A Marine with the Royal Marines, James died on 2nd of May 1947 aged 41. James was born at Aberdeen on 16 September 1905, a son of James and Lily Carle. As a child, due to family circumstances, he spent some time in an orphanage. Thereafter he went to school in the Peterhead area and his family lived at 22 Queen Street.  James married Mary Emilina Hembling in 1928. In 1939 they lived at 3 Town Hall Flats, Lowestoft, and James worked as a fitter's labourer. Mary died in late 1944. Subsequently James' address was 53 Mariners Street. In 1946 James married Harriett Elizabeth M. Marjoram, at Lowestoft. She lived at 65 Rotterdam Road. No details of James’ military service are known, but it is likely that he had been discharged from the Royal Marines before he died.

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Bristol, Roy died on 21st of December 1944 aged 19. Roy was born at Lowestoft in 1925, a son of Leonard Thomas Carr and Clara May Carr. In 1939 his family lived at 80 Stanford Street.Roy served with H.M.S. Bristol which was a shore-based training establishment at Ashley Down, Bristol. Given that Roy’s name does not appear in the Royal Navy War Graves register, and that his death was registered in the Wirral district, it is likely that he had been discharged from the navy before he died.

A Private with 7th Bn. Sidney died on 30th of September 1916 at the age of 29. Sidney was born at Lowestoft on 18 July 1887, a son of James George and Sarah Ann Carr. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 10 August 1887, and his family lived at 4 Church Road. Sidney attended Clapham Road School and, on 26 February 1894, became a pupil at Saint Margaret's School, Lowestoft. By 1901 his family were living at 50 Ipswich Road and Sidney worked as a grocer's boy. In 1911 Sidney worked as a blacksmith's striker. Sidney enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in early September 1914. He was on one of a number of Lowestoft men who had volunteered to join the Army and who enlisted into 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 7th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division and was based in the Colchester area during the first few months of its formation. Sidney went to France with the 7th Battalion, arriving there on 28 July 1915.On 29 September 1916 the 7th Battalion were in dugs outs at Wood Post and in the Lemberg Trench, near Thiepval. On 30 September various elements of the Battalion were order to support and reinforce a number of attacks taking place near the Schwaben Redoubt and Thiepval. The Battalion War Diary states that up to 12 noon the Battalion lost three men killed and five men wounded. By the end of the day fourteen men, including Sidney, had been killed.Sidney was initially reported missing presumed dead, but later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on 30 September 1916. 

A Civilian, Harriett died on 26th of May 1941 at the age of 76. Harriet was born at Beccles on 25 February 1865, a daughter of Henry and Rhoda Farrow. In 1871 her family lived at Fitsall Alley, Northgate Street, Beccles. By 1881 her father had died, her mother had remarried, and the family lived at the Fox and Hounds, Ravensmeer, Beccles, and Harriet was a domestic servant. On 21 June 1885 Harriet married William Francis Carron at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. William was a labourer, and they were both living at Lowestoft. In 1891 they lived at Wood’s Loke. In 1911 their address was 4 Boggis Cottages, Wood’s Loke, and by 1921 their address was 4 Wood’s Loke, which was their home for the rest of their lives. William died in 1936. The cottages at Wood’s Loke were seen as a place of safety and several people from the town moved there. On 26 May 1941 an enemy aircraft, while being harassed by anti-aircraft fire, discarded its bombs in the Wood’s Loke area which damaged the cottages and caused many casualties. Harriet, her daughters Lily and Daisy, and grandson Ivan, were at the family home, 4 Woods Loke, and all died there during the air raid. 

A Civilian, Lily died on 26th of May 1941 aged 32. Lily was born at Lowestoft on 3 August 1908, a daughter of William Francis and Harriet Carron. She was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 18 September 1908 and her family lived at Wood’s Loke. In 1911 her family lived at 4 Boggis Cottages, Wood’s Loke. In 1921 her family were living at 4 Wood’s Loke, and this was still their home in 1939 when Lily worked at a hotel. The cottages at Wood’s Loke were seen as a place of safety and several people from the town moved there. On 26 May 1941 an enemy aircraft, while being harassed by anti-aircraft fire, discarded its bombs in the Wood’s Loke area which damaged the cottages and caused many casualties. Lily, her mother Harriet, her sister Daisy, and her nephew Ivan, were at the family home, 4 Woods Loke, and all died there during the air raid. 

A Mate with Sailing Trawler True Vine (Lowestoft), Harry died on 30th of November 1915 at the age of 26.Harry, sometimes known as Henry, was born at Corton on 27 August 1889, a son of Thomas and Martha Carsey. In 1891 his family lived at Mill Lane, Corton. From 15 March 1898 Harry attended Saint Margaret's School, Lowestoft, and his family lived at 115 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. In 1901 his family lived at 107 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft. On 8 October 1911 Harry married Gertrude King at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Harry was a fisherman and they both lived at 239 Raglan Street. Later Gertrude lived at 48 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. In 1915 Harry the Mate of the sailing trawler True Vine, LT 52. On 30 November 1915 the True Vine was seen, by the Skipper of the trawler Comrade, fishing about 27 miles north by east from Lowestoft. This was the last sighting of the trawler and it was presumed that the True Vine struck a mine and was lost with all hands on that day, or soon afterwards. Among the crew was the Skipper, Samuel Reeve, who was Harry's half-brother. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)The Crew of the True Vine lost 30 November 1915REEVE, Samuel, Skipper, age 37, lived LowestoftCARSEY, Harry, Mate, age 26, lived LowestoftTHOMSON, Thomas Hoy, Third Hand, age 55, lived Great YarmouthLEWELL, Harry, Fourth Hand, age 17, lived LowestoftCHASTON, Edward William, Cook, age 16, lived North Cove 

A Fireman with Fishing Vessel Craigewan (Milford Haven), William died on 12th of October 1945 aged 40. William was born at Lowestoft on 15 July 1905, a son of William Thomas and Agnes Amelia Carsey. His actual given first names were Thomas William Ernest. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 4 August 1905 and his family lived at 4 Wellington Cottages, Raglan Street. By 1911 William, his mother, and siblings, were living at The Union Workhouse, Oulton Broad. In 1921 his family lived at 16 Erskine Place, and William was a labourer at Fallen and Sons, Timber Mill, on Commercial Road. In 1939 William’s family lived at 12 Erskine Place, and William was a fisherman.  In late 1939 William married Faith Alice May Ayers. By 1945 they were living at 19 Alma Road and later Faith lived at 68 Alexandra Road. William’s trawler, the Craigewan, was last seen on 12 October 1945 fishing off the south coast of Ireland. The trawler was presumed to have been lost due to enemy action and all twelve crew, including William, perished.  

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Curacoa, Frederick died on 24th of April 1940 aged 18. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 1 November 1921, a son of Charles William and Margaret Gladys Carter. In 1939 his family lived at 26 Hill Road.Frederick served with H.M.S. Curacoa. In mid-April 1940 the Curacao escorted troopships and landed troops at Andalsnes, as part of the Norwegian campaign. On 22 April the Curacao was off the beach head at Andalsnes and over the next few days was repeatedly attacked by German aircraft. On 24 April a 550 lb bomb hit the forecastle of the ship killing eight men. It is thought that Frederick died during this attack.    

A Private with 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, George died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 22. George was born at Oulton, Lowestoft, on 29 January 1894, a son of Dennis Edward and Sylvia Carver. He was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, on 18 March 1894. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Fern Villa, Commodore Road, Oulton. By 1911 they had moved to Hill Cottage, Rock Estate, Oulton, and George worked as a labourer at an oil merchants. George volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted at Lowestoft. He served initially with the Suffolk Regiment, number 2095; possibly with the 2/6th Battalion. Later he was transferred to the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, number 5308.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.George was among the missing. 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 George's service number is given as 267077 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 George's family lived at 1 Ivy Cottage, Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.  

A Private with 1/14th Bn., Bernard died on 10th of May 1917 at the age of 38.Bernard was born at Gravesend, Kent, on 27 April 1879, a son of Francis Joseph and Elizabeth Cary of 36 Chapel Park Road,  Saint Leonards on Sea. In 1901 his family lived at 9 Overcliffe, Gravesend, Kent. Bernard was educated at Saint Mary's Lodge Preparatory School, Saint Leonard's on Sea, Saint Edmund's College, Ware, and at Ushaw College, County Durham.   In 1911 Bernard lived at 55 Springfield Road, Saint Leonard's on Sea. Bernard became a cement manufacturer and when his company was absorbed in an amalgamation he became a net manufacturer at Lowestoft and lived at 178 High Street, Lowestoft. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org Bernard attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 12 December 1915. He was called up on 29 April 1916 and joined the 14th Battalion London Regiment, the London Scottish, serving initially with the 2/14th Battalion. He arrived at Havre, France, on 30 September 1916. He joined the 1/14th Battalion London Regiment in the field on 15 October 1916. On 2 May 1917 the 1/14th Battalion moved from billets at Arras to occupy the northern portion of 'The Harp'. On On 7 May inter-company relief took place. C Company took over from A Company in the front line and the battalion war diary notes that A Company had been subjected to very heavy shelling. Bernard was severely wounded on 7 May and had to have both of his legs amputated. He died of his wounds at No 19 Casualty Clearing Station.  

A Sergeant with the 5th Machine Gun Company, Claud died on 29th of July 1916 at the age of 23. Claud was born at Lowestoft on 12 April 1893, a son of Thomas Charles and Edith Lucy Castleton. In 1901 his family lived at Rose Cottage, Wilson Road, Lowestoft. Claud was a pupil at Morton Road School and was awarded a scholarship to Kirkley Grammar School. Claud also became a pupil at Lowestoft School of Science on 12 September 1905. In 1911 his family lived at 18 Wilson Road and Claud was a student teacher at Norton Road School. On 25 October 1912 Claud left England, heading for Melbourne, Australia.Many accounts of Claud’s life state that he was driven by a curiosity for geography and nature. When in Australia he was an itinerant worker and had jobs in Tasmania and Queensland before going to New Guinea to prospect for gold.On 10 March 1915 Claud attested for the Australian Army at Liverpool, New South Wales, but some sources state that he already had some military service, having been put in charge of local troops in the Port Moresby area and being involved in communication work and coastal defence. When he attested Claud said that he was a prospector. Claud joined D Company, 18 Battalion. On 25 June 1915 Claud embarked on the ‘Ceramic’ destined for Egypt, where he arrived on 24 July. Claud then went to Gallipoli on 16 August 1915 and his unit was involved in the attack at Hill 60 on 22 August. Around 750 men of the 18th Battalion took part in the attack and an estimated 380 became casualties. While at Gallipoli Claud contracted dysentery and on 15 September 1915 went to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station for treatment before being evacuated to Hospital Ship ‘Nevaska’. On 19 September he was admitted to No 1 Auxiliary Hospital, Heliopolis, and, on 27 September, admitted to No 4 Auxiliary Hospital at Abbassia. He was transferred to the New Zealand and Australian Convalescence Hospital, at Helanan, before, on 22 October, being discharged to duty. On 8 November 1915 he embarked on the ‘Royal George’ at Alexandria, heading for Gallipoli, and he joined his unit on 8 December 1915. Claud’s service record shows that he was promoted to Corporal on 7 December 1915. Claud’s unit was evacuated from Gallipoli and he arrived at Alexandria on 9 January 1916. On 27 January 1916 he was admitted to 8th Field Ambulance, at Ismailia, before being transferred to No 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station and, on 29 January, the 1st Australian Stationary Hospital. He was found to have malaria. On 16 February he was discharged to duty and the next day he returned to the 18th Battalion. On 20 February he was appointed Temporary Sergeant.Claud was transferred to the 5th Machine Gun Company, at Moasear, on 8 March 1916. He was promoted to Sergeant on 16 March. On 17 March his unit embarked at Alexandria and, on 23 March, disembarked at Marseilles. On 20 July Claud’s company moved to Warloy-Baillon, near Pozieres, in readiness for an attack on Pozieres Heights. During the evening of 27 July, a brigade of Australian Infantry, including Claud’s former unit the 18th Battalion, began an assault on the German trenches known as Old German (OG) 1 and 2, located between the Bapaume Road and Munster Alley trench. The attack was met with heavy artillery and machine-gun fire which meant many men were pinned down and unable either to advance or withdraw. It was in the latter stages of the attack that Claud performed the deeds that would lead to him being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation, from the London Gazette 26 September 1916, reads:For conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy’s trenches the infantry was temporarily driven back by the intense machine-gun fire opened by the enemy. Many wounded were left in ‘No Man's Land’, lying in shell holes. Sergeant Castleton went out and twice in the face of this intense fire and each time brought in a wounded man on his back. He went out a third time and was bringing in another wounded man when he was hit in the back, and killed instantly. He set a splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice.After his death his personal effects, a bible and three handkerchiefs, were sent to his parents. Claud’s Victoria Cross, and other medals, are on display at the Australian War Memorial, see Victoria Cross : Sergeant Claud Charles Castleton, 5 Machine Gun Company, AIF | Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au)A replica group is on display at the East Suffolk Council Offices committee room Lowestoft.  

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, Edward died on 19th of June 1916 at the age of 20. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 21 October 1895, a son of Samuel Edward and Louisa Margaret Castleton. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 4 December 1895, and his family lived at 20 Lawson Road, Lowestoft, and this would be Edward’s home for the whole of his life. In 1911 he worked as a bricklayer’s apprentice. Edward enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3556. In 1916 he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France. On 19 June 1916 the 1/4th Battalion were in trenches in the Givenchy Sector. At 8.10 p.m. Royal Engineers exploded a small mine in front of B Company’s line. The men immediately began consolidating this feature, with little resistance, but between 10 and 11 p.m. there was a considerable enemy bombardment from artillery and minenwerfers. Several men from C and B Company were buried and had to be rescued. Samuel was the only soldier killed during this incident. 

A Private with 2/1st Bucks Battalion, Reginald died on 26th of June 1916 at the age of 22. Reginald was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of Charles T. W. and Emily A, Castleton. By 1901 Reginald’s mother had died and the family lived at 152 Saint Peters Street, Lowestoft, this was Reginald’s home for the rest of his life. In 1911 Reginald worked as a grocer’s assistant. Reginald had an additional middle name, Frank, and it was using this name that he enlisted, in the Suffolk Regiment, number 1886. He was subsequently transferred to the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion and it seems that he arrived in France in May 1916. Reginald served with A Company.In mid-June 1916 the 2/1st Battalion were in trenches near Fauquissart. The Battalion War Diary for 26 June has: More shelling by us. Enemy retaliated with some shelling at our gun positions. At the front line trenches he only used aerial torpedoes and grenades, these were responsible for some damage and casualties.Three men were killed, including Reginald, and four wounded.  

A Deck Hand with the Sailing Trawler Wanderer (Lowestoft), Reginald died on 15th of May 1916 at the age of 16.Reginald is believed to be Reginald Augustus Barker who was born at Lowestoft in 1899 (his mother’s maiden name was Barker). In 1901 Reginald was a ‘boarder’ living with Charles and Elvina Castleton at 14 Saint Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft (the Castleton’s had other young boarders/adopted children). In 1911 they lived at 2 Saint Margaret’s Road.Whether Reginald was formally adopted by the Castleton’s is not known, but it seems that he began using Castleton as his surname.Reginald was the Deck Hand 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.(With thanks to Rodney Coote for help with this entry)   

A Fisherman with Steam Drifter Lord Carnarvon (Lowestoft), Amos died on 19th of November 1914 at the age of 43. Amos was born at Kessingland in 1871, a son of Samuel and Emma Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 28 January 1872. His family lived at Turnpike Road, Kessingland. In 1881 Amos lived with his grandparents at The Street, Kessingland. In 1891 he was still living with his grandparents, now at the High Street, Kessingland, and Amos was a fisherman.In late 1904 Amos married Anna Baxter at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland. Amos lived at Kessingland and Anna at Mutford. The 1911 Census shows Anna living at Mill Road, Mutford, with her parents. By 1914 Amos and Anna were living at 8 Flora Terrace, Carlton Road, Pakefield. Amos worked as a fisherman on the steam drifter Lord Carnarvon, LT 1197. The drifter sailed from Lowestoft on 18 November 1914. An explosion was heard during the evening, but next morning there was no sigh of the drifter. Wreckage was later washed ashore at Gorleston and Southwold. It seems that the Lord Carnarvon was sunk by a mine, most probably when sailing off Gorleston. All ten of the crew were killed. See: Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Second Lieutenant with the 7th Battalion, Charles died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 21. Charles was born at Kessingland in 1895, a son of George and Elizabeth Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 17 May 1896. In 1901 his family lived at Eddystone House, Church Road, Kessingland, and this was Charles’ home for the rest of his life. In 1911 Charles was a junior clerk working for a fish seller.Charles volunteered and enlisted in the Army. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 14243, and was posted to the 8th Battalion. Charles was already a Sergeant when he arrived in France with the 8th Battalion on 25 July 1915.Charles was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery whilst serving with the 8th Battalion. The 8th Battalion War Diary, for 21 September 1916, states ‘Military Medal awarded to Sergeant Catchpole – now at Cadet School Base.’ The award was published in the London Gazette on 21 October 1916, page 29794.On 20 September 1916 Charles was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Suffolk Regiment and he was posted to the 7th Battalion. 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.  Charles was one of the officers killed in action that day. Charles' sister, Ethel Strowger, served with the V.A.D., and died in 1918.

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Restore. Christopher died on 12th of October 1915 at the age of 25.Christopher was born at Kessingland on 3 October 1890, a son of James Thomas and Jane Charlotte Catchpole. In 1891 his family lived at Market Place, Kessingland, and by 1901 at Manor Cottages, Old Market, Kessingland. On 14 September 1914 Christopher married Ada Florence May at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Christopher was living at 194 Raglan Street, and worked as a fisherman, and Ada lived at 75 Milton Road. In 1915 they lived at 11 Arnold Street, and later Ada lived at 80 Saint Peters Street, Lowestoft.Christopher joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 3 August 1915 and served for a time on the trawler Maud Evelyn. Christopher died when the drifter Restore was sunk by U-Boat gun-fire at the Otranto Straight.His bother John died in 1916. 

A Lance Corporal with the 10th Battalion, Conrad died on 11th of August 1917 at the age of 20. Conrad was born at Kessingland in 1897, a son of John and Emma Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 16 May 1897 and his family lived at Zulu Cottages, Kessingland. By 1911 they were living at 7 Broad View Villas, Oulton Broad.Conrad volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 14646, and was posted to the 10th Battalion. Conrad arrived in France with the 10th Battalion on 25 July 1915. Conrad was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette 10 November 1916) and this would have been for his part in the 10th Battalion’s activities during the Battle of the Somme in the summer of 1916.  On 11 August 1917 the 10th Battalion were holding front line positions near a feature known as Stirling Castle. During the day a patrol, under Second Lieutenant Heup, went out to reconnoitre and occupy and enemy strong point and they succeeded in this task. It seems that Conrad was killed in action during the patrol action.  Conrad’s sole legatee was his sister Martha Oldman. 

A Civilian, Cyril died on 11th of September 1940, aged 25. Cyril was a Lightshipman on the Trinity House Light Vessel at South Goodwin.Cyril was born on 7 December 1914, a son of Cyril and Madeline Catchpole. Cyril was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 4 July 1915 and at that time his family were living at Fern Cottage, Kessingland. Cyril's father served with the Royal Naval Reserve during the First World War.The 1939 Register shows Cyril's address as Davies Cottages, Kessingland Beach, Lowestoft, and shows that he worked as a seaman. Cyril worked as one of the crew of the South Goodwin Lightship. On 11 September 1940 he was at Dover. On this day the Germans both shelled and bombed the port and whilst at Trinity Wharf, Dover, Cyril was injured by the shelling and he died the same day en route to the Casualty Hospital, Union Road, Dover. (Note some sources suggest he had died at Trinity Wharf). The South Goodwin Lightship was itself sunk by the Germans on 21 October 1940. Cyril was buried at Saint Edmunds Churchyard, Kessingland, on 18 September 1940, and the burial register has the marginal note 'Killed at Dover by German shell'.(With thanks to Andy Pearce for additional details) 

A Chief Engineer with Steam Trawler Lord Haldane (Lowestoft), Frank died on 7th of November 1940 aged 40. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 9 October 1900, a son of George Hicham and Beatrice Catchpole. In 1901 his family lived at 15 Lorne Road and by 1911 they lived at 10 John Street. In 1921 Frank was a stoker with the trawler Nelson, LT516. On 14 December 1925 Frank married Jessie Louisa Sutton at Saint John’s Church. Frank was a fisherman living at 58 Kirkley Park Road and Jessie lived at the School House, Saint John’s Road. In 1939 they lived at 52 Saint Leonard’s Road and Frank was a fishing boat engineer. In 1940 Frank was the Chief Engineer 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 Frank 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.   

A Chief Engineer with Fishing Vessel Aberdeen LT123 (Lowestoft). Frederick died on 11th of March 1941 at the age of 40. Frederick was born at Kessingland on 29 July 1900, a son of Thomas and Rose Elizabeth Catchpole. In 1901 his family lived at Zulu Cottages, Kessingland. By 1911 they were living at 2 Saint Margaret's Terrace, Church Street, Pakefield, and later at 45 Saint Margaret's Road, Pakefield. Frederick married Emma Phoebe Martha Watson in 1924. In 1939 they were living at Florio, Long Road, Pakefield, and Frederick was a trawler engineer. Frederick was the Chief Engineer on the Fishing Vessel 'Aberdeen.' On 11 March 1941 German aircraft bombed the 'Aberdeen' while the vessel was in Cardigan Bay and making its way toward the fishing grounds. No bombs hit the 'Aberdeen' but they caused the trawler to take on water and it settled at the stern. It seems that Frederick made his way to a lifeboat but was washed overboard. Eight of the Aberdeen's crew died and two were rescued.  Frederick's brother George died in 1918 while serving with the Royal Naval Reserve. His brother-in-law, Michael Holland, also served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Shamrock, George died on 7 February 1940, aged 35. George was born at Oulton Broad on 9 November 1904, a son of George James and Ada Hannah Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad, on 26 March 1905, and his family lived at Sycamore Estate. The 1911 Census shows George with his maternal grandparents, Robert and Hannah Wilson, at Beccles Road, Oulton Broad. By 1939 George’s parents were living at 83 Victoria Road.   On 12 February 1931 George married Edith Louise Ward at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. They both lived at Carlton Colville. George was a fisherman and Edith a net mender. In 1939 they lived at 85 Victoria Road, and George was a fisherman. No details of George’s military service have been traced. He died in the Lowestoft area and it is presumed that he had recently been appointed as a Temporary Skipper when he died. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Thomas Cornwall, George died on 29th of October 1918 aged 21. NOTE: George's registered first name was Gordon and this is the name used on his baptism record and the 1901 and 1911 Censuses. However, his Royal Naval Reserve records and all relevant naval records give his first name as George.George was born at Kessingland on 24 August 1898, a son of Thomas and Rose Elizabeth Catchpole. He was baptised, privately, on 6 October 1898. In 1901 his family lived at Zulu Cottages, Kessingland. By 1911 they were living at 2 Saint Margaret's Terrace, Church Street, Pakefield, and later at 45 Saint Margaret's Road, Pakefield. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7 February 1917. He served with the Pactolus and Gunner before joining the trawler Thomas Cornwall on 8 June 1918. George died when the trawler Thomas Cornwall was sunk in a collision, with a French steamer, off Flamburgh Head. George was one of twenty crew that died.George's brother Frederick died in 1941 in the loss of the trawler 'Aberdeen'. His brother-in-law, Michael Holland, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. 

A Private with 4th Bn., Gordon died on 14th of February 1942 at the age of 21. Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 20 October 1920, a son of Arnold Lancelot and Violet Annie Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 19 November 1920 and his family lived at 57 Bevan Street. By 1939 the family were living at 35 Lorne Park Road, Lowestoft.In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was on guard duty in the Lowestoft area and from July to September 1940 had various local deployments, including guarding Great Yarmouth. The Battalion then moved to Bedfordshire and then Scotland until April 1941. Next the Battalion moved to Bury, Lancashire, and Hereford, before embarking on the S.S. Andes at Liverpool and sailing for Halifax, Nov Scotia. The Battalion changed ship, to the American liner Wakefield, and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941. The Battalion was given three days shore leave.The Battalion was part of 54 Brigade in the 18th (East Anglian) Division. With the Japanese entry into the war the Battalion was now allocated to the Far East and sailed for India, arriving on 5 January 1942. The Battalion had three weeks of training before embarking at Bombay and sailing for Singapore, arriving on 29 January 1942. The Battalion had orders to defend the Golf Course and then fell back to defend the perimeter before the Singapore garrison was forced to surrender on 15 February 1942. Ninety men of the Battalion were killed, or died of wounds, in the defence of Singapore and 865 were taken prisoner.      Gordon was reported as missing on 15 February 1942. In fact he had been killed in action on 14 February and he was buried, by Padre Haigh, 'in corner of wood - map reference 814147 - on the Golf Course'. The official casualty list number 1439, dated 6 May 1944, stated that Gordon was reported to be a 'prisoner of war in Japanese hands' but official list 1963 (of 18 January 1946) stated that Gordon had actually been killed in action on 14 February 1942. In March 1946 an official correction to casualty list 1439 was published stating that the report of him being a POW was erroneous.  

A Sergeant with 9th Bn., Hedley died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 21. Hedley was born at Kessingland in 1897, a son of Thomas James and Edith Emma Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 6 June 1897. In 1901 his family lived at The Beach, Kessingland, and later at 16 John Street Lowestoft.In 1911 Hedley was the Deck Hand Cook on the trawler Auld Land Syne, LT 300, at Newlyn, Cornwall. Hedley enlisted in the Army, at Lowestoft, during the early stages of World War One. The Lowestoft Journal of 2 January 1915 lists him among those who have volunteered for Kitchener's Army. A competent soldier, Hedley had already been promoted to Sergeant by the time the Battalion landed in France on 31 August 1915. On 13 September 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Guinchy on the Somme. At 6.20 a.m. they attacked the German lines and were able to capture two lines of German trenches, however, the enemy artillery and machine-gun fire inflicted heavy casualties. The situation could not be cleared up and so, at 7.30 a.m. A Company made an attack on the German strongpoint known as The Quadrilateral, but they failed to reach their objective due to enemy machine-gun fire. By the end of the day two officers and 15 men had been killed and 10 officers and 185 men wounded. On 15 September the Battalion made an attack on the enemy trenches with a final objective between Lesbouchs and Morval. The Battalion were to advance at 7.50 a.m. There was heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire and half of C Company could not even leave the trench. The rest of the Battalion were held up by heavy machine-gun fire from The Quadrilateral. There were many casualties, including Lieutenant-Colonel Mack. During the day the Battalion lost four officers and 35 men killed, seven officers and 99 men wounded, and two officers and 93 men missing. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects shows that Hedley was killed in action between 13 and 16 September 1916. But the 9th Battalion war diary states that there were no casualties on 16 September.  Hedley's brother-in-law, Arthur Read, died in 1918 while serving with the London Regiment. 

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Comet. Jack died on 30th of September 1940 at the age of 24. Jack was born at Kessingland on 12 September 1916, a son of Isaac John and Edith Annie Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 15 October 1916, and his family lived at 4 Belvidere, Kessingland Beach. By 1939 his family were living at 6 The Ridge, Kessingland, and Jack worked as a fisherman (weekly articles)On 30 September 1940 the Comet sank after hitting a mine off Falmouth. Jack was among 15 crew who were killed.

A Private with Base Mechanical Transport Depot, John died on 6th of June 1918 at the age of 25. John was born at Kessingland on 6 May 1893, a son of James Thomas and Jane Charlotte Catchpole. In 1901 his family lived at Manor Cottages, Old Market, Kessingland, and this was still their address in 1911 at which time John worked as an agricultural labourer. John enlisted in the Army, at Lowestoft, on 4 September 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, number 13334, and was posted to the 9th Battalion. On 19 October 1914 John was discharged, medically unfit, because of flat feet.John married Fanny E. Baker in 1916. In 1918 she lived at Wood Lane, Henstead. Later he re-enlisted, again at Lowestoft, and joined the Army Service Corps. He was serving with the New Zealand Division Motor Transport Company when he died at No. 3 Stationary Hospital, France.  His brother Christopher died in 1915. 

A Sergeant with the 11th Battalion, Stanley died on 29th of April 1918 at the age of 21. Stanley was born at Kessingland in 1897, a son of Edward and Ellen M. Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 16 May 1897, and his family lived at High Street, Kessingland. In 1901 his family lived at Church Road, Kessingland, and by 1911 their address was Grass Holme, Church RoadStanley volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13272. He was posted to the 9th Battalion and arrived in France with the battalion on 31 August 1915. Stanley was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 8 October 1915. He appears to have been posted to the 11th Battalion when the 9th Battalion was disbanded in France in February 1918.On 29 April 1918 the 11th battalion were digging on the Brandhoek Line. There was intermittent shelling which led to several casualties with five men, including Stanley, being killed. 

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Walter died on 15th of February 1944 aged 20. Walter was born at Lowestoft on 8 September 1923, a son of John Durrant and Martha May Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church on 11 November 1923 and his family lived at 5 Garden Terrace, Victoria Road. By 1939 his family home was at 3 Olive Cottages, Carlton Colville.Walter enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after December 1941. By February 1944 he was a Flight Engineer with 156 Squadron flying out of Warboys, Huntingdonshire. On 15 February he was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number ND504, that took part in a large raid on Berlin. Walter's aircraft was lost without trace and all of the crew were killed.WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Silver King, Ernest died on 21st of January 1919 at the age of 18. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 16 February 1900, a son of Ernest Charles and Clara Selina Challis. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 18 March 1900 and his family lived at 24 Southwell Road. In 1901 they lived at Jarvis Buildings, Carlton Colville, and in 1911 at 43 Southwell Road. Later Ernest’s parents lived at 7 Lovewell Road. Ernest joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 May 1918. Note that his service register entry gives his year of birth as 1890, and his first name as Charles. Initially he served at the Reserve Depot, Portsmouth, then, on 22 July 1918, he joined the trawler Shikari. From 24 August 1918 he served with the trawler Glory II and later, probably on 27 August 1918, he joined the trawler Silver King, which was assigned to the depot ship H.M.S. Wallington. Ernest was admitted to the Naval Sick Quarters, Immingham, where he died from pyaemia, a form of blood poisoning.  

A Leading Seaman with H.M.S. Neptune, Frederick died on 19th of December 1941 aged 20. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 10 July 1921, a son of Harry Albert and Ethel Maud Chamberlain. In 1939 his family lived at 67 Fir Lane. Frederick served with the light cruiser H.M.S. Neptune. On 18 December 1941 the Neptune, as part of Force K, was sent to intercept a convoy bound for Tripoli. During the night of 19-20 December, the Neptune struck two mines in a minefield. The ship then reversed out of the minefield and struck another mine, which crippled the ship, and the ship struck a fourth mine which led to the ship capsizing. Of the 767 men only board only thirty survived the sinking, and all but one of these died from wounds and exposure.  

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, William died on 18th of June 1917 at the age of 34. William was born at Lowestoft in 1883, a son of George William and Eliza Chandler. His family lived at 16 Thurston Road, but have not been found in the 1891 and 1901 censuses. On 14 October 1905, William married Florence Alice Read at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. William was a labourer and they both lived at Kirkley. In 1911 they lived at ‘rear of 41’ Thurston Road, and William was an assistant bailiff at the County Court. Later Florence lived at 11 Southwell Road.William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2933, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France. He was renumbered 202801 before being posted to the 2nd Battalion. On 1 June 1917 the 2nd Battalion moved from Denier to Arras. On June 12 they took over trenches near Monchy-le-Preux and during the night of the 13th moved to positions in readiness for an attack on Infantry Hill. The attack began at 7.30 a.m. on the 14th. Within an hour the trench system of Infantry Hill was in British hands. Later in the day the Germans laid down a barrage and made a counter-attack, but the Battalion held their positions. Another attack, on the 18th, led to the Battalion sustaining heavy casualties in the Hook and Long trenches. The Battalion's casualties for 12 to 19 June 1917 were: Officers: six killed, six woundedOther ranks: 56 killed, 183 wounded, 2 missingWilliam was killed in action on 18 June. 

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, John died on 3rd of March 1916 at the age of 23. John was born at Lowestoft in 1892 a son of John William and Lucy Ann Barrett (nee Chaney). In 1901 his family lived at 2 Gladstone Cottages, Tonning Street, and by 1911 at 9 Kent Road, and John was a barman at a restaurant.John volunteered and enlisted in the Army, at Lowestoft, in late 1912. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1514, and served with the 1/4th Battalion. John did not go to France with the rest of the Battalion in November 1914, but joined them in France in early 1916. In late February 1916 the 1/4th Battalion were in trenches near Philosophe. Records shows that John was killed in action but no further details are known. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Ajax II, Albert died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 25. Albert was born at Carlton Colville on 10 February 1891, a son of Frederick and Annie Chapman. In 1891 his family were living 'near the Bell Inn', Carlton Colville. In 1915 they were living at 5 Bell Cottages, Carlton Colville. On 15 July 1915 Albert married Kathleen Annie Drake and Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Albert was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 8 Stevens Street. During the war Kathleen moved to 11 Townwall Street, Dover, as Albert served with the Dover Patrol, and by October 1917 she had returned to live at 8 Stevens Street. Albert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 January 1915 and served with the drifter Ajax II. In 1916 the Ajax II was part of a fleet of trawlers that maintained the anti-submarine barrage across the Dover Strait. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 German destroyers attacked the barrage with the intent of causing maximum damage to the trawlers. The trawler was sunk and it seems that Albert was the only member of the crew who was killed.   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 Second Lieutenant attached to the 7th Battalion The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), Henry died on 8th of August 1918 at the age of 32. Henry was born at Ely in 1886, a son of Henry and Sarah Chapman. In 1891 his family lived at 36 Bamford Place, Barking, Essex. By 1901 they were living at Midloe, Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, and Henry was a music seller’s assistant. In 1911 Henry lodged at 16 Waldegrave Road, Hornsey, and he was an assistant schoolmaster for London County Council. Later Henry was a teacher at Barming School, Maidstone, Kent. In 1913 Henry married Daisy Ethel Plant, a school teacher, of Chesterton, Cambridgeshire. Later Daisy lived at 116 Blines Grove, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, then Wyncote, Hall Road, Oulton Broad, and then at 45 Marine Parade, Lowestoft. Henry enlisted in the Army. He joined the 16th London Regiment, service number 7532, and later he was renumbered 553889. Henry did not serve overseas before 1917.  Henry was commissioned, as Second Lieutenant in the Norfolk Regiment, on 28 February 1917. He was posted to France and joined 17 Infantry Base Depot. On 27 April 1917 he joined 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Valhuon, and became an officer with A Company. In July 1917 Henry served as a Brigade Officer with 53rd Brigade: note some sources state that he was an intelligence officer. IN August 1917 he returned to A Company, 8th Battalion. The 8th Battalion was disbanded in France on 12 February 1918 and after this Henry was attached to the 7th Battalion The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) and he joined the battalion on 10 March 1918. On 20 March 1918 the battalion were in front line positions near Moy. The German Ludendorff offensive began on 21 March and the 7th Battalion were particularly heavily engaged: by the end of the day eighteen officers were either killed, wounded, or missing and among the other ranks there were approximately 577 casualties. For the next three week the battalion, though depleted in number, were heavily engaged and it seems that for his gallantry and devotion to duty during this period Henry was awarded the Military Cross. His award was noted in the battalion war diary of June 1918 and published in the London Gazette, of 16 September 1918, page 10933, with the following citation:For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during three weeks’ fighting, especially on one occasion when he went forward through an intense barrage to ascertain the situation, bringing back important information. On numerous other occasions his keenness has led him to make useful reconnaissances, and his services have been most useful. On 6 August 1918 the 7th Battalion occupied the Roma Line from the Somme to the Bray-Corbie Road and the next day they moved into positions in preparation for an attack. At 4.20 a.m. on 8 August the preliminary barrage began, and the battalion advanced in artillery formation. A dense fog meant that it was impossible to see more than 20 yards ahead. The leading companies reached Burke Street. A Company crossed to the south of the Bray-Corbie Road and encountered several enemy machine-guns and groups of men and there was a considerable amount of fighting. About 7 a.m. a party of around 200 men of the 7th Battalion, along with some men of the Essex and Berkshire Regiments, formed up astride the road to continue the advance. A party of men from B Company were able to push on, along the roadside, and, with the support of two tanks, reached the Blue Line. On the right the brickyard was attacked, and the battalion were able to link up with the 10th Battalion Essex Regiment. About 3.45 p.m. the enemy launched a counter-attack, but the battalion held their positions and remained in these positions until the next day.  The battalion’s casualties during the attack were:Officers: two killed, six woundedOther ranks: 198Henry was killed in action on 8 August. 

A Deck Hand, Herbert served with the Royal Naval Reserve and was the only survivor when the Drifter Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. Herbert was born at Pakefield on 14 June 1897, a son of Albert S. and Hannah Chapman. Herbert was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, in 1897. In 1901 his family lived at 9 Church Street, Pakefield. Herbert was living at 9 Church Street, Pakefield, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915, number 3227 DA, and he served as a Deck Hand on the Drifter Persistive from 15 January 1916.On 9 February 1916 the Persistive was blown up by a mine. Herbert was hauling in nets at the time and he was severely injured. Herbert was rescued. His leg was badly injured which eventually led to amputation and he had an artificial leg fitted.He was discharged on 11 October 1916 and intended to live at Freemantle House, 161 London Road, Lowestoft. Herbert married Rhoda Ethel Wilcox 1919In 1939 Herbert, Rhoda, and children, lived at 20 Avondale Road, Lowestoft, and Herbert worked as a night watchman. Herbert died in 1961. 

A Boatswain with Steam Trawler Exeter (Lowestoft), John died on 29th March 1941 aged 41. John was born at Pakefield on 28 August 1899, a son of John and Alice Chapman. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 11 February 1900. In 1911 his family lived at 4 Beach Street, Pakefield. In 1918 John lived at 73 Pakefield Street. By 1939 his mother was living at 45 Corton Road. John served with Y Section of the navy and on 6 June 1918 he joined the Royal Naval Reserve, number DA 20657. He served as a Deck Hand on the trawler Fiery Cross and was demobilised on 30 April 1920. On 10 May 1933 John married Hilda Mildred Gwenith Allen at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield. John was a fisherman living at 73 Pakefield Street and Hilda lived at 34 Church Road. In 1939 they lived at 46 All Saints’ Street, Pakefield. Later Hilda lived at Somerleyton.  In 1941 John was the Boatswain on the trawler Exeter. On 29 March 1941 the Exeter was fishing five miles south of the Ballycotton Light Vessel when it was bombed and sunk by German aircraft with the loss of all nine crew. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Percy died on 18th of October 1916 at the age of 22.Percy was born at Lowestoft on 7 May 1894, a son of Edward and Sarah Jane Chapman. Percy attended Dames’ School and, on 27 August 1900, became a pupil at Saint John’s School. In 1901 his family lived at 107 London Road South. By 1911 they were living at 47 London Road South and Percy was a printer. Later his family lived at 171 High Street.   Percy volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 15523. He was posted to the 9th Battalion and arrived in France with the battalion on 31 August 1915. He served with the signal section. On 18 October 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Bernafay Wood. The battalion war diary records that on that day there were five men killed and 11 wounded but gives no further information. Percy was killed in action on 18 October.See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org 

A Private with the 15th Battalion, Sydney died on 2nd of November 1918 aged 36. Sydney was born at Islington, London, in 1882, a son of William and Alice Malvina Chapman. On 15 July 1882 he was baptised at White Roothing, Essex, where both his parents had been born. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Hilllside Grove, Chase Road, Edmonton, London. Later his mother lived at 10 Tottenhall Road, Palmers Green.In 1906 Sydney married Amy Beatrice Bowyer: this was registered in the Edmonton district. In 1911 they lived at 23 Beech Road, New Southgate, and Sydney was a gas fitter. Later they moved to North Shields, Northumberland, and Sydney was the managing buyer at the Tynemouth Gas Company showroom. Later Amy lived over North Deal Garage, North Deal, and subsequently at Homeleigh, 59 Southwell Road, Lowestoft. Sydney enlisted in the Army at Newcastle-on-Tyne. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number R/258991. Sydney was transferred to the Hampshire Regiment, service number 55049, and was posted to the 15th Battalion in France.  On 13 October 1918 the 15th Battalion moved from a position known as Stirling Castle along the Ypres-Menin Road. The next day the battalion were to attack a pillbox that was holding up the advance. An enemy barrage caused many casualties before the attack began at 5.35 a.m. The pillbox was neutralised, and the battalion were able to continue their advance. In the attack five officers were wounded, 10 men killed, 66 wounded and two missing. On 14 October Sydney received gunshot wounds to his back and abdomen. He was taken to 10 Casualty Clearing Station and was ‘dangerously ill’. He was then evacuated to 7 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, where he died of his wounds.  

A Private with 727 Company, Walter died on 22nd of March 1918 at the age of 28. Walter was born at Lowestoft on 31 November 1890, a son of William George and Emma Jane Chapman. He was baptised at Christ Church, Lowestoft, on 19 August 1891 and his family lived at 61 Queens Road. By 1901 they were living at 86 Oxford Road, and in 1911 Walter was a house and ship painter. Prior to the First World War Walter moved to Selby, Yorkshire. Walter enlisted in the Army at York. He joined the Durham Light Infantry, service number 47882. He was then posted to France and transferred to West Yorkshire Regiment, service number 46451. Next, he was transferred to the Labour Corps, service number 387679. As Labour Corps companies were not required to keep war diaries, and Walter’s service papers have not survived, there is no more information about what happened to Walter other than that his death was presumed to have taken place on 22 March. 

A Captain with the 25th (Montgomeryshire and Welsh Horse Yeomanry) Battalion, Frederic died on 19th of September 1918 aged 24. Frederic was born at Westminster, London, on 7 January 1894, a son of Basil Arthur and Helen Lilian Royds Charlesworth. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Cranley Gardens, London, on 3 February 1894, and his family lived at 48 Evelyn Gardens. In 1901 his family lived at Walworth House, Hitchen, Hertfordshire. Frederic attended Suffield Park Preparatory School, Cromer, Norfolk, from 1903 to 1906, and Eton College from 1907 to 1910. In 1911 Frederic was a boarder with Richard Lee, a private tutor, at 18 East Cliff, Southwold, and Frederic was a ‘student for Oxford University.’ By this time his family were living at Gunton Hall, Lowestoft. Frederic studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, but did not take his degree because he had decided to go forward for service in the Army. Frederic was a Cadet with the Oxford University Contingent, Senior Division, Officer Training Corps, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 1/1st Montgomeryshire Yeomanry on 14 May 1915. On 13 March 1916 his unit arrived at Alexandria and spent the next months training to fight as infantry. On 4 March 1917 his unit became the 25th (Montgomeryshire and Welsh Horse Yeomanry) Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers and this was also when Frederic was promoted to Lieutenant. The following months were again spent in training. Frederic was the directing officer for his battalion’s part in the Battle of Beersheba in October 1917. In November 1917 his battalion was involved in the Battle of Tel et Khulweilfe and the following month took part in the advance to, and capture of, Jerusalem. In April 1918 the battalion moved to Alexandria and sailed for Marseilles, arriving on 7 May. In August 1918 Frederic was granted leave to England and he became engaged to Florence Maud Mary Winter. On 18 September 1918 Frederic’s battalion were involved in an attack at Ronssoy and Frederic led the attack at Orchard Post. The following account was written by his commanding officer:He was hit by machine-gun bullets as he was leading his company forward in the attack, and as the gun was doing serious damage to his men he gallantly went for it to try and silence it and save his men. Although in doing so he sacrificed himself, his act saved numerous lives. We have lost in him a splendid officer and a splendid companion. He had done magnificently with his company, and his men adored him – nothing was ever too much trouble for him to do for them, and he lost his life in trying to save them. I cannot tell you how those of us who had served for the last year and a half with Raymond feel his loss; all last winter in Palestine he did splendidly, and, however hard the times, was always bright and cheery.Frederic died of wounds at 20 Casualty Clearing Station: one of 110 men of his battalion that became casualties at Ronssoy. President Warren, of Magdalen College, described Frederic as “truly a young knight of God.” Frederic’s brother-in-law was Sir James Domville who served with the Royal Navy and died in 1919. 

A Deck Hand with Steam Trawler Carry On (Lowestoft), Leonard died on 17th of December 1940 aged 62. Leonard was born at Carlton Colville on 10 December 1878, a son of George and Phyllis Ann Elizabeth Chase. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 26 January 1879. In 1881 his family lived at Ellingham, Norfolk. By 1891 they were living at 4 Peto’s Cottages, Pakefield, and Leonard was an agricultural labourer. In 1901 they lived in a cottage at Grove Farm, Pakefield, and Leonard worked as a fisherman. By 1911 they were living at Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, and Leonard was a fisherman working on drifters.Leonard joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 December 1914, service number A 7087. Leonard had prior service with the Naval Reserve and had been discharged in 1908. In 1915-1916 Leonard served with H.M.S. Comus and was present at the Battle of Jutland. From 1916 to 1919 he served with H.M.S. Dreel Castle. Leonard was demobilised on 22 July 1919 and awarded a disability pension. In 1920 his pension was converted into a gratuity payment. In 1918 Leonard married Laura Mary Berryman. This was registered in the Falmouth district. By 1921 they were living at Dodington Cottages, Carlton Colville, and in 1939 they lived at 2 Council Houses, The Street, Carlton Colville, and Leonard was a fisherman. In 1940 Leonard was a Deck Hand with the trawler Carry On. The Carry On was used as a barrage balloon drifter in the Thames Estuary. During the night of 12 December 1940 many mines were dropped into the Thames Estuary and the Carry On was immobilised. A few days later the Carry On was given permission to sail to Sheerness, deliberately sailing at low speed to avoid detonating acoustic mines. On 17 December the trawler was blown up by a mine. All seven of the crew were killed.   

A Sapper with Inland Waterways Transport, Alfred died on 10th of May 1917 at the age of 35. Alfred was born at Lowestoft in 1882, a son of Alfred Charles and Elizabeth Chatteriss. In 1891 his family lived at 85 Saint Margaret’s Road and by 1901 at Bishops Buildings, Mariners Street, and Alfred was a baker’s assistant. Alfred married Martha Florence Louisa George at Lowestoft Register Office on 19 September 1908. By 1911 they were living at 4 Riverside Road and Alfred was a coal porter working for a coal merchant. Later Martha lived at Silver Street, Besthorpe, Attleborough, Norfolk.At some point before World War One Alfred had served with the Territorial Force. Alfred was working as a coal porter when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 11 December 1915. He was called up on 21 August 1916 and posted to the Army Reserve on 22 August. Alfred was then recalled on 5 October 1916 and joined the Inland Water Transport section of the Royal Engineers, service number 205761. In May 1917 Alfred was serving on board the transport vessel P.T.1. The vessel left Glasgow on 9 May and early the next day was off the Isle of Man when a gale blew up. The vessel began to sink, and the crew were ordered to take to the lifeboats. Alfred, and eleven other men got into the port boat, but the heavy sea threw them into the water. Five men were rescued by the other lifeboat, but Alfred, and the others could not be saved. Alfred’s body was found by the trawler Summerville, of Fleetwood, and landed at Peel on 10 May. Alfred was buried, with military honours, on 13 May. Correspondence in Alfred’s service papers, in WO 363, show that Alfred had died from exposure, and that no inquest was to be held and no account of the event was to be reported in the local press.  Alfred's brother Benjamin served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916.

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Gleaner of the Sea, Benjamin died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 27.Benjamin was born at Lowestoft on 25 November 1889, a son of Alfred Charles and Elizabeth Chatteris. In 1891 his family lived at 85 Saint Margaret’s Road. By 1901 his mother had died and his family lived at Bishop’s Buildings, Mariners Street.On 27 December 1914 Benjamin married Rosa Juler. Benjamin was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 29 Tennyson Avenue. They lived at 85 Kimberley Road, and later Rosa lived at 37 Payne Street.Benjamin 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)Benjamin's brother Alfred served with the Royal Engineers and died in 1917. 

A Flying Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, William died on 10th of March 1945 aged 24. William was born at Lowestoft on 11 May 1920, a son of William Frederick and Rose Ethel Chatteris. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 28 May 1920 and his family lived at 45 Windsor Road. In 1921 they lived at 1 May Road. By 1939 their home was at 30 Waveney Crescent, and William was a cabinet maker. William enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and June 1940, service number 908375. By July 1943 he was a Corporal. William was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, service number 146883, on 10 July 1943 and Flying Officer on 10 January 1944. By March 1945 William was a Navigator serving with 15 Squadron South African Air Force, based at Cesenatico, Italy.  On 10 March William was a member of the crew of a Baltimore V aircraft that was undertaking an armed reconnaissance flight in the Po Valley. The aircraft was descending, in haze, and crashed into a mountain near Monselice, Italy. WITH THAKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, Annie died on 27th of February 1941 at the age of 84. Annie was born at Brentwood, Essex, in 1856, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Cottis. In 1861 her family lived at Ashford Cottages, Hornchurch, Essex. By 1871 Annie was in domestic service and worked for Mr. and Mrs. Lea at 1 Beech Villas, Victoria Road, Romford. On 6 April 1885 Annie married Benjamin Cheek at Saint Andrew's Church, Hornchurch, Essex. In 1891 they lived at 1 Richmond Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft, and Benjamin worked as a Policeman for the Great Eastern Railway. They were still living at 1 Richmond Place in 1901 and Benjamin was still a railway constable. By 1911 they had moved to 574 London Road, and Benjamin still worked as a Policeman for the Great Eastern Railway. He was still a G.E.R. Policeman, based at Lowestoft Central Station, in 1921 and they lived at 474 London Road. This would be their home for the rest of their lives. Later Benjamin worked as a Policeman with the London and North Eastern Railway and by 1939 he had retired. Benjamin and Annie were killed at their home, 474 London Road, during an air raid. Note that the probate records for both Annie and Benjamin give their date of death as 28 February 1941. 

A Civilian, Benjamin died on 27th of February 1941 at the age of 85. Benjamin was born at Saint Giles', London, in 1855, a son of Robert and Charlotte Cheek. In 1861 his family lived at 10 Newton Street, Saint Giles, London, and by 1871 they were living at 9 Fisher Street, Finsbury, and Benjamin worked as a porter. In 1881 they lived at 9 North Avenue, Clerkenwell, and Benjamin was a sawyer of ivory. On 6 April 1885 Benjamin married Annie Cottis at Saint Andrew's Church, Hornchurch, Essex. In 1891 they lived at 1 Richmond Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft, and Benjamin worked as a Policeman for the Great Eastern Railway. They were still living at 1 Richmond Place in 1901 and Benjamin was still a railway constable. By 1911 they had moved to 574 London Road, and Benjamin still worked as a Policeman for the Great Eastern Railway. He was still a G.E.R. Policeman, based at Lowestoft Central Station, in 1921 and they lived at 474 London Road. This would be their home for the rest of their lives. Later Benjamin worked as a Policeman with the London and North Eastern Railway and by 1939 he had retired. Benjamin and Annie were killed at their home, 474 London Road, during an air raid. Note that the probate records for both Annie and Benjamin give their date of death as 28 February 1941. 

A Sergeant with the 1/4th Battalion, Thomas died on 30 August 1916, at the age of 33.Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1883, a son of William and Ann Chenery.The 1891 Census shows him with his grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Upson, at 251 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 he was working as an oil carter and lodging with his uncle and aunt, William and Alice Upson, at 7 Clemence Street.In 1905 Thomas began working for the Great Eastern Railway at Lowestoft. He was a blacksmith’s striker and later became a bargeman. Thomas played football for the G.E.R. Reserves. Thomas was living at 71 Arnold Street when he married Edith Ann Woolley at Saint Margaret’s Church on 24 December 1907. In 1911 they, and their children, were living at 18 Seago Street, Lowestoft, and Thomas worked as a blacksmith’s striker with a railway company. Thomas’ parents lived at 10 Compass Street, Lowestoft. Thomas has joined the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment in early 1909. Thomas did not go overseas until 1916. On 25 August 1916 the 1/4th Battalion moved into trenches east of Bazentin-le-Grand, Somme, France. On 30 August 1916 the Germans launched a string attack against the battalion’s position and, according to the war diary, heavy shelling caused ‘a good many casualties’. Thomas was among those killed on that day.In 1918 Edith remarried and eventually moved to Birkenhead. Thomas' cousin, Charles Upson, died in 1916 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, William died on 28th of March 1918 at the age of 30. William was born at Carlton Colville on 3 January 1888, a son of Robert and Sarah Cheney. In 1891 his family lived at Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, and this was still their address in 1901 when William worked as a stock feeder on a farm. Later his parents lived at White House Farm, Carlton Colville. On 29 January 1911 William married Lydia Knights at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. William was a fisherman and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1911 their home was at The Street, Oulton. In 1912 they lived at 9 Mill Road, Oulton Broad, and by 1913 they lived at Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville. In 1919 Lydia married Alfred Roffe.William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 5 February 1912, but was discharged shortly afterwards as he had an inguinal hernia. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 400729, and served, initially, with the 17th Battalion. William was posted to France to join the 2nd Battalion and served with D Company.  In March 1918 the 2nd Battalion were in positions near Arras, moving into the front line on 24 March. At 3 p.m. on 28 March a heavy hostile enemy bombardment commenced on the front, support, and reserve lines as well as the rear areas. The bombardment continued for several hours and all communication wires were cut. At 7.05 a.m. the enemy could be seen massing in large numbers. At 7.15 a.m. all companies sent up S.O.S. rockets. By 7.35 a.m. there was severe fighting in the support and reserve lines. At 7.40 a.m. the enemy broke through on both flanks and advanced down Chili Trench toward battalion headquarters. At the junction of Chili, Harry and Hussar trenches about 35 men formed a strong point to check the enemy advance. The remaining men of the battalion came under command of the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers. The battalion’s casualties on 28 March were:Officers: three missing believed killed; eight missing; one missing believed prisoner; one woundedOther ranks: 15 killed; 1 missing believed killed; 342 missing; 5 wounded and missing; 1 gassed; 49 wounded; five gassed to Field AmbulancesWilliam was reported missing on 28 March and later presumed to have been killed in action on, or since, that date. 

A Major with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Herbert died on 10th of August 1919 at the age of 59. Herbert was born at Calcutta, India, on 16 March 1860, a son of Norman and Emily Ann Chevers. Herbert's father was an officer with the Indian Medical Service and would later become Deputy Surgeon General. Herbert was baptised at Saint Paul's Cathedral, Calcutta, on 20 April 1860. In 1871 Herbert, and his siblings, were living at the home of his cousin, Katherine Bates, at Montpellier, Cheltenham.In 1881 he lived with his parents at 32 Tavistock Road, Paddington, London, and Herbert was a medical student. His name was entered on the Medical Register on 3 July 1884. Herbert joined the Royal Army Medical Corps on 1 August 1885, as a Surgeon, He retired on 26 May 1897, but rejoined for service in the Boer War. He was promoted to Major on 18 October 1902 and joined the Reserve of Officers.   In 1906 Herbert lived at Ravenhurst, Saint John's Park, Ryde, Isle of Wight, and was in General Practice. By 1910 he was living at High Street, Kessingland, where he was the G.P. Herbert served at home and abroad from 9 August 1914 and at one time was responsible for three hospital ships. From 6 October 1915 he served on H. M. Hospital Ship Kildonan Castle. In 1919 he was based at Beaufort War Hospital, Bristol. Herbert died at Southmead Military Surgical Hospital, Bristol.  

A Major with the Royal Army Service Corps, Eric died on 3rd of April 1947 aged 42. Eric was born at Cambridge on 16 February 1905, a son of The Reverend Charles James Napoleon and Gertrude Annie Louisa Child. He was baptised at Saint Botolph’s Church, Cambridge, on 19 March 1905 and his family lived at Lynfield, Tenison Avenue, Cambridge. In 1911 their address was 19 Tenison Avenue, Cambridge. In 1921 they lived at Moulton Rectory, Newmarket. By 1939 Eric’s father had died and his mother lived at Elderslie, Chestnut Avenue.Eric was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps on 16 March 1940, service number 123339. He became a War Substantive Lieutenant and Temporary Captain on 20 August 1941 and, on 21 February 1944 he was promoted War Substantive Captain and Temporary Major. Eric died at Haifa, Palestine. 

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Hawke. Charles died on 15th of October 1914 at the age of 37.Charles was born at Newhaven, Sussex, on 16 April 1878, a son of Charles Robert and Mary Childs. In 1881 his family lived on the Coastguard Watch Vessel at Newhaven. By 1891 they were living at 3 King Street, Winterton, Norfolk. In 1901 the family home was at 54 Tennyson Road, Lowestoft, and, after 1911, they moved to 54 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft.Charles was working as a labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, as Boy 2nd Class, on 15 October 1894. He served until 8 May 1908. On 9 May 1908 he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve (RFR/CH/B/5085). However, he re-entered the Royal Navy on 25 March 1909. In 1912 he was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.Charles was drafted to H.M.S. Hawke on 4 February 1913. From August 1914 the Hawke was involved in blockade duties between the Shetland Isles and Norway. In October 1914 the Hawke's squadron was deployed further south to protect a troop convoy coming from Canada. On 15 October 1914 the Hawke was sunk by a single torpedo fired by the German submarine U-9. Charles was one of 524 men who died. 

A Private with H Battalion, Edward died on 25th of November 1917 at the age of 21. Edward was born at Kirkley in 1896, a son of Elizabeth Caroline Chilvers. In 1901 he lived with his mother, and grandmother Sarah Chilvers, at 462 London Road. By 1911 he was living with his mother, brother and sister, at 7 Lincoln’s Buildings, and Edward was an apprentice shipwright. Later his family lived at 6 Lincoln’s Buildings. In 1915 Edward’s mother married Thomas Swan and they lived at 10 Strand Street.  Edward volunteered and enlisted in the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, in 1914. He was given service number 1893 which indicates that he enlisted in the summer of 1914, and before the First World War began. He was mobilized when the war began, and he arrived in France with his battalion on 8 November 1914. At some point Edward was transferred from the Suffolk Regiment: he may have joined the Machine Gun Corps, part of which then became the Tank Corps, or he made have been transferred directly to the Tank Corps. He served with H Battalion.In early November 1917 H Battalion spent several days training practice attacks with elements of the 6th Division. On 10 November the battalion moved to Montenescourt and on 12 November worked with fascines attached to their tanks. On 14 November the battalion’s 40 tanks entrained and they arrived at Fins on 15 November. During 18 November the battalion’s tanks were overhauled in readiness for the forthcoming attack and on 19 November they moved into position in readiness for the attack at Cambrai.   The battalion’s front line tanks were to support the infantry advance on the Hindenburg Line, and support tanks were then to move up and be part of the advance beyond the initial objectives. During the attack on 20 November four of the tanks broke down, or were ditched, and four were knocked out. In the next few days the battalion lost another tanks ditched and five others knocked out. There is no record of when, where, or how, Edward was wounded, but it is most likely that he was wounded during the first days of the offensive at Cambrai. Edward is buried at the Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery and many of the burials at this cemetery are men who died at 21 or 48 Casualty Clearing Station, and it is possible that Edward died at one, or other, of these medical facilities.  Note: some sources give Edward's rank as Gunner. His rank in the Tank Corps would have been Private, but his role in his tank would have been as a gunner. 

A Sergeant with 1st Bn. Walter died on 24th of August 1914 at the age of 40. Walter was born at Kirkley in 1874, a son of Eliza Chilvers. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 18 March 1875. In 1881 his family lived at 25 Southwell Place, Lowestoft, and by 1891 at Elizabeth Cottage, Southwell Road, and Walter worked as a grocery storekeeper. Later his mother lived at 55 Southwell Road, Lowestoft.Walter enlisted in the Army at Norwich in 1896. He joined the Norfolk Regiment.  Walter cannot be traced in any U.K. records and this is possibly because he was serving in India with the Norfolk Regiment. We do know that he arrived in France with the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment, on 16 August 1914, and he served with A Company. On 24 August 1914 the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment and the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment were at Audregnies, near Mons. The British had little time to dig in when they were attacked by a large German force that outnumbered them by three to one. The Norfolk Regiment was given the order to retire and the Cheshire men covered their retreat, losing approximately 800 men in the holding action.  Walter was reported to be missing in action on 24 August 1914 and, March 1916, it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that date. In the intervening time his family had made several enquiries with the Red Cross to see if they had information about his whereabouts. 

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Gordon died on 8th of April 1941 aged 24. Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 13 April 1917, a son of Harold Hugh and Florence Sarah Chipperfield. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 24 January 1919 and his family lived at 125 Bevan Street. In 1921 Gordon lived with his grandparents, Frederick and Emma Chipperfield, at 125 Bevan Street. In 1939 Gordon was an electrical engineer and he lived at 50 Denmark Road with his grandmother Emma. Gordon joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 754641, to train as a pilot. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, number 87021, on 19 October 1940. Gordon was a Pilot/Navigator serving with 61 Squadron. He was a member of the crew of a Hampden 1 aircraft, AD 827, that flew from RAF Hemswell on a bombing raid to Keil. The aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed on the Postsee near Preetz. All of the crew were killed. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Gunner with 14th Heavy Artillery Group, Harry died on 12th of April 1917 at the age of 40. Harry was born at Oulton Broad on 15 December 1876, a son of Charles Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Chipperfield. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 10 June 1877. In 1881 his family lived at Mutford Bridge, Oulton. By 1891 they lived at 6 Beccles Road, Oulton, and Harry was a butcher’s assistant working with his father. In 1901 they lived at the Butcher’s Shop, Cambridge House, Bridge Road, Oulton. Harry’s father died in 1911 and later his mother moved to Streatham, London.On 18 November 1901 Harry married Agnes Elizabeth Childs at Antingham Parish Church. In 1911 they lived at 4 Broad View, Oulton Broad.Harry was working as a butcher’s manager when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 12 December 1915. He was called up on 20 September 1916 and joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 119890. Harry was posted to No 2 Depot, then the Heavy Depot, on 9 October 1916, and ‘B’ Siege Depot on 24 November 1916. He arrived in France on 9 February 1917 and joined the Fifth Army Pool on 25 February. Subsequently he was posted to the 14th Heavy Artillery Group. On 11 April 1917 the 14th Heavy Artillery Groups three batteries, 150 Siege, 214 Siege and 296 Siege, were all involved in providing a barrage to cover the attack on the Hindenburg Line, including Bullecourt and Riencourt. The group had 11 guns in action and fired 1,454 shells. During that day Harry was wounded receiving gunshot wounds to his legs, back and buttocks, and was admitted to 9 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died of wounds the next day.Harry’s personal effects, an identity disc, letters, religious book, linen bag, and a cap badge, were forwarded to Agnes and 10 French francs, which he had in his possession, was credited to his Army account.  

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Dewey, Charles died on 12th of August 1917 at the age of 26. Charles was born at Middleton, Suffolk, on 8 January 1891, a son of William and Mary Ann Church. In 1891 his family lived at The Moor, Middleton. By 1901 they were living ‘near Crossways’, Blundeston. By 1914 his family lived at Meadow Cottage, Oulton, and later his parents lived at Church Farm, Oulton Road Lowestoft. In 1911 Charles was a deck hand on the trawler Livonia at Paul, Cornwall. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 December 1914 and served with the drifter Dewey. On 12 August 1917 the Dewey was sailing in the English Channel. The drifter collided with S.S. Glenifer, near the Royal Sovereign Light Vessel (some sources state that the Dewey was ‘run down’) and sank with the loss of ten crew. Charles’ brother Edward served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Persistive, David died on 9th of February 1916 at the age of 57. David was born at Middleton, Suffolk, on 27 July 1858, a son of David and Susan Church (but note his Royal Naval Reserve service sheet gives his mother's name as Elizabeth). He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Westleton, on 9 May 1858. David's father died in 1870 and during the 1870s David began working at sea. In 1883 David married Elizabeth Vale (some sources give her first names as Hannah Elizabeth). In 1891 David was a member of the crew of the 'Helios', but in 1901 David and Elizabeth, and their children, lived at High Street, Wangford, and he worked as an agricultural labourer. By 1911 they were living at 9 Nelson Terrace, Pakefield, and David was a herring fisherman. David had been awarded his Certificate of Competency, as a Second Hand, on 29 June 1910.David joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and served on the Drifter Persistive. The Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. Seven of the crew were killed and the other was severely wounded. During the war Elizabeth lived at 12 Trevaigen, Dover, but afterwards returned to Lowestoft and lived at 22 Nelson Terrace, Pakefield.  

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, Edward died on 28th of February 1917 at the age of 21. Edward was born at Blundeston in 1896, a son of William and Mary Ann Church. In 1901 his family lived ‘near Crossways’, Blundeston. In 1911 they lived at Hall Lane, Lowestoft, and Edward was a farm labourer. By 1914 his family lived at Meadow Cottage, Oulton, and later his parents lived at Church Farm, Oulton Road Lowestoft.Edward enlisted in the Army at Ipswich. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2452, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France. On 26 February 1917 the 1/4th Battalion moved into trenches near Howitzer Wood. On 28 February trench mortars fired on D Company’s positions: one killed six men and another killing one man and wounding another. Edward was killed during these trench mortar attacks.The 1/4th battalion was renumbered in March 1917 and some of Edward’s records give his number as 200625.  Edward’s brother Charles served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.

A Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion, Edward died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 26. Edward was born at Kirkley in 1891, a son of George and Louisa Church. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Sayers Cottages, Carlton Road. In 1901 their address was 2 Aston Cottages, Carlton Road. In 1911 Edward worked, and lived, at Wheatacre House, Carlton Colville, where he was a domestic gardener. Edward was a brother of Flora Harriet Lennox, formerly Church, and Charles Church, of Myrtle Cottages, Barnby, Beccles, Suffolk.Edward volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13526. He was posted to eth 8th Battalion and arrived in France with the battalion on 25 July 1915. At some point he was transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 32046, and posted to the 1st Battalion. On 23 April 1917 the 1st Battalion attacked the German lines at La Coulotte, near Arras. By 5.15 a.m. the battalion had reached their first line German trench. About 7.55 a.m. the second wave had passed through the German second line and met with strong resistance including machine-gun fire from houses and a minenwerfer. Around 10 a.m. the advance was being held up on the right and a defensive flank had to be formed. A and C Companies had reached Water Tower Trench and Triangle, but were only around 100 strong and needed both reinforcements and ammunition. By 1.30 p.m. a retirement was ordered. Although the battalion captured several prisoners and machine-guns, this came at heavy cost with casualties amounting to eleven officers and 320 men.Edward was killed in action on 23 April.      Edward’s sole legatee was his sister Flora Harriet Lennox. Edward's brother Harry died in 1917 in the loss of H.M.S. Vanguard.Note: On Edward’s military records his middle name is given as Arthur, however, it may actually have been Herbert. 

A Skipper with Fishing Vessel S.D.J. (Lowestoft), Frank died on 11th of May 1947 aged 39.Frank was born at Lowestoft on 19 June 1907, a son of Alfred Charles and Scyllia Ann Church. In 1921 his family lived at 25 Norfolk Street. In 1937 Frank married Sophia Ann Reader Smith. By 1939 their home was at Fairview, 3 Higher Drive, and Frank was a fisherman. In 1947 Frank was the Skipper of 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 Cook with Steam Drifter W. A. Massey (Lowestoft), George died on 11th of March 1918 at the age of 17. George was born at Lowestoft on 1 October 1900, a son of George Arthur and Ellen Sarah Church. His family lived at 9 Clements Square. By 1911 their home was at 2 Saint Margaret's Plain. By 1914 their home was at Police Station Road and later Ellen lived at 50 Princes Road. On 11 March 1918 the trawler W.A. Massey, LT 1090, was sunk by a mine when fishing about five miles west of Craeg a Mhail, Handa Island, Scotland. The trawler Rose was fishing nearby and reported the loss. George's father, George Arthur, died in 1914 in the loss of the trawler Queen of Devon.

A Third Hand with Trawler Queen of Devon (Lowestoft), George died on 20th of December 1914 at the age of 40. George was born at Carlton Colville in 1874, a son of George and Harriet Church. In 1881 his family lived at Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. On 25 December 1899 George married Ellen Sarah Hammond at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. George was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. In 1900 they lived at 9 Clements Square. By 1911 their home was at 2 Saint Margaret's Plain and Ellen worked as a factory hand at a preserved provision factory. In 1911 George was the Third Hand on the trawler Successful at Padstow. By 1914 their home was at Police Station Road and later Ellen lived at 50 Princes Road. On Tuesday 15 December 1914 the Queen of Devon sailed from Lowestoft. On 20 December an explosion was heard around fifty-five miles east by north of Lowestoft and it was presumed that the Queen of Devon had struck a mine. See: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)George's son, George Harry, died in 1918 in the loss of the trawler W. A. Massey. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Vanguard, Harry died on 9th of July 1917 at the age of 29. Harry was born at Lowestoft on 27 January 1888, a son of George and Louisa Church. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Sayers Cottages, Carlton Road, Kirkley. By 1901 they were living at 2 Astons Cottages, Carlton Road, and Harry was an agricultural labourer. In 1911 Harry lived at 94 Beaconsfield Road, with his sister Eva Meadows and her husband Sidney, and Harry was a general labourer. Harry married Violet Elizabeth Daisy Prettyman in 1914, this was registered in the Mutford district. Their address was 9 Epsom Terrace, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft. In 1918 Violet married James Ogilvie, a Trimmer with the Royal Naval Reserve.  Harry was working as an excavator when he joined the Royal Navy on 30 May 1916 as a Stoker 2nd Class. He served on H.M.S. Gibraltar before joining H.M.S. Vanguard on 30 January 1917.  On 9 July 1917 H.M.S. Vanguard was moored at Scapa Flow. Late that day an internal explosion of cordite in the ship’s main magazine triggered other explosions and caused catastrophic damage destroying the ship, which sank immediately. Three men survived and another 843, including Harry, were killed.  Harry's brother Edward served with the Bedfordshire Regiment and died in 1917.

A Leading Radio Mechanic with H.M.S. Martin. Leslie died on 10th of November 1942 at the age of 21. Leslie was born at Lowestoft on 16 December 1920, a son of Ronald Bertie and Emily Elizabeth Clare. Leslie was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 4 January 1921 and his family lived at 12 Norwich Road. By 1939 his family were living at 4 Haward Street.Leslie was serving on board H.M.S. Martin when the ship was sunk, off Algiers, by a torpedo from submarine U-431. One hundred and twenty six of the crew died. 

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Edward died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 39. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 14 October 1876, a son of Abraham and Emily Clark. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 5 November 1876. In 1881 his family lived at Princes Road. In 1891 their address was 19 Princes Road. Later his parents lived at 15 Ipswich Road.On 10 January 1914 Edward married Ellen Maria Reynolds at Saint Margaret’s Church. Edward was a fisherman living at 63 Beccles Road and Ellen lived at 2 Corton Road. Later Ellen lived at 49 Reeve Street.Edward volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 3/10478. He was posted to the 8th Battalion and arrived in France, with the battalion, on 25 July 1915.On 1 July 1916 the 8th Battalion were involved in an assault on the German trenches north of Carnoy, and south-west of Montaubin. At 7.27 a.m. the first waves deployed form the trenches without loss. Mine Trench was reached and crossed almost with little opposition and without loss. C Company took 30 prisoners. Bund Support was reached and taken by 8 a.m. At this point the leading companies came under very heavy enfilade fire and suffered heavily. Men advanced to Pommier Trench but were then held up by machine gun fire and a strong point. By 3 p.m. B Company had taken The Loop and the assault companies advanced to take the Montaubin Alley line, the battalion’s final objective. In doing so C and D Companies took heavy casualties. At 6 p.m. consolidation work was undertaken and, from 8 p.m., there was a continuous bombardment on the battalion’s positions.Casualties during the attack were: Officers: two killed, one died of wounds, eight woundedOther ranks: 102 killed, 219 wounded, 13 missingEdward was among those killed in action on 1 July.  

A Private with 9th Bn., Henry died on 28th of September 1915 at the age of 20.Henry was born at Lowestoft on 30 January 1894, a son of William Thomas and Mary Emma Clark. Henry was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 7 March 1894, and his family lived at 65 Strand Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Strand Street, Lowestoft, and by 1911 they were living at 3 Nelson Road, Lowestoft, and Henry worked as a general cooper. Later his family lived at 124 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. Henry volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 9th Battalion. Henry 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 missingHenry was wounded during the battle. He was taken to 4 Field Ambulance, at Noeux-les-Mines, where he died of wounds.

An Able Seaman with the Royal Navy, William died on 18th of April 1919 at the age of 34.William was born at Lowestoft on 9 August 1884, a son of Charles and Ann Eliza Clark. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 29 August 1884. In 1891 his family lived at 13 Seago Street, Lowestoft, and, by 1901, had moved to 67 Bevan Street. William's father died and his mother married Samuel Welton in 1911. They lived at 3 Flensburgh Street, Lowestoft. William joined the Royal Navy on 29 January 1901. He was a career sailor and was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1917. He served on the cruiser H.M.S. Undaunted throughout World War One. William was discharged on 4 December 1918 due to heart problems and he died, at South Shields, on 18 April 1919.William married Margaret Brew, at South Shields, in 1917, and their home address was 20 Walpole Street, South Shields.   William is named on the War Memorial at Saint Margaret's Church. 

A Private with the 2/5th Battalion, William died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 25. William is believed to have been born at Northill, Bedfordshire, in 1891, a son of John and Clara Clark. In 1901 his family lived at Irwell Green, Northill, and by 1911 at Ickwell, Biggleswade, when William worked as a carter on a farm. William married Daisy Kate Sarbutt at Lowestoft Register Office on 16 February 1916 and they lived at 8 Sandringham Road. Later Daisy lived at 25 Sandringham Road. She died in 1918. William stated that he had served with the 5th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment for one year and four months before he joined the Army in March 1916. (It is possible that he had enlisted on 20 April 1911).William was living at 8 Sandringham Road and working as a gardener when he joined the Army at Bury St. Edmunds on 14 March 1916. He joined the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) on 17 March 1916, service number 5120, and was posted to the 5th (Reserve) Battalion. He was posted to the 1/5th Battalion on 29 February 1917 and arrived in France on 1 March 1917. In March 1917 he was renumbered 202701. On 14 March 1917 William was admitted to 30 General Hospital, Calais, with a fever. He was then treated at 35 General Hospital. On 27 March 1917 he was admitted to 14 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, suspected as having diphtheria and severe measles. He was invalided to England on 28 April 1917. On 15 May 1917 he joined the Command Depot at Ripon and, on 7 July 1917, joined the 5th (Reserve) Battalion. On 27 July 1917 he was posted to the 1/5th Battalion and returned to France. On 17 August 1917 he joined the 2/5th Battalion and served with D Company. On 26 September 1917 the 2/5th Battalion were to attack, and capture, Otto Farm, near Langemarck. D Company detailed one platoon to mop up for B and C Companies and the rest were to provide immediate support for the attacking companies. There was a heavy enemy barrage which caused many casualties in A and D Companies. Although they managed to reach, and take, the farm, it could not be held. One officer and sixty-seven men of the Battalion, including William, were killed. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Trawler New Comet, Arthur died on 20th of January 1917 at the age of 38. Arthur was born at Pakefield, Lowestoft on 28 September 1878, a son of Frederick and Mary Clarke. He was baptised at All Saints' Church, Pakefield, on 19 September 1880 and his family lived at Pakefield. In 1881 their home was at 2 Squires Cottages, Carlton Road, Pakefield. In 1891 their address was 2 Carlton Road, Pakefield. On 12 November 1899 Arthur married Mary Elizabeth Tucker at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Arthur was a smacksman and they both lived at 9 Seago Street. In 1901 they lived at 88 High Street, Lowestoft. Arthur was awarded his certificate of competency in 1901. By 1911 Arthur and Mary were living at 12 Mabel Hall, Milford Haven, and Arthur was a Master Mariner. In 1914 their address was 1 Mabel Hall. By January 1917 their home was at 27 Till Road, Lowestoft, and later Mary lived at 3 Avondale Road, Lowestoft. Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 August 1914. He served with the trawler Gwenllian until 14 July 1916, when he joined the Spare (sic). On 23 September 1916 he joined the New Comet. The New Comet was sunk by a mined off Orfordness.

A Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel Encourage (Shoreham), Arthur died on 25th of October 1940 at the age of 55.Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 9 December 1885, a son of Robert King and Mary Ann Clarke. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 21 February 1886 and his family lived at 51 Bevan Street. In 1891 his family lived at 12 Grosvenor Road, Kirkley. By 1901 they were living at 17 Beckham Road and Arthur was a saw mill hand. In 1911 they were living at 18 Maidstone Road and Arthur was a wood sawyer at a joinery.  In 1937 Arthur married Emily May Saunders, formerly Martin, at Lowestoft. In 1939 their home was at 7 Union Road, Lowestoft. In 1940 Arthur was working as a Deck Hand on the fishing vessel Encourage. On 25 October 1940, just off Breakwater Fort, Plymouth, the Encourage struck a mine and sank. Arthur's brother Benjamin, and sister-in-law, Mabel, were killed in an air raid in 1941.

A Civilian, Benjamin died on 22nd of July 1941 at the age of 60. Benjamin was born at Lowestoft on 22 June 1881, a son of Robert King and Mary Ann Clarke. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 August 1881. In 1885 his family lived at 51 Bevan Street and in 1891 they lived at 12 Grosvenor Road, Kirkley. By 1901 they were living at 17 Beckham Road and Benjamin was a sawyer.On 24 April 1905 Benjamin married Mabel Emily King at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Benjamin was a carpenter living at 17 Beckham Road, and Mabel lived at 16 Old Nelson Street. By 1911 they were living at 24 Saint Leonard's Road, Lowestoft, and Benjamin worked as a case maker (tin?) for C. and E. Morton, Limited. Benjamin served with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment and then became a long serving member of the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment (Territorial Force) and was awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal. He was mobilized on 5 August 1914 and discharged, medically unfit, on 3 December 1914.In 1921 Benjamin and Mabel lived at 24 Saint Leonard's Road and Benjamin worked as a carpenter's labourer for Mr. Church, Contractor, of South Lowestoft, and Benjamin worked on the Beccles Road Housing Scheme. In 1939 Benjamin and Mabel were still living at 24 Saint Leonard's Road and Benjamin worked as a bricklayer's labourer and was also a Special Constable.Benjamin and Mabel were killed, at their home, 24 Saint Leonard's Road, during an air raid. Benjamin's brother Arthur died in 1940 with the loss of the fishing vessel Encourage. 

A Civilian, Bertie died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 48. Died at 100 Rotterdam Road.Bertie was born at Aylsham on 8 October 1891, a son of John William and Mary Ann Clarke. He was baptised at Aylsham on 6 December 1891. In 1891 his family lived at The Gas Works, Aylsham. By 1901 Bertie’s mother had died and the family had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 4 Laundry Lane. Bertie attended Saint John’s Infant School before, from 5 February 1900, becoming a pupil at Saint John’s School. By 1911 they were living at 2 Eden Street, Lowestoft, and Bertie was a herring fisherman. In 1915 Bertie lived at 34 Essex Road. Bertie joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 9 January 1915. He served on the trawlers Strathilla, until September 1918; the Herring Gull, until May 1919; the Gunner, until July 1920, and then the Afterglow. He was discharged and demobilised on 2 February 1920.  In 1918 Bertie was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Hand. On 26 December 1918 Bertie married Rose Chapman at Saint Margaret’s Church. They both gave their address as 63 Oxford Road. In 1921 they lived at 23 Payne Street and Bertie was a trawler fisherman working for Mr. S. Ling of Lowestoft. By 1939 they were living at 100 Rotterdam Road and Bertie was a general labourer. Bertie and Rose, their children, and several neighbours were killed in an air raid when a bomb hit the air raid shelter, at 100 Rotterdam Road, where they were taking cover.  Bertie’s brother Ernest died in the loss of the trawler Ivy in 1914.  Note: Bertie’s first name was Bertie, not Bert, as given in some sources. 

An Engineman with H.M.S. Pembroke, Charles died on 3rd of September 1917 at the age of 29. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 1 June 1888, a son of William Joseph and Jane Ethel Clarke. In 1891 his family lived at Cooper’s Cottages, The Hemplands, and by 1901 at Mill House, Church Road. Later his parents lived at 32 Ipswich Road.In 1911 Charles was an engineer and fish packer on the trawler John and Sarah, LT 289, at Penzance. By July 1915 he was living at 115 Cambridge Road. On 23 September 1916 Charles married Clara Agnes Fletcher at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Charles was an engineer living at 15 Cambridge Road, and Clara lived at 75 Beccles Road. Later Clara lived at 84 Queens Road. On 12 July 1915 Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve. He served on the Placeo, a requisitioned Lowestoft trawler, LT 553, used as a net vessel. On 31 July 1917 he was drafted to H.M.S. Pembroke.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 Charles 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, including Charles, were killed or wounded. Ninety-eight of the men were buried at Gillingham.Charles was buried at Lowestoft on Saturday 8 September, and the service was conducted by The Reverend E. A. Bennett, superintendent Wesleyan Methodist minister. A memorial service was held at the Wesleyan Church, High Street, on the evening of 9 September.   

A Gunner with 145th Siege Battery. Charles died on 4th of June 1917.Charles was born at Stradbroke, Suffolk, in 1897, a son of Edgar and Caroline Clarke. In 1901 his family lived at Church Lane, Stradbroke. In 1911 they lived at Chapel Cottages, Stradbroke, and Charles was an errand boy.Charles' brother George Clarke lived at 21 Lothing Street, Oulton Broad Lowestoft.Charles was working as a bricklayer's labourer when he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery, at Eye, Suffolk, on 22 February 1916. He arrived in France on 21 August 1916 with 145 Siege Battery. In March 1917 he was hospitalised with pleurisy, but returned to duty. We do not know when, or how, he was wounded, but Charles died from wounds at 9th Australian Casualty Clearing Station. His personal effects, two picture postcards, twelve photographs and his New Testament, were sent to his father. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Clement died on 9th of April 1918 at the age of 22. Clement Wilfred, who was later better known as Wilfred, was born at Pakefield on 1 November 1896, a son of Frederick and Alice Fanny Clarke. He was baptised at All Saints' Church, Pakefield, on 13 December 1896. In 1901 his family lived at Carlton Road, Pakefield, close to All Saints' Church, and in 1911 their address was still at Carleton Road. After the war his parents lived at Hammond's Cottages, Pakefield. Clement attended Cunningham's Infant School, Pakefield, from 22 August 1900 to 26 October 1910.  Clement enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment and served, initially, with the 4th Battalion and he had service number 4346. Subsequently he served overseas with the 9th Battalion, service number 43871, and then with the 11th Battalion.For reasons unknown his medal roll and medal index card entries state that his first name was Alfred. On 5 April 1918 the 11th Battalion occupied billets at Erquinghem, France. The Germans began bombing Erquignhem on 9 April and the battalion immediately moved into front line trenches in anticipation of an attack which came from the direction of Fleurbaux, but was driven back. A second attack from the Feurbaix area took place on 10 April and later that day the battalion were ordered to withdraw to north of the River Lys. A further withdrawal on the 11th was hampered by sniper and machine-gun fire but the battalion reached the Armentieres-Bailleul railway. On the 12th the battalion moved into attack formation about one mile south-east of Bailleul and late in the morning became involved in the fighting. The next day there was a heavy artillery bombardment and the enemy attacked in force from Outerstern and the battalion had to fall back. During the 14th the battalion took up positions near Bailleul railway station and late in the day they were relieved and marched to Meulehook. On the 15th due to enemy advances they were again in the front line. The next day they were patrolling and digging in. During the 17th there was heavy shelling and attempts by the enemy to advance. The battalion were relieved at 2 a.m. on April 18. What precisely happened to Clement is not known. He was reported missing at some point between 9 April and 19 April 1918 and was later presumed to have been killed in action between those dates. The battalion’s casualties between 9 and 19 April were:Officers: four killed; four died of wounds; five missing, ten woundedOther ranks: 39 killed; three died of wounds; 272 missing; 157 wounded

A Lance Sergeant with H.M.S. Proserpine, Edward died on 6th of December 1944 aged 40. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 28 April 1904, a son of Arthur Edward and Harriet Jane Clarke. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 20 May 1904 and his family lived at Edward House, Stanford Street. In 1911 his family lived at Stanford House, 47 Stanford Street.In 1926 Edward worked as an Assistant Steward with the Merchant Navy on S.S. Orvieto. On 21 July 1934 Edward married Nora Chillistone at Saint John’s Church. Edward was a builder and contractor living at 86 Clapham Road and Nora lived at 76 Tonning Street. By 1939 they were living at Gordon House, 1 Gordon Road, and Edward was a jobbing builder and a War Reserve Constable with East Suffolk Constabulary. In 1944 their home was at 73 Chestnut Avenue. Edward served with H.M.S. Prosperine, the Royal Navy Base at Scapa Flow. Edward’s name is not found in the Royal Navy War Graves register and his death was registered in the Lothingland district, which suggests that he had been discharged before he died. Edward was buried at Lowestoft (Normanston Drive) Cemetery on 9 December 1944. 

A Mate with Sailing Trawler Boy Percy (Lowestoft). Edward died on 13th of May 1916 at the age of 35. Edward was born at Gillingham in 1880, a son of Charles and Esther Clarke. In 1881 his family lived at Gillingham and by 1891 they were living at Flixton Road, Blundeston. By 1901 they were living at 34 Stevens Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911. On 7 January 1904 Edward married Edith Emma Thompson at All Saints' Church, Pakefield. Edward was a fisherman living at Lowestoft and Edith lived at Pakefield. By 1911 their home was at 54 Wilson Road, Kirkley. Later Edith lived at 3 Black Street, and in 1921 at 31 Carlton Road, Pakefield. Edward was the Mate on the trawler Boy Percy. On 13 May 1916 the sailing trawler Boy Percy, LT 90, sailed from Lowestoft for the fishing grounds. Jan Letten’s website, wrecksite.eu, suggests that the Boy Percy, along with the trawler Boy Sam, were scuttled off Southwold on 17 May 1916. This seems to be based on a report from the German Navy which indicates that the Boy Percy was stopped by submarine UB-29, the crew forced to take to lifeboats and the trawler sunk. The Boy Percy had been due back at Lowestoft on 21/22 May and whatever actually happened none of the crew were seen again.  Edward's brother Walter was lost in 1920 with the trawler Derwent.

A Private with 101 Company, Labour Corps, Ernest died on 17th of May 1918 at the age of 31 years.Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 24 July 1887, a son of Robert and Eliza Clarke. In 1890 his family lived at 16 Oxford Road, and in 1891 at 6 Jacob’s Street. Ernest attended Saint Andrews School and then, from 3 February 1896, he became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. It seems that Ernest’s mother died in 1898 and his father in 1899. Ernest has not been traced in the 1901 or 1911 Census, but in 1911 he may have been lodging at 19 Mariners Street and working as a wood hawker. On 24 January 1916 Ernest married Beatrice Ellen Rix and Saint Margaret’s Church. Ernest was a butcher living at 3 Factory Street and Beatrice lived at 46 Crown Street. Ernest was the son-in-law of William and Eliza Rix of Virginia Cottage, Blundeston. Ernest was called up on 14 March 1916 and joined the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He was posted to the 33rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers on 17 March, service number 17358. On 28 March he was transferred to the Depot of the Royal Berkshire Regiment and on 30 March he joined the 12th Battalion the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, service number 25930. Next, he was transferred back to the Royal Fusiliers, on 10 April, and posted to the 34th Labour Battalion, with service number 31106. He arrived in France on 16 May 1916. On 14 May 1917 the 34th Battalion Royal Fusiliers became 101 Company Labour Corps, and Ernest was given service number 60096. Because of this change some records will state he served with the Royal Fusiliers, others will state Labour Corps. Ernest was granted leave to England from 24 May to 3 June 1917. On 14 May 1918 the 101st Company were making and repairing road when the Germans launched a gas attack and Edward would have received gas/shell wounds. He was evacuated to Rouen where he died. The gas attack on 14 May resulted in the greatest loss of life to any Labour Corps unit in the whole of the First World War.  Ernst was gassed on 14 May and admitted to the 1st Australian General Hospital, Rouen, that same day. He died there, from the effects of gas poisoning, on 17 May 1918. His wife Beatrice died on 1 June 1918. In a letter to the War Department Beatrice’s mother wrote that Beatrice was ill when she heard of Ernest’s death and ‘the shock was too much for her.’Ernest’s personal effects, a belt; mirror; wrist watch and strap; metal ring; purse and two photos; were sent to his mother-in-law Eliza Rix. 

A Deck Hand with Trawler Ivy (Lowestoft), Arthur died on 17th of December 1914 at the age of 30. Ernest was born at Aylsham, Norfolk, in 1884, a son of John William and Mary Ann Clarke. He was baptised at Aylsham on 1 January 1885. In 1891 his family lived at The Gas Works, Aylsham. By 1901 Ernest's mother had died and the family had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 4 laundry Lane. In 1911 they were living at 2 Eden Street, Lowestoft, and Ernest was a fisherman. Ernest served as Deck Hand on the Ivy. An eye-witness, the Skipper of the trawler Sis, saw the Ivy about 52 miles east by north of Lowestoft when an explosion was heard and the smack was enveloped in smoke. The Sis sailed to the spot, but no wreckage was found, nor any sign of the five crew. It was supposed that the Ivy had struck a mine. Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)Ernest's brother Bertie, and his family, were all killed in an air raid in 1941. 

A Flying Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Fernley died on 26th of April 1945 aged 21. Fernley was born at Lowestoft in 1923, a son of John Thomas and Mildred May Clarke. By 1945 his family were living at 141 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad.Fernley enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 1339106. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on 31 August 1943 and then as a Flying Officer, on probation, on 29 February 1944 and he was confirmed in that rank on 29 May 1944. By April 1945 Fernley was a Pilot with 45 (Atlantic Ferry) Group, based at Dorval, Canada. On 26 April 1945 Fernley was flying in a Mosquito XXVI aircraft, number KA153, on a ferry flight to the U.K. The aircraft stalled and crashed during a single engine approach to R.A.F. Reykjavik. The other member of crew was also killed.See Accident de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito FB Mk 26 KA153, 26 Apr 1945 (aviation-safety.net)WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 1/6th Battalion, Frederick died on 28th of August 1917 at the age of 19. Frederick was born at Pakefield on 11 May 1898, a son of George and Annie Maria Clarke. In 1901 his family lived at Cole’s Farm, Carlton Colville. Frederick attended Cunningham School from 9 February 1903 and his family lived at Kessingland Road. By 1911 they were living at 14 Coronation Terrace, Fir Lane.Frederick enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 32168. He was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 29187, and posted to France to join the 1/6th Battalion. On 26 August 1917 the 1/6th Battalion moved into positions to the north and south of the St. Julian – Winnipeg Road, near Ypres, Belgium. At 1.55 p.m. on 27 August they began an attack with the enemy positions at Winnipeg Farm and the nearby cemetery as their objectives. An advance was made impossible due to the state of the ground and enemy machine-guns and snipers in concrete emplacements.The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: three killed, three woundedOther ranks: 25 killed, 120 wounded, 14 missingFrederick was reported missing and later presumed to have been killed in action on or since 28 August. In fact, this date is the date the battalion were relieved, and no casualties were recorded, hence it is most likely that Frederick had been killed in the attack on 27 August, but the fact that he was missing was not officially recorded until 28 August.    

A Private with the 18th Battalion, Fred died on 24th of September 1918 at the aged 40. Frederick, often known as Fred, was born at Lowestoft on 3 July 1878, a son of Charles and Charlotte (Lottie) Clarke. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 6 October 1878. In 1881 his family lived at 22 Saint Peter’s Street and in 1891 they lived at 309 Raglan Street, and in 1901 at 7 Jacob’s Street, and Fred was a housepainter.  In 1901 he married Matilda Maud Garner: this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1911 they were living at Primitive Methodist Cottages, Saint Peter’s Street. In 1912 they lived at number 3 and later at number 2.  Fred enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Middlesex Regiment and was posted to France to served with the 16th Battalion. Fred was serving with D Company when he was wounded at Arras on 30 May 1917, receiving a gunshot wound to his left arm. He was treated at 19 Casualty Clearing Station before, on 1 June, being admitted to 18 General Hospital. On 6 June he was discharged to 6 Convalescence Depot. It is not clear when Fred joined the 18th Battalion: this may have been once he had recovered from his wound or in February 1918 when the 16th Battalion was disbanded. On 24 September 1918 the 18th Battalion were at Heudicourt. In the morning, they were subject to hostile enemy shelling, both high explosive and gas. During the day Fred was killed in action. 

A Private with 11th Battalion, Henry died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 35. Son of Elizabeth Ruth (Lily) Trudgill (formerly Clarke) and the late Henry William Clarke.Henry's father died when Henry was quite young and his mother married Edwin Trudgill in 1887. In 1891 the family lived at 80 Mills Road (off Saint Peter's Street), Lowestoft, and by 1901 they lived at Ivy House, Beccles Road. The 1901 Census shows Henry living at 2 Compass Street and working as a house painter apprentice. Henry married Elizabeth Eliza Dale at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 19 August 1905. His address was Ivy House, Beccles Road, and he worked as a painter. By 1911 they were living at 94 Beccles Road, Lowestoft. Henry served with the Suffolk Regiment. Initially he was with a cyclist battalion, service number 2130, and later he was posted to France and given the service number 43441. The medals rolls show Henry served with the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, but the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects, Soldiers Died in the Great War and Commonwealth War Graves records all show that he was serving with the 11th Battalion when he died. On 26 April 1917 the 11th Battalion were at the railway cutting south-west of Fampoux. On 27 April they received orders to prepare for an attack on Rouex the next morning. By 3 a.m. on the 28th they were in position and at 4.25 a.m. a barrage commenced with the battalion beginning the attack at 4.27 a.m. By 5 a.m. the attack was both held up and driven back by heavy machine-gun fire from a trench that had been missed by the preliminary barrage. About half of the battalion had returned to the front line trench and at 9.45 a.m. the Germans made a counter-attack from the direction of Rouex and were able to capture Mount Pleasant Wood and a communication trench called Ceylon Trench. The battalion held the front line and by 10 a.m. had recaptured Ceylon Trench and Mount Pleasant Wood. Next the battalion were moved into support line trenches while the British heavy artillery laid down a bombardment on the Chemical Works at Rouex. Late in the day the battalion returned to the front line trenches.  Henry was killed in action on 28 April. 

A Civilian, Jack died on 9th of April 1941 aged 18. Jack was born at Lowestoft on 1 September 1922, a son of Bertie Frederick and Rose Clarke. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 22 September 1922 and his family lived at 23 Payne Street. By 1939 they were living at 100 Rotterdam Road and Jack worked at a factory making tinned rations.Jack, his parents, two of his brothers, and several neighbours were killed in an air raid when a bomb hit the air raid shelter, at 100 Rotterdam Road, where they were taking cover.  

A Rifleman with 16th Battalion, Joseph died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 25.Joseph was born at Wingrave, Aylesbury, in 1893, a son of George and Sarah Clarke. In 1901 his family lived at 8 Winslow Road, Wingrave. By 1911 his family were living at 1 Winslow Road and Joseph worked as a bricklayer's labourer. Later his parents lived at 67 Ravenstone Road, Hendon, London.Joseph married Violet Nettie Saggers at Lowestoft in 1917. Violet lived at 4 Freemantle Road, Lowestoft. Violet remarried in 1920. Joseph enlisted in the Army at London and he served initially with the Army Service Corps, number SS/6121. Later he was transferred to the Rifle Brigade and served with the 16th Battalion.On 11 March 1918 the 16th Battalion relieved the 17th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps at Heudicourt. Between 11 and 20 March they were employed diffing trenches, between Revelon and Pozieres (Peziere) and placing barbed wire entanglements in front of them. From 4.30 a.m. on 21 March the battalion’s positions were subjected to a violent bombardment, with high explosive, shrapnel and gas shells. During the night they moved to trenches east of Saulcourt and were again heavily shelled. On 22 March they were ordered to hold position and cover the retirement of the division that was in front of them. At 3 p.m. it was certain that they were practically surrounded and at 4.30 p.m. they were subject to another heavy bombardment that inflicted many casualties. At 5 p.m. the enemy attacked form the north, south and east, and the battalion were allowed to retire to north-west of Tincourt Wood. By now they mustered just 54 men, but some of the men were ‘stragglers’ and disconnected from the core of the battalion. For the next eight days the battalion were constantly engaged in fighting rearguard actions. Between 21 and 30 March the battalion’s casualties were:Officers: two killed, one died of wounds, seven missing, 14 woundedOther ranks: 12 killed, 141 wounded, 293 missingJoseph was among those reported missing, and his death was accepted to have taken place at some point between 21 March and 30 March 1918. 

A Civilian, Mabel died on 22nd of July 1941 at the age of 62. Mabel was born at Lowestoft in 1879, a daughter of David and Susannah King. In 1881 her family lived at North Raglan Street and in 1891 their address was 314 Raglan Street. In 1901 Mabel worked as a kitchen maid for the Gunn family at Helen Holme, Holland Road, Clacton. On 24 April 1905 Mabel married Benjamin Thomas Clarke at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Mabel lived at 16 Old Nelson Street and Benjamin was a carpenter living at 17 Beckham Road. By 1911 they were living at 24 Saint Leonard's Road, Lowestoft. In 1921 Mabel and Benjamin lived at 24 Saint Leonard's Road. In 1939 Mabel and Benjamin were still living at 24 Saint Leonard's Road and Benjamin worked as a bricklayer's labourer and was also a Special Constable.Mabel and Benjamin were killed, at their home, 24 Saint Leonard's Road, during an air raid. 

A Private with 648 Mechanical Transport Company, Maurice died on 19th of January 1918 at the age of 29. Maurice was born at Walton, Suffolk, in 1889, a son of Thomas and Caroline Clarke. In 1891 his family lived at High Street, Walton. By 1901 they were living at the Old Market, Kessingland. In 1911 they lived at High Street, Kessingland, and Maurice worked with his father as a cycle and motor engineer. Maurice enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number DM2/209838.On 25 October 1916 Maurice married Hilda May Utting at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland. Maurice was a motor mechanic with the Army Service Corps, and Hilda lived at Kessingland. Later Hilda lived at Beaconsfield Place, Kessingland Beach, and then at 2 Lerwick Villas, Kessingland Beach. She married William Boddy in 1922. At some point Maurice was posted to 648 Mechanical Transport Company in East Africa. During the war around 4,000 men served with the Army Service Corps in East Africa and around 50% of these became casualties because of tropical disease, particularly malaria. Maurice died, at 2nd South African General Hospital, Dar es Salaam from dysentery and mumps contracted on active service. 

A First Mate with S.S. Strathcona (Hamilton, Ontario), Robert died on 13th of April 1917 at the age of 55. Robert was born at Lowestoft on 8 February 1862, a son of James Albert and Eliza Clarke. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 1 May 1870. In 1871 his family lived at Wilde’s Score. Later Robert’s mother lived at Bemment’s Buildings, Saint Peter’s Street, and subsequently at 37 Albert Street. From 1877 to 1887 Robert served in the Merchant Service. He served as a seaman on the Advance (Lowestoft), the Marchioness of Londonderry (Faversham), the Phane (Lowestoft), the Skimmer of the Sea (Lowestoft), and the Northumberland (Middlesbrough), the Eureka (Cardiff), the Mazeppa (London), the Sunlight (Hartlepool), the Tyne (Newcastle), the United Service (London), the Dunholme (Hartlepool), the Monte Rose (South Shields), the Hilda (Hartlepool), and the Alice (Middlesbrough).  Robert gave his address as the Engineer’s and Nautical School, West Hartlepool, when he applied for his certificate of competency as a Second Mate in the Merchant Service. On 4 April 1887 he was awarded the certificate, for fore and aft rigged vessels only.  In 1888 he lived at 45A Rutland Street, Middlesbrough, with Phebe Stone and her daughter Ada Phoebe, who both came from Pakefield. In 1887-1888 he served as Second Mate on the Hatfield (Hartlepool). On 21 December 1888 Robert was awarded his certificate of competency as a Mate in the Merchant Service, fore and aft rigged vessels. From 1888 to 1891 he served as Second Mate on the Dalheattie (Hartlepool), the Bishopgate (London), and the Aldergate (London)Robert was awarded his certificate of competency as a Master in the Merchant Service on 9 January 1892 and his address was 11 Bevois Street, Southampton.In 1896 Robert married Ada Pheobe Stone at Middlesbrough. By 1911 their home was 37 Warwick Street, Middlesbrough.In 1901 Robert was the Mate on the Allerwash at Dover. In 1911 he was the Master of the Lord Londonderry at Thurrock, Essex. By 1917 Robert was the First Mate on the S.S. Strathcona. On 13 April 1917 the Strathcona was taking a cargo of coal from the Tyne to Marseille when the ship was sunk by a torpedo fired by submarine U-78. Nine crew, including Robert, were lost.  

A Civilian, Ronald died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 15. Ronald was born at Lowestoft on 22 December September 1925, a son of Bertie Frederick and Rose Clarke. By 1939 his family were living at 100 Rotterdam Road.Ronald, his parents, two of his brothers, and several neighbours were killed in an air raid when a bomb hit the air raid shelter, at 100 Rotterdam Road, where they were taking cover.  

A Civilian, Rose died on 9th of April 1941 aged 46. Rose was born at Lowestoft on 8 October 1894, a daughter of Charles Henry and Isabelle Chapman. In 1901 they lived at 15 Scarle’s Buildings, Whapload Road, and this was still their home in 1911 when Rose worked as a net mender.On 26 December 1918 Rose married Bertie Clarke at Saint Margaret’s Church. They both gave their address as 63 Oxford Road. In 1921 they lived at 23 Payne Street and Bertie was a trawler fisherman. By 1939 they were living at 100 Rotterdam Road and Bertie was a general labourer. Rose and Bertie, their children, and several neighbours were killed in an air raid when a bomb hit the air raid shelter, at 100 Rotterdam Road, where they were taking cover.  

A Civilian, Roy died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 16. Ronald was born at Lowestoft on 21 July 1924, a son of Bertie Frederick and Rose Clarke. By 1939 his family were living at 100 Rotterdam Road and Roy was an errand boy.Roy, his parents, two of his brothers, and several neighbours were killed in an air raid when a bomb hit the air raid shelter, at 100 Rotterdam Road, where they were taking cover.  

A Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion, Thomas died on 25th of February 1917 at the age of 38. Thomas was born at Bungay in 1879, a son of George and Catherine (Kate) Clarke. In 1891 his family lived at Saint Mary’s Terrace, Flixton Road, Bungay. By 1900 they were living at 3 Windsor Terrace, Bungay, and Thomas worked as a labourer. Thomas served with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment before enlisting in the regular army, for short service, at Norwich on 6 April 1900. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 3377. He served in the Boer War and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal. Thomas was discharged on 23 May 1901. In 1905 Thomas married Catherine Mary Norman. In 1910 they lived at 299 Raglan Street and Thomas was a carter. In 1911 they were living at Chamberlain’s Cottage, Carlton Colville, and Thomas was a general labourer. Later Catherine lived at 2 Bank Court, Saint Peter's Street, and, subsequently, at High Street, Lowestoft. In 1921 Catherine married James Ames. Thomas volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3/10311. He went to France, to join the 1st Battalion, on 15 Jun 1915, and was with the Battalion when they moved to Salonika, via Egypt, in October 1915. Thomas died, at 85 Field Ambulance, Macedonia, of pneumonia contracted on active service. 

A Mate with Steam Trawler Derwent (Boston). Walter died on 26th of January 1920 at the age of 28. Walter was born at Flixton on 6 June 1891, a son of Charles and Esther Clarke. In 1881 his family had lived at Gillingham and by 1891 they were living at Flixton Road, Blundeston. By 1901 they were living at 34 Stevens Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911. In 1911 Walter was the Fourth Hand on the trawler Advance at Haking and Milford, Pembrokeshire. Later he lived at 87 Maidstone Road, Lowestoft. On 26 January 1920 the trawler Derwent sailed from Lowestoft. The vessel was never seen again and was presumed to have struck a mine. All nine of the crew were lost.Walter's brother was lost in 1916 with the trawler Boy Percy.

A First Hand with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), William died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 29. William was born at Lowestoft on 4 July 1884, a son of George Robert and Alice Clarke. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 30 July 1884 and his family lived at Coleman Square. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Wesleyan Chapel Lane, and by 1901 at Princes Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 his family were living at 11 Scarle's Buildings, Whapload Road. William married Edith Tomlinson, at Lowestoft, in 1912. After William's death Edith remarried and she lived at 19 Stamford Street, Lowestoft.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 Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Ronald died on 12th of May 1940 aged 24. Ronald was born at Lowestoft on 4 June 1915, a son of Thomas and Jessie Claxton. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 22 June 1915 and his family lived at 17 Avondale Road and this was still their home in 1921. By 1939 they were living at 42 Rotterdam Road.  Ronald was a Pilot with 55 Squadron. He was flying a Blenheim I aircraft, L8386, on a night exercise training flight when the aircraft flew into high ground sixty miles east of Ismailia, Egypt. There was one survivor. CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Sapper with 250 Tunnelling Company, Thomas died on 4th of October 1917 at the age of 34. Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 12 July 1883, a son of Robert Crane and Elizabeth Claxton. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 2 September 1883. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Wide’s Score. By 1901 they were living at 121 Wollaston Road and Thomas was a coal dealer, probably working with his father. On 5 July 1908 Thomas married Alice Maud Davis at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Thomas was a seaman living at 121 Wollaston Road, and Alice lived at 28 Kent Road. In 1911 they lived at 22 Avondale Road and by August 1914 at Exhibition Stores, 87 High Street. Later Alice lived at 3 Mizpah Cottages, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.Before the First World War Thomas had served for five years with the Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers.Thomas was a licensed victualler when he enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 29 August 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3/9504. He was posted to the 3rd Battalion on 2 September 1914, and he arrived in France on 10 October 1914 and joined the 2nd Battalion on 5 November. On 15 September 1915 Thomas received a gunshot wound to his hand and was admitted to 52 Field Ambulance On 9 April 1916 Thomas volunteered to be transferred to the Royal Engineers, service number 156345. He stated, in his application, that his trade was ‘excavator’. He was re-mustered as a tunneller, on 23 June 1916, and joined 250th Tunnelling Company. Thomas was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 3 December 1916. In late 1916 250 Tunnelling Company began excavating the tunnel that was detonated during the Battle of Messines, in June 1917, and is known as the Lone Pine, or Spanbroekmolen, Crater. On 22 September 1917, 250 Tunnelling Company were based near Zillebeke. The company war diary gives no details of what happened on that date, but Second Lieutenant Stephens and two men were killed and nine others, including Thomas, wounded. Thomas received a gunshot wound to his back and a compound fracture of his left femur. He was admitted to (No 7?) Canadian General Hospital, Etaples, where he died from his wounds. Thomas’ brother in law, Leonard Mummery, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org 

A Cook with Fishing Vessel Boy Jack (Lowestoft), Thomas died on 26th of July 1918 at the age of 16. Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1902, a son of Thomas and Jessie Claxton. In 1911 his family lived at 31 Kent Road. Later his parents lived at 17 Avondale Road. In 1918 Thomas was the Cook on the trawler Boy Jack. The following report, from The Illustrated Police News, 1 August 1918, page 2 (with additional details from the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 29 July 1918, page 1), gives an account of what happened to the Boy Jack.U BOAT MURDERERSCAPTURED CREWS LEFT TO DROWN That the U boat murderers are outcasts from civilisation is proved again by their deliberate drowning of Lowestoft fishermen on Friday. After looting and sinking two smacks the Huns destroyed the small boats carried by them, took the lifebelts, and took the crews of the smacks aboard the submarine, there they were kept on deck, crowded forward of the conning tower, until the vessel dived suddenly and left them struggling helplessly in the sea. Every circumstance points to this dastardly crime having been premeditated. It was carried through in a spirit of callous levity that accentuated its cold-bloodied brutality. The victims were Thomas Croucher (mate), Frederick Simons  (fourth hand), and Thomas Claxton (cook), of the Boy Jack, of Lowestoft, and Frank Pieters, junior, a Belgian, the 22 year old son of the skipper of the God’s Good Night, a smack owned in Ostend.Harry Howe (skipper) and George Underdown (fourth hand), in describing their experiences with the U boat said:-‘The submarine began by machine-gunning our vessel, the Boy Jack. She came alongside and called us to go to her in our boat. We did so. All of us climbed aboard the U-boat except our skipper, who went back in the boat to the Boy Jack with two Germans. They looted our smack of all food, clothing, rope, buckets, and lifebelts. From our catch they picked out fish and took all into the submarine.   The Germans seemed to be ravenously hungry. While overhauling our vessel they came upon some packets of biscuits. Promptly they tore open these and began eating the contents. They continued ‘scoffing’ biscuits as hard as they could all the time they were loading and unloading the boat. One of the first things they did after getting the stuff on board the submarine was to cook some of the fish and eat it.Some of our crew were only partly dressed. The Germans would not give them the remainder of the clothes, but kept the lot. After sinking our vessel with a bomb they sank our boat. For two hours or more we stood, wet, shivering, and some of us half-clothed, on the forepart of the submarine as she steamed about with water breaking over her. It was about 6.30 when they fell in with the Belgian vessel and they sank her also.’Frank Pieters, the master of the God’s Good Night, said, “Before they sank my ship the Germans took out of her everything they could move. The captain of the submarine himself overturned my small boat and sank it. He produced a chart and asked me to point out where minefields were, but I would not. He also asked to what part of Belgium I belonged. When I replied ‘Ostend’, he said, ‘We come from Zeebrugge.’The submarine was about 90 ft. long. All her crew ere very young. Among them was a boy of about sixteen who was very seasick. The captain was only about twenty-five. As my vessel was sinking from the bomb they exploded in her the Huns took a photograph. Then nudging me they pointed to the sinking vessel and said ‘Look, look’, and laughed in my face. They kept asking questions and laughing.”Two British patrol ships appeared in the offing the Huns, without a word of warning to their victims, shut the conning tower lid and submerged the submarine by driving her forward in the water. All those on deck were thus thrown into the sea. Pieter’s son was drowned while trying to swim by his father’s side. The three men missing from the Boy Jack’s crew were apparently sucked down by the submarine. After struggling for about half an hour in the water the survivors were picked up by the patrol vessels.          Thomas’ uncle, John Tucker, served with the Mercantile Marine Reserve and died in 1919.  

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Christopher died on 13th August 1915 at the age of 23.Christopher was born at Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, in 1892, a son of George and Jemima Clay. Christopher's father died in 1897 and by 1901 his family were living at 40 Oxford Road, High Wycombe.By 1911 Christopher had moved to Lowestoft and he lodged with Edward and Francis Mitchell, and family, at 19 Norwich Road. Christopher worked as a dental mechanician.  Christopher volunteered and he joined the Army, at Lowestoft, on 4 February 1915. He served with the local territorial unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps which became part of the 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station. Christopher embarked the Royal Edward at Devonport on 30 July 1915 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 August 1915. The Royal Edward sailed for Gallipoli on 12 August, but was torpedoed and sunk on 13 August. Christopher was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'Christopher is commemorated on the plaque at the High Wycombe War Memorial Hospital. 

An Apprentice with S.S. Arndale (Whitby), George died on 10th of June 1915 at the age of 17. George was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of James and Mary Cleveland. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 24 June 1898 and his family lived at Laundry Lane. They were still living at Laundry Lane in 1901. By 1911 George's father had died and his mother lived at 4 Strand Street, Lowestoft. Later she lived at 3 Spurgeon Street, Lowestoft.In 1915 George was a Merchant Navy Apprentice working on the cargo ship Arndale. The Arndale was sailing from Cardiff to Archangel, with a cargo of coal, when it struck a mine while in the Barents Sea, and near the White Sea. The ship sank but the crew took to the lifeboats. George, and two other apprentices, Arthur Redman and Edward John, were in the same lifeboat which capsized at Latitude 67.0 North Longitude 41.32 East. George and the other two apprentices drowned and were the only members of the crew to lose their lives.