Terrace, Whapload Road, and by 1911 they were living at 293 Whapload Road, and Leonard worked as a labourer at a mineral water manufacturer. Leonard was a net worker when he joined the Royal Navy, as  Stoker 2nd Class, on 4 June 1913. On 2 August 1914 he was drafted to H.M.S. Aboukir. On 28 August 1914 H.M.S. Aboukir was part of the British naval force at the Battle of Heligoland Bight, but took no active part in the battle. On 22 September H.M.S. Aboukir, sailing with sister ships Cressy and Hogue, were in the Broad Fourteens area of the North Sea when each ship was sunk by torpedoes from German submarine U-9. A total of 527 men, including Leonard, were killed in the loss of the Aboukir. 

A Skipper with the Trawler Willing Boys, Robert died on 2nd of October 1917 at the age of 42. Robert was born at Lowestoft on 23 April 1876, a son of Benjamin Webster and Susan Ann Wright. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 4 June 1876. In 1881 his family lived at 10 The Hemplands, and in 1891 they lived at 26 Crown Street and Robert was an errand boy. On 5 January 1897 Robert married Augusta Ellen Cooper at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Robert was a fisherman living at 26 Crown Street, and Augusta lived at 3 Hall Lane. In 1901 they lived at 5 Hall Lane, and Robert was a fisherman. By 1911 their home was at 41 Edinburgh Road and later at 22 Carlton Road.By October 1917 Robert was the Skipper of the trawler Willing Boys, LT 67.On 2 October 1917 the Willing Boys was fishing near Smith’s Knoll Spar Buoy, bearing south, east.  About 4.10 a.m. the Skipper of the Gold Seal saw the Willing Boys about half a mile away. He knew it was the Willing Boys because of the trawler's fore topsail and his mizzen topsail which is a peculiar shape.At 6.30 a.m. there was suddenly a heavy explosion. By this time the Willing Boys was about a mile away from the Golden Seal. The stern had been blown off the Willing Boys, by a mine, and the trawler was sinking by the stern. The trawler disappeared almost at once with the loss of her crew of five. Other trawlers were not able to help because they could not reach the Willing Boys because of the lack of wind.See: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Sidney died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 26. Sidney was born at Lowestoft in 1890, a son of Charles and Emma Jane Wright. Sidney was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 26 January 1890. In 1891 his family lived at 117 Saint Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1901. Sidney attended Church Road Board School. By 1911 the family were living at 18 Worthing Road and Sidney was primary school teacher for Lowestoft Borough Council. Sidney volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. This was in, or before, October 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1089, and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. He was then posted to France to join the 4th Battalion and, next, was posted to the 7th Battalion in France, with service number 43007. 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.  Sidney was killed in action on 12 October. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Michaelmas Daisy, William died on 26th of November 1916 at the age of 36. William was born at Lowestoft on 28 March 1880, a son of William and Amelia Wright. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 6 June 1880. By 1881 his family were living at 2 Alice Cottages, Dove Street, Lowestoft. In 1891 their address was 3 Alice Cottages, Dove Street. In 1901 the family lived at 4 Clarence Road, Lowestoft, and William was a smacksman. By 1915 they were living at 11 Church Road, Lowestoft. Subsequently his parents lived at Lammas, Norfolk.He joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 27 September 1915. He served on the drifter Michaelmas Daisy, LT 136, and was killed when the drifter was sunk by a mine, in the Adriatic, off Santa Maria di Leuca. All hands were lost. William's brother George died in 1916 in the loss of the Sailing Trawler Wanderer. 

A Private with 6 Company, William died on 17th of November 1918 aged 21.William was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of William John and Rhoda Frances Wright. In 1901 his family lived at 145 Saint Peter’s Street, and by 1911 at 88 Clapham Road. Later his parents lived at Etive, London Road. Although it is known that William served with the Army Ordnance Corps during the First World War, he cannot be traced in documents such as Soldiers Died in the Great War, hence very little actual detail is known other that the fact that he died, of an un-named illness, at 5 Stationary Hospital, Dieppe.Note: he served with the Army Ordnance Corps which became the Royal Army Ordnance Corps just a few days after he died.  

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Maida., Claude died on 16th of March 1940 at the age of 38. Claude was born at Lowestoft on 26 October 1901 (note: this is the date shown on numerous sources, however the Kirkley baptism register states 24 November), a son of Robert and Florence Louisa Wylie. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 26 December 1901 and his family lived at 12 Beaconsfield Road. Later they lived at 15 Saint John Street, Kirkley. The 1911 Census shows Claude, and siblings, visiting relatives at 17 Woodstock Road, Finsbury, London. From 15 October 1913 Claude attended Lowestoft School of Science.In 1921 Claude was lodging at Willingham with his uncle and aunt and he worked, for his father, as a fisherman. Claude married Ruth Evelyn Briggs at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 9 August 1926. The marriage register states that they were both living at Kirkley and that Claude was a spaman. By 1939 they were living at 80 Kimberley Road and Claude worked as a fisherman.  The Maida was used in minesweeping duties and was sunk by a mine off Margate, ten miles east of North Foreland. Six of the crew, including Claude, were killed and six rescued by the minesweeping drifter Mare. 

A Leading Seaman with H.M. Trawler Horatio. James died on 7th of January 1943 at the age of 28. James was born at Lowestoft on 17 November 1914, a son of Thomas Charles and Harriet Jane Wylie. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 11 December 1914 and his family lived at 72 Queens Road and this was still their home in 1921.James married Ellen Smith, at Lowestoft, in 1939 and they lived at 80 Kirkley Run. James worked as a general labourer with railway engineering maintenance and supply staff. James served on H.M. Trawler Horatio, a mine-sweeper. The Horatio took parts in convoy duties. On 7 January 1943 the Horatio was off Cap de Garde, Algeria, and was sunk by German motor torpedo boat S-58. Thirty-two men, including James, were killed and two survived.