A Sergeant with the 9th Battalion, Robert died on 9th of December 1941 aged 31. Robert was born at Lowestoft on 8 October 1910, a son of Thomas Samuel and Edith Louisa Cropley. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 3 November 1910 and his family lived at 31 Factory Street and this was still their home in 1921. Robert’s father served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. Robert was a regular army soldier before the Second World War and served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment.On 28 October 1939 Robert married Ruby Frances Chase at Saint Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad. Robert was a Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment based at Nelson Barracks, Norwich, and Ruby lived at 65 Beccles Road. In late 1941 Robert was serving with the 9th Battalion. His battalion was a training battalion preparing soldiers for service with front line units.Official casualty list 696 of 16 December 1941 shows that Robert died as a result of an accident.

A Private with 198th Company, Robert died on 20th of May 1917 at the age of 25. Robert was born at Lowestoft on 6 October 1891, a son of William Henry and Jane Cropley. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 10 June 1892 and his family lived at 27 Stevens Street. By 1901 Robert’s father had died and the family were still living at 27 Stevens Street. Robert attended the British School and, from 1 September 1903, was a pupil at Saint John’s School. By 1911 his mother had married John Lay an the family lived at 96 Norwich Road, and Robert worked as a greengrocer’s carter. Robert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 22846, and was posted to the 10th Battalion. On 22 February 1916 Robert was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 13255. Robert was wounded and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of 27 August 1916. Subsequently he was posted to 198th Company. The company war diary for May 1917 is missing, therefore it is no possible to state exactly what happened to Robert other than the fact he was killed in action at Arras. Robert's brother-in-law, John Knights, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918. Note: In memorium notices placed in newspapers by his family give his date of death as 21 May 1917. 

An Engineman with H.M.S. Pembroke, Thomas died on 3rd of September 1917 at the age of 34. Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 16 November 1882, a son of Robert Richard and Hannah Eliza Cropley. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 6 December 1882. In 1891 his family lived at 23 The Hemplands, and this was still their home in 1901, when Thomas worked as a fisherman. On 29 May 1906 Thomas married Edith Louisa Tuttle at Saint Margaret’s Church. Thomas was a fisherman living at 53 Mariners Street, and Edith lived at 22 Factory Street. In 1911 they lived at 31 Factory Street, and Thomas was a deep sea, drift net, fisherman.On 13 July 1915 Thomas joined the Royal Naval Reserve. He served on the Herring Seeker, a requisitioned Stornaway drifter, SY 251, 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 Thomas 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 Thomas were killed, or wounded. Ninety-eight of the men, including Thomas, were buried at Gillingham, and others were buried closer to their homes.  Thomas’ brother-in-law, William Tuttle, served with Trinity House and died in 1945. 

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Comet, Kenneth died on 30th of September 1940 aged 24.Kenneth was born at Bramfield, Mutford, on 18 May 1916, a son of Henry George and Mabel Cross. In 1921 his family lived at Beccles Road, Mutford. By 1939 Kenneth's mother had died and his father still lived at Beccles Road, Mutford.On 30 September 1940 the Comet sank after hitting a mine off Falmouth. Kenneth was among 15 crew who were killed.

A Civilian, Mary died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 19. Mary was born at Carlton Colville on 31 July 1922, a daughter of Alfred and Bessie Lillian Cross. She was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 7 August 1922, and her family lived at The Garden House Cottage, Carlton Colville. By 1939 her family were living at 1 Council House Cottages, Flixton, and Mary was a kitchen worker at a camp.Mary died at London Road North during the Waller Raid.

A Private with the 5th Battalion, Robert died on 4th of September 1942 aged 33.Robert was born at Kirkley on 6 July 1909, a son of Robert John and Ellen Cross. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 9 July 1909, and his family lived at 1 Ivory Terrace, Colville Road. In 1911 his family lived at 31 Lawson Road. Robert became a pupil at Lovewell School on 20 April 1914. In 1921 Robert’s family lived at 7 Frances Terrace, and by 1939 Robert’s they were living at 55 Long Road, and Robert was a general labourer. Robert enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment and was subsequently transferred to the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Robert was reported missing, during the Battle of Alam el Halfa, on 4 September 1942 and later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on 3-4 September 1942.  

A Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Victor died on 28th of March 1918 at the age of 21. Victor was born at Portsmouth on 11 June 1897, a son of Daniel and Louisa Crosswell. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Portsea, on 25 June 1897 and his family lived at 86 Dicken’s Road. In 1901 they lived at 30 Baker Street, Portsmouth. By 1906 Victor’s family were living at 16 Fir Lane. Victor had attended school at Oulton and, on 1 October 1906, joined Saint Margaret’s School. In May 1910 the family were living at 61 Kimberley Road and, on 10 May 1910 he joined Saint John’s School. Victor left Saint John’s School in 1910, but was re-admitted on 7 November 1910 and his family lived at 21 Lothing Street and this was still their home in 1911. Later his parents lived at 16 Ontario Road, and, subsequently, at 86 Carlton Road.Victor volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 14874. He was posted to the 8th Battlion and arrived in France, with the battalion, on 25 July 1915. Victor was wounded in 1917 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, of 15 September 1917. He was evacuated to England for treatment and was able to attend his sister’s wedding in January 1918. Once recovered Victor returned to France and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, and joined Z Company.On 21 March 1918 the 2nd Battalion were in positions south of Cojeul and they also occupied billets at Wancourt. Their main strategic position was astride the Arras-Cambrai Road at the Cojeul River. During the German offensive they were forced back to the third reserve line and on 26 March were in the vicinity of Neuve Vitasse. March 28 was the worst day for the battalion and the officer commanding had to order 79 men to hold the front, with 50 in reserve, while the others were withdrawn. The final withdrawal (relief) took place at 3.40 am on 29 March.Between 21 and 29 March the battalion lost seven officers killed, and had a further seven wounded, while 414 of the other ranks became casualties. In effect they had lost half the battalion. Victor's relative contacted the Red Cross to see if there was any information - perhaps hoping that he was a prisoner of war. The Red Cross had no record at all and so it had to be concluded that he had been killed. The date of his death is a presumed date and, in truth, he could have been killed on any of the days between 21 and 29 March.     

A Leading Aircraftman with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Allan died on 2nd of May 1943 aged 29.Allan was born at Longfield, Kent, on 27 May 1913, a son of William and Edith Crouch. He was baptised at Saint Mary the Virgin Church, Fawkham, Kent, on 17 August 1913. The 1939 Register shows Allan living with his widowed mother, and siblings, at Yew Cottage, New Barn, Dartford. Allan was a butcher's roundsman and was also a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service. Allan married Edna May Doggett, of The Cottage, Church Lane, Gunton, at Lowestoft in 1940. Edna remarried, at Lowestoft, in 1946. Allen enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940. Allan was serving at RAF Helwan, Egypt, when he committed suicide at Helwan Railway Station.See: Air Forces WW2 Casualty : Leading Aircraftman A V CROUCH (1218234), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve [RAFCommands]WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 1/6th Battalion, Ernest died on 27th of March 1917 at the age of 31. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 1 September 1885, a son of William and Elizabeth Crouch. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 21 March 1889 and his family lived at 2 Lorne Road. By 1891 his family were living at 53 Lawson Road, and in 1901 the family home was at 62 Albert Street. In 1911 they lived at 8 Kirkley Street. Ernest’s mother died in 1911 and later his father moved to Canada. His sister, Laura, lived at 40 High Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 Ernest was the Master of the trawler Flower of Devon, LT 302, at Padstow, Cornwall. Ernest was living at Plaistow, Essex, when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at West Ham. He joined the Essex Regiment and was posted to the 1/6th Battalion, service number 2362. The battalion landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, in the early hours of 12 August 1915. On 4 December the battalion was evacuated to Mudros and on 16 December they arrived at Alexandria. Throughout their time in Gallipoli the battalion’s men had been beset by illness, particularly dysentery and scabies. On 31 December 1915 the battalion could only muster 16 officers and 380 other ranks.  In 1917 Ernest was renumbered 275379.On 26 March 1917 the 53rd (Welsh) Division made an attack at Gaza in what became known as the First Battle of Gaza. The 1/6th Battalion were in the 161st Brigade which supported the 53rd Division in the attack. Late on the 126th the 1/6th were ordered to take Green Hill, which they did, despite heavy fighting. Ernest was wounded on 26 March and died of his wounds at Mansura Dressing Station the next day.  

A Mate with Fishing Vessel Boy Jack (Lowestoft), Thomas died on 26th of July 1918 at the age of 38. Thomas was born at Blundeston on 8 August 1879, a son of John Howes and Hannah Maria Crouchen. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 5 October 1879. In 1881 his family lived at High Street, Blundeston, and this was still their address in 1891. In 1893 Thomas began an apprenticeship as a fisherman with his father. This was cancelled in 1896. In 1901 his family lived at 10 Melbourne Road, Lowestoft, and Thomas was a fisherman. On 25 December 1901 Thomas married Margaret Elizabeth Garwood at Saint Margaret’s Church. Thomas was a fisherman living at 10 Melbourne Road, and Margaret lived at 125 Wollaston Road. In 1911 their home was at 28 White Horse Street and Thomas was the Mate with the trawler Kestrel, LT 1097. Later Margaret lived at 71 Queens Road.  Thomas joined the Royal Naval Reserve, for temporary service, on 3 August 1915, service number 8334/DA. He was discharged on 25 August 1915. In 1918 Thomas was the Mate on the trawler Boy Jack. The following report, from The Illustrated Police News, 1 August 1918, page 2 (with additional details from the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 29 July 1918, page 1), gives an account of what happened to the Boy Jack.U BOAT MURDERERSCAPTURED CREWS LEFT TO DROWN That the U boat murderers are outcasts from civilisation is proved again by their deliberate drowning of Lowestoft fishermen on Friday. After looting and sinking two smacks the Huns destroyed the small boats carried by them, took the lifebelts, and took the crews of the smacks aboard the submarine, there they were kept on deck, crowded forward of the conning tower, until the vessel dived suddenly and left them struggling helplessly in the sea. Every circumstance points to this dastardly crime having been premeditated. It was carried through in a spirit of callous levity that accentuated its cold-bloodied brutality. The victims were Thomas Croucher (mate), Frederick Simons  (fourth hand), and Thomas Claxton (cook), of the Boy Jack, of Lowestoft, and Frank Pieters, junior, a Belgian, the 22 year old son of the skipper of the God’s Good Night, a smack owned in Ostend.Harry Howe (skipper) and George Underdown (fourth hand), in describing their experiences with the U boat said:-‘The submarine began by machine-gunning our vessel, the Boy Jack. She came alongside and called us to go to her in our boat. We did so. All of us climbed aboard the U-boat except our skipper, who went back in the boat to the Boy Jack with two Germans. They looted our smack of all food, clothing, rope, buckets, and lifebelts. From our catch they picked out fish and took all into the submarine.   The Germans seemed to be ravenously hungry. While overhauling our vessel they came upon some packets of biscuits. Promptly they tore open these and began eating the contents. They continued ‘scoffing’ biscuits as hard as they could all the time they were loading and unloading the boat. One of the first things they did after getting the stuff on board the submarine was to cook some of the fish and eat it.Some of our crew were only partly dressed. The Germans would not give them the remainder of the clothes, but kept the lot. After sinking our vessel with a bomb they sank our boat. For two hours or more we stood, wet, shivering, and some of us half-clothed, on the forepart of the submarine as she steamed about with water breaking over her. It was about 6.30 when they fell in with the Belgian vessel and they sank her also.’Frank Pieters, the master of the God’s Good Night, said, “Before they sank my ship the Germans took out of her everything they could move. The captain of the submarine himself overturned my small boat and sank it. He produced a chart and asked me to point out where minefields were, but I would not. He also asked to what part of Belgium I belonged. When I replied ‘Ostend’, he said, ‘We come from Zeebrugge.’The submarine was about 90 ft. long. All her crew ere very young. Among them was a boy of about sixteen who was very seasick. The captain was only about twenty-five. As my vessel was sinking from the bomb they exploded in her the Huns took a photograph. Then nudging me they pointed to the sinking vessel and said ‘Look, look’, and laughed in my face. They kept asking questions and laughing.”Two British patrol ships appeared in the offing the Huns, without a word of warning to their victims, shut the conning tower lid and submerged the submarine by driving her forward in the water. All those on deck were thus thrown into the sea. Pieter’s son was drowned while trying to swim by his father’s side. The three men missing from the Boy Jack’s crew were apparently sucked down by the submarine. After struggling for about half an hour in the water the survivors were picked up by the patrol vessels.          

A Rifleman with the 7th Battalion, Arthur died on 20th of August 1917 at the age of 28.Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 9 May 1889, a son of Samuel James and Elizabeth Charlotte Crowe. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 31 May 1889. In 1891 his family lived at 204 Clapham Road. Arthur was a pupil at Clapham Road School before, on 3 February 1896, becoming a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1896 his family lived at Raglan Street, and by 1901 they were living at 131 Wollaston Road. Later his parents moved to Poplar. The 1911 Census shows Arthur working as a fish buyer, on his own account, and lodging at Ruthy Lane, Padstow, Cornwall. On 18 October 1911 Arthur married Bessie Maud Pitchers Moore at Saint Margaret’s Church. Arthur was a cooper living at 84 Seago Street and Bessie lived at 89 Roman Road. Subsequently Bessie lived at 32 Selby Street, then 65 Southside Street, Plymouth, before moving back to Lowestoft and living at 49 Stanford Street and then at 28 Beckham Road. Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, service number R/38185, and was posted to the 9th Battalion in France. Subsequently he joined the 7th Battalion. On 15 August 1917 the 7th Battalion moved to trenches at Dickebusch, near Ypres. Following an unsuccessful divisional attack on Inverness and Glencorse Woods the battalion moved into brigade reserve at Zillebecke Bund and then, on 17 August, took over trenches north of the Menin Road. The battalion was diary notes that the trenches were in ‘a very bad state after recent heavy fighting, the approaches were very difficult and the whole area very much shelled. There was no infantry fighting during this tour, and attention was concentrated on improving trenches.’ The battalion were relieved on 20 August. During the period at the Menin Road the battalion lost three men killed and 23 wounded.Arthur was reported wounded and missing on 20 August and later this was officially accepted as the date he died.  

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Edward died on 25th of July 1943 aged 24. Edward was born at Bradwell on 12 July 1919, a son of Andrew Howes and Gertrude Eliza Crowe. In 1921 his family lived at Bright Road, Bradwell. By 1939 they were living at 179 Gorleston Road and Edward was a body maker’s apprentice. In 1940 Edward married Ethel Maud Davis, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Ethel lived at 1 Hellena House, Clarkson Road, Oulton Broad.Edward joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940. By July 1943 he was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner serving with 214 Squadron. On 25 July Edward was a member of the crew of a Stirling III aircraft, number EE902 BU-P, that flew from Chedburgh, Suffolk, on a night bombing raid to Hamburg. This was the first night of the Operation Gomorrah bombing raids on Hamburg.Edward’s aircraft was shot down by a night fighter near Barchel, five miles south-west of Bremervorde. Two of the crew survived and were captured.See No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Crews and Losses - Short Stirling (214squadron.org.uk)WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, George died on 2nd of December 1943 aged 19. George was born at Beccles in 1924, a son of Fred and Lily Maud Crowe. In 1939 his family lived at 13 Hadenham Terrace, Carlton Colville.George joined the Roya Air Force Volunteer Reserve as an aircraft apprentice. By December 1943 he was a Flight Engineer serving with 630 Squadron. He was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number ED777 LE-Q, that took off from East Kirby on a raid to Berlin. The aircraft crashed at Gross Schulzendorf and all the crew were killed.See Crowe G - International Bomber Command Centre (internationalbcc.co.uk)WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

An Engineer with Steam Drifter Reliance (Lowestoft), Alfred died on 7th of October 1917 at the age of 34. Alfred was born at Lowestoft in 1883, a son of John and Hannah Eliza Crowford. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 29 September 1883. In 1891 his family lived at Horn Hill. By 1901 they were living at 4 Mill Road, Horn Hill, and Alfred was a stationary engine cleaner.  On 14 February 1909 Alfred married Alice Maud Buckles at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. Alfred was an engine driver living at 29 Horn Hill, and Alice lived at 69 London Road North. In 1911 they lived at 20 Cambridge Terrace, Saint Leonard’s Road, and Alfred was a stationary engine driver for an ice manufacturer. Later Alice lived at 85 Stanley Street. In 1917 Alfred was a Seaman with the Drifter Reliance, LT 694. The Reliance sailed from Lowestoft, on Saturday 29 September, to fish between Wintertons Ridge and Smiths Knoll, and was due to return on Monday 8 October. The Reliance was seen by several boats outside Winterton Ridge during the evening of October 6. A member of the crew of the Lord Roberts, William Westmate, stated at an inquiry that his crew had hauled their nest and gone below when, about five minutes later, they heard an explosion. This was presumed to be the Reliance striking a mine. All ten of the Reliance’s crew were lost. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing IndustryAlfred’s brother Benjamin died in 1947 in the loss of the trawler Bucentaur. Alfred’s brother-in-law, Frederick Block, served with the Royal Fusiliers and died in 1917.  

A Second Engineer, Benjamin died on 21st May 1947, at the age of 59. Benjamin was born at Kirkley, Lowestoft, on 30th May 1887, a son of John and Hannah Eliza Crowford. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 25th July 1887. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Mill Road, Horn Hill, Lowestoft.Benjamin, like his father, became a fisherman.On 19th May 1913 Benjamin married Catherine Ann Large at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley.Benjamin joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8th April 1915 with service number 2774 T.S. and he was a Trimmer. During the First World War he served on the requisitioned trawlers Twelve, Vina, and Earl Kitchener. His service took him to the Mediterranean. He was discharged on 5th June 1919. His brother Alfred died in the loss of the Drifter Reliance in October 1917.By 1939 Benjamin and Catherine were living at 35 Horn Hill, Lowestoft. In 1947 Benjamin was the Second Engineer on the Trawler Bucentaur. On 21st May 1947 the Bucentaur was involved with a collision with the American merchant/troopship Wilson Victory, sailing from Bremerhaven (for details see Wood v. United States, 125 F. Supp. 42 (S.D.N.Y. 1954) :: Justia ).The Bucentaur was lost with all hands.   

A Fusilier with 9th Bn., Harold died on 9th of September 1943 at the age of 29. Harold was born at Carlton Colville on 22 March 1914, a son of William and Rose Culham. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 26 April 1914, and his family lived at Sycamore Avenue, Oulton. In 1921 his family lived at 32 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton. On 4 September 1936 Harold married Ruby Winifred Culham at Saint Mark's Church, Oulton Broad. Harold was a milk roundsman living at 66 Sycamore Avenue and Ruby lived at Kingsmead, Yarmouth Road, Lowestoft. By 1939 they were living at Harwin, The Street, Carlton Colville, and Harold worked as a milk roundsman. Harold enlisted in the Army, service number 5778718. Initially he served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and later he was transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and joined the 9th Battalion. On 9 September 1943 the 9th Battalion formed the first wave of troops that landed at Salerno as part of Operations Avalanche, the invasion of Italy. The landing craft carrying the Battalion landed at 3.35 a.m. The landing was largely unopposed, but D Company had to assault a position containing four machine-guns. By nightfall the Battalion had pushed inland to Battipaglia.  Nine men of the Battalion, including Harold, were killed on 9 September and 25 wounded. 

A Leading Seaman with the Royal Naval Reserve, James died on 8th of September 1940 at the age of 40. James was born at Lowestoft on 11 September 1899, a son of James Alfred and Georgina Culham. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 15 March 1903 (the same day as his brother Walter) and his family lived at 65 Seago Street and this was still their address in 1911 and 1921. James joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 27 July 1915 and served on the trawler Christmas Daisy as a Deck Hand. On 15 May 1917 Austrian destroyers attacked the British drifters that made up the Otranto Barrage in the Adriatic. After the engagement James was reported to be missing. He was captured by the Austrians and held at a prisoner of war camp in Austria until the end of the war. he was discharged on 23 February 1919. On 7 July 1919 James married Alice Harriet Amelia Cook at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. James was a fisherman living at 55 Seago Street, and Alice lived at 22 Crown Street. James joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 April 1924. At the time he, and Alice, lived at 1 Farrows Yard, Factory Street. Later they lived at 83 Fir Lane.In 1934-1936 James was employed fitting out fishing vessels. From 1936 he worked as a builder's labourer. In May 1939 James re-enrolled with the Royal Naval Reserve. In that year he was awarded the Royal Naval Reserve Long Service Medal. James was called out for service and was at H.M.S. Drake on 31 July 1939. He joined H.M.S. Ceres on 4 August 1939. He applied to join the Patrol Service but his application was not approved. James served on board the destroyer H.M.S. Ceres. In August 1940 H.M.S. was involved in evacuating British and allied troops from Berbera in Somaliland and taking them to safety in Aden. James contracted pneumonia and jaundice and was being treated at the European Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya, when he died just three days short of his 41st birthday.James was known as James Albert, but some records show that he was also known as James Wilfred. (With thanks to Andy Pearce for some parts of the additional information)James' brother Walter served in the Royal Navy and died in 1940.

A Seaman Cook with H.M.S. Europa, Walter died on 4th of June 1940 at the age of 39. Walter was born at Lowestoft on 9 May 1901, a son of James Alfred and Georgina Culham. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 15 March 1903 (the same day as his brother James) and his family lived at 65 Seago Street and this was still their address in 1911 and 1921. The 1921 Census states that Walter was 'in the Army.'Walter enlisted in the Royal Horse Artillery, at Norwich, on 12 March 1919, service number 257791, later 1036796. Prior to this he had worked as a horseman. Walter served in Mesopotamia in 1920 and was awarded the Army General Service Medal with clasp Iraq. He was discharged, on compassionate grounds, on 5 November 1921. In 1923 Walter married Frances Rhoda Brady at Lowestoft. In 1939 Walter, Frances, and children, were living at 32 Notley Road, Lowestoft. Walter died at the Isolation Hospital, Lowestoft, from acute bronchitis, congestive cardiac failure and broncho-pneumonia.  Walter's brother James served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1940. 

A Private with the 2/7th Battalion, Arthur died on 9th of September 1917 at the age of 18.Arthur was born at Oulton Broad in 1898, a son of Edward and Emma Cullingford. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad, on 13 July 1899. In 1901 his family lived at the grocer’s shop, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, and this was still their home in 1911.Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 265638, and was posted to the 8th Battalion in France. He was transferred to the Worcestershire Regiment, service number 235232, and posted to the 2/7th Battalion. Between 22 August and 29 August 1917, the 2/7th Battalion were in front line positions at Weiltje. It seems that Arthur was wounded at some point during this period and that he remained at Weiltje when the battalion moved to Vlamertinghe on 30 August, and he subsequently died from his wounds.

A Lance Corporal with the 1/1st Battalion, Frank died on 8th of August 1918 at the age of 23. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 2 January 1895, a son of Charles and Jane Cullingford. On 7 June 1898, Frank became a pupil at Kirkley School, and his family lived at 173 London Road, and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at Fernleigh, Carlton Road, and Frank was a shop assistant at a grocer’s. Later, after his father’s death, Frank’s mother lived at 13 Orchard Street, Dereham Road, Norwich.    Frank enlisted in the Army at Saxmundham. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2382 and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France and was subsequently posted to the 7th Battalion with service number 43287. On 9 May 1918, 11 officers and 408 men of the 7th Battalion transferred to the 1/1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment.At 4.20 a.m. on 8 August a barrage began and at 6.20 a.m. A and B Companies began an assault on a trench to the west of Morlancourt. Initially it was reported that the objectives had been taken, but soon afterwards both companies were back in the old front line having sustained heavy casualties. At 10.15 a.m. C and D Companies were ordered to assemble in order to make afresh attack. A supportive barrage was laid down at 12.15 p.m. and C and D Companies left their assembly positions. At 12.28 the attacking waves charged the position and at 12.35 the second wave advanced to the second objective. From the two objectives 316 prisoners were captured along with 14 machine-guns and 10 trench mortars. By 12.50 the battalion were able to begin consolidation work.The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: two killed, three woundedOther ranks: 16 killed, 167 woundedFrank was killed in action on 8 August. 

A Lance Corporal with 50th Company, Walter died on 2nd of March 1916 at the age of 18. Walter was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Walter William and Agnes Ann Cullum. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 27 August 1897. His family lived at 24 Crown Street and by 1901 they were living at 34 Mariners Street. By 1911 Walter's family were living at 80 Queens Road, Lowestoft, and Walter worked as a fish hawker.Walter enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and joined the Suffolk Regiment, number 18723. Later he transferred to serve with the Machine Gun Corps, number 3552. On 2 March 1916, 50 Company were providing machine-gun support for The Bluff and Spoilbank positions near Ypres. At 4.10 a.m. the British artillery laid down a bombardment to cover the British attack on The Bluff. The machine-guns of 50 Company provided indirect fire from all of their emplacements. German retaliatory fire continued throughout the day and several emplacements and dug-outs were knocked out by the shelling: the Company's position at Spoilbank was subject to particularly heavy bombardment.The Company lost five men killed, including Walter, and two wounded.  

A Seaman with S.S. Ancona., Arthur died on 28th of May 1917.Arthur was born at Kessingland on 24 March 1893, a son of James and Jessie Curtis of Kessingland Lowestoft. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 25 June 1893. In 1901 his family lived at Elm Cottages, Kessingland. By 1911 they were living at Tramway Terminus, London Road, Pakefield, and Arthur was a herring fisherman. In 1914 they lived at 3 Carlton Terrace, Pakefield. Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 29 December 1914. It seems that he served on Defensively Armed Merchant Ships. On 28 October 1916 Arthur married Emma Edmonds at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Arthur was serving on S. S. Roma and Emma lived at 5 Sussex Road, Lowestoft. On 28 May 1917 the S.S. Ancona left Falmouth, heading for a Spanish port. the cargo ship was sunk by German submarine U-70 about 110 miles west-south-west of Ushant. There were no survivors and Arthur, along with 24 other crew and one passenger, were lost. 

A Sergeant with 2nd Bn., Edmund died on 15th of September 1916 at the age of 29. Edmund was born at Reedham, Norfolk, on 3 May 1887, a son of William Alfred John and Charlotte Curtis. He was baptised at Acle on 17 July 1887. In 1891 his family lived at 12 Percy Terrace, Coverdale Road, Barking, and by 1901 at 4 Argents Terrace, Barking, and Edmund worked at a dairy. By 1911 his family were living at 12 Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft.Edmund became a sailor. By August 1913 he was living in New Zealand and he was sent to prison, at Auckland, for one month for using obscene language. It appears that in 1914 he lived at Kaipara and worked on the S.S. Aotea. Edmund joined the 2nd Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade (at Dargaville?), and served with F Company. He was a member of the 9th Reinforcements and sailed from New Zealand on 8 January 1916 on the 'Tahiti'. He was already a Sergeant when he set sail.  On 15 September 1916 the 2nd New Zealand Rifle Brigade were involved in a major attack at Flers, in the Somme region. The following details are taken from 'The New Zealand Medical Service in the Great War 1914-1918: Operation at Flers 15th September 1916' (See Operation at Flers, 15th September, 1916 | NZETC (victoria.ac.nz))The morning broke in perfect Autumn weather, a slight mist lying in the valleys, the two Battalions of the Second Brigade and the (New Zealand) Rifle Brigade were waiting the signal in their assembly trenches. At 6.30 a.m. the engagement opened, the intensive bombardment, and the creeping barrage crashed out from thousands of guns of all calibres. The two New Zealand Battalions advancing in waves passed over the Crest trench without difficulty, later suffering considerable losses from machine guns in the Highwood, attained their objective beyond the Switch trench in 30 minutes and on time, but it was not until some hours later that they had completed the clearing out of desperately fighting fragments of the Bavarian Division who still clung to portions of the broken trench line. The (New Zealand) Rifle Brigade was now pressing on to the second and third objectives.By 5 p.m. the advance had ceased. Martinpuich and Coureelette had been carried by the Canadians and the Scottish Division on their right. Highwood had at last been cleared, but with grave losses to the 47th Division; the New Zealand and 41st Divisions were linked in a salient covering Flers, but Morval and Les Boeufs, which were so important to the French, held out, the Guards losing heavily. Some of the objectives had been attained, not all, we had broken through three lines of defence on an average depth of one mile. The 24 tanks co-operating had met with some success. It was determined to push on with the attack the following day.Edmund was killed in action during the attack at Flers. 

A Private with 7th Bn., Ernest died on 13th of October 1915 at the age of 21. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Ernest Humphrey and Emma Sophia Curtis. In 1901 his family lived at 42 Beresford Road, Lowestoft, and this was Ernest's home for the rest of his life. In 1911 Ernest worked as a dental mechanic. Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 7th Battalion, arriving in France with the Battalion on 30 May 1915. Ernest was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list of 4 July 1915. Note: names always appeared in the official casualty lists a couple of weeks after the soldier had been wounded (hence the date of the list is not the date when the soldier was wounded). During June 1915 three men of the 7th Battalion were wounded. One on the 16th (shrapnel); one on the 17th (who died of wounds); one on the 26th. Ernest was either the soldier wounded on the 16th or the 26th and may have been the first man of the Battalion that was wounded during the war.  The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:12 October. 5.45 p.m. Parade to take over trenches from 1st Guards Brigade near Hohenzollern Redoubt.13 October. 12 noon. Intense bombardment of German lines by our artillery.2 p.m. Attack commences in accordance with Battalion order.B Company under cover of smoke attacked German trenches . .advancing over fire trench. Owing to smoke lifting and very heavy machine-gun fire . . this attack did not reach its objective but was instrumental in keeping out bomb attacks on (our) sap.Major Currey, 2nd Lieutenants Hartopp and Lee were killed. Lieutenant Daveron wounded and about 70 other ranks killed and wounded. At the same time A Company supported the Norfolk bombers in attack a sap. Great opposition was encountered at first and many casualties occurred. The party eventually rushed the German barrier and proceeded to bomb a trench.The machine-guns were ordered to follow this party and support advance with fire. Captain Cobbold was killed whilst leading the party of Suffolk bombers and 2nd Lieutenant Smith severely wounded.As the Suffolk bombers had become expended when the point G.5.d.10.3 was reached and the attack checked in consequence. O.C. A Company was ordered to consolidate his position on the line gained. At the same time D Company supported the Norfolk bombers in attacking a sap. This attack was temporarily held up by German bombers at their barrier which was eventually rushed by D Company.Captain Henty was wounded and Captain Sorley and Lieutenant Wood killed whilst leading the attack. Lieutenant Deighton then took command and by bombing down the trench drove the enemy back . . when this point was reached it was reported that the bombs had been used up. D was ordered to consolidate this position.As soon as points G.5.d.10.3 and G.6.c.2.1 were reached there were pushed forward 3 Suffolk and 1 Northamptonshire machine-guns with the object of establishing a strong point at G.5.d.9.1 and commanding the approach from the enemy’s trenches which had been closed by us with double stops. This arrangement proved quite satisfactory as by it the German bombers were easily kept at a distance by rifle and machine-gun fire. Casualties: eight officers killed and three wounded. 150 Other Ranks killed and wounded.    A notice in the Lowestoft Journal of 6 November 1915, page 5, reads:KILLED IN ACTIONPRIVATE E. E. CURTISMr. and Mrs. Curtis of 42, Beresford Road, have received official news of the death of their eldest and loved son Ernest E. Curtis, who was killed in action in France on October 13th. He was 21 years of age. He enlisted the first week of the war, and joined the 7th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment, being in the same battalion up to the time of his death. His commanding officer writes: "His loss is felt by the whole Company, where he was held in high esteem." He was for some years with Mr. E. Horne, dentist, London Road North, where he was held in the highest esteem by his employer and workmates. He was a member of the Lowestoft Literary and Scientific Association, the Y.M.C.A., and also of the Wesleyan Church and choir, Tonning Street. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis desire to thank the many friends who have sent their expressions of sympathy in their sad loss.  

A Private with 47 Remounts Squadron, George died on 9th of October 1918 at the age of 32. George was born at Kirkley on 17 September 1884, a son of Samuel William and Laura Esther Curtis. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 4 December 1884 and his family lived at 6 Clare Terrace. By 1891 his father had died and his family lived at 6 Ontario Road. This was still their address in 1901 when George worked as a butcher's assistant. On 4 May 1908 George married Matilda May Hall at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. George was a butcher and they both lived at Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 128 Beaconsfield Road, and George was a butcher. Later Matilda lived at 91 Seago Street.George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Army Service Corps and served with the 47th Remounts Squadron, part of the Army Remount Service, in Egypt. George died of appendicitis at 31 General Hospital, Cairo. 

An Engineman with H.M.S. Halcyon II, Harold died on 20th of February 1919 at the age of 28. Harold was born at Lowestoft on 16 March 1890. A son of James Samuel and Esther Curtis. In 1891 his family lived at 135 Raglan Street, Lowestoft, and by 1901 they were living at 31 Grosvenor Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911. From 25 November 1895 Harold was a pupil at Kirkley School. Harold joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 February 1915. From 5 February 1915 he served on the trawler Golden Chance. In May 1918 he passed the certificate for advancement to Chief Engineman. Harold died at Gunton Cottage Hospital from influenza and pneumonia.

A Regimental Sergeant Major with the Inland Water Transport, Henry died on 25th of May 1921 at the age of 40.Henry was born at Great Yarmouth in 1881, a son of Henry Joseph and Mary Ann Collett Curtis. In 1881 his family lived at 17 Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth. By 1891 they were living at 3 Regent Road, Lowestoft, and by 1901 they were living at 28 Regent Road. On 27 October 1899 Henry was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Mate of a Foreign-going Ship. On 2 April 1903 Henry married Grace Barton McGregor at Howrah Presbyterian Church, Calcutta. Henry was a marine officer and they both lived at Calcutta. By 1918 they had a home at Crossways, Pentney, Kings Lynn.During the First World War Henry served with the Royal Engineers. On 27 April 1915 he arrived in France as a Company Sergeant Major with the Inland Waterways and Docks unit, service number 68209. During the war he was renumbered as WR/301202, then WR/34001.On 11 May 1919 Henry re-engaged, at Bristol, to serve for one year with the Royal Engineers, service number 1849661. He re-entered with the rank of Acting Corporal. On 16 October 1919 he joined the Inland Water Transport at Basra, Iraq. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 1 March 1920, Acting Company Sergeant Major on 1 June 1920, and Acting Regimental Sergeant Major on 1 September 1920.  

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Reginald died on 17th March 1917.Reginald was born at Norwich on 24 May 1896, a son of Frederick and Clara Curtis. He was baptised at Saint Andrews Church, Eaton, Norwich, on 26 July 1896, and his family lived at Eaton Park, where his father was a market gardener. In 1901 their address was 2 Eaton Park, Norwich. By 1911 they were living at 11 Surrey Street, Norwich, and Reginald was a telegraph messenger for the General Post Office. Later his parents lived at 26 Rowington Road, Norwich.In July 1914 Reginald was appointed postman at Lowestoft. Reginald enlisted in the Army. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served, initially, with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, service number 1078. He was posted to the 4th Battalion in France, service number 43712, and then to the 2nd Battalion and served with C Company.  Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 2nd Battalion’s attack at Serre on 13 November 1916:At 5 a.m. the first wave floundered forward into No Man’s Land – in reality, a sea of mud in which movement was barely possible. Three quarters of an hour later the attack began. The mist which hung about the low ground thickened as the smoke of the barrage increased, making direction extremely difficult to maintain. Within a very short time all the officers in the leading companies had fallen, and owing to lack of leaders no real progress was made. In spite of the atrocious weather conditions prevailing, portions of the leading Suffolk companies actually reached the German second line. But all was in vain, and the battalion having been reorganised in its original front line, remained there for the rest of the day, marching back to Courcelles the next morning. Their casualties numbered 272, including eleven officers.  Reginald was taken prisoner at Serre on 13 November 1916. Reginald died at the reserve hospital at the school in Julich, Germany, and it seems that he was buried at Julich Military Cemetery.In 1922 all of the burials at smaller British cemeteries in the Cologne area were concentrated at Cologne. Reginald's name is recorded in the General Post Office Memorial Book. See GPO War Heroes

An Able Seaman with S.S. Hebble (Goole), Thomas died on 6th of May 1917 at the age of 50. Thomas was born at Kessingland on 3 January 1866, a son of Charles and Eliza Cutter. He was baptised at Saint Edmunds Church, Kessingland, on 28 January 1866. In 1871 his family lived ‘near the sea’ Kessingland. In 1881 his family lived at Beach Road, Kessingland, and Thomas was a carpenter. Later his father lived at Market Place, Kessingland. On 25 December 1890 Thomas married Priscilla Nichols at Saint Edmunds Church, Kessingland. Thomas was a fisherman and they both lived at Kessingland. In 1891 they lived with Priscilla’s sister, Sarah Utting, and family, at Green Lane, Kessingland. By 1901 they were living at 44 Pasture Road, Goole, Yorkshire. Later Priscilla lived at 83 Edinburgh Street, Goole. In 1911 Thomas was the Master of the Bertha at Goole.During the First World War Thomas worked as ab Able Seaman on the S.S. Hebble. The Hebble was a requisitioned cargo steamer and in May 1917 was used to carry ammunition and designated Ammunition Stores Carrier No. 3. On 6 May the Hebble was sailing from Scapa Flow to Sunderland when it struck a mine east of the Roker Lighthouse, Sunderland, and sank. Of the 16 crew five, including Thomas, were killed and the others rescued by a motor launch and landed at Sunderland.  

A Lance Corporal with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Arthur died on 23rd of March 1918 at the age of 24. Arthur was born at Beccles on 25 March 1892, a son of William and Harriet Cutting. In 1901 his family lived at Nelson Terrace, Fair Close, Beccles. Arthur's father died in 1908 and in 1911 his mother was living at 24 Fair Close, Beccles. By 1911 Arthur was serving with the Royal Engineers and was based at Brompton Barracks, Chatham. His Canadian Army attestation papers show that he served in the Royal Engineers for three years and was with 5th Field Troop. The 1911 Census shows that his trade was motor fitter. Arthur emigrated to Canada and by mid-1915 was living at 25 Salem Avenue, Toronto, with his mother, Harriet, and Arthur worked as a lineman. Arthur was already serving with the Royal Canadian Dragoons (Militia) when he attested for regular service, at Toronto, on 5 August 1915. He arrived at Canterbury, England, on 26 August 1915, and went to France on 21 May 1916. He was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 6 July 1916. In February 1917 Arthur began to shows symptoms of Trench Fever. He was treated at 4 Stationary General Hospital from 13 March to 16 April 1917. A medical board, on 20 November 1917, found that Arthur had defective vision and he was downgraded to medical category B.i.i., however, on 28 January 1918 he was raised to category A. He returned to France on 16 February 1918.  By July 1920 Arthur's mother had returned to England and lived at 6 Gordon Villas, Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. 

A Private with the 5th Battalion, Albert died on 9th of October 1944 aged 18. Albert was born at Lowestoft on 23 July 1926, a son of Edward and Edith Daines. In 1939 his family lived at 3 Malletts Opening, Mariners Street, Lowestoft.In early October 1944 the 5th Battalion, as part of 152 Brigade, were in positions in the vicinity of Best, near Eindhoven. The Germans shelled Best during 9 October and on the night of 9-10 October enemy mortars were very active. Albert was killed in action. He was, along with two other men of his battalion killed on the same, buried at Map Reference 380271. They were reburied at Valkenswaard, south of Eindhoven, in June 1945.

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Pintail, George died on 10th of June 1941 at the age of 24. George was born at Lowestoft on 10 January 1917, a son of George William and Hilda Honor Daines. By 1939 his family were living at 28 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft.George was serving on H.M.S. Pintail when the ship was escorting a convey thirty miles off the Humber Estuary. The ship went to the assistance of the S. S. Royal Scot which had just been blown up by an acoustic mine. The Pintail also detonated an acoustic mine and blew up. Fifty-five men, including George, were killed, and twenty-two rescued. 

A Lance Corporal with the 20th Hussars, Harold died on 7th of November 1918 aged 23. Harold was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of Charles William and Sarah Ann Daines. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 18 January 1895 and his family lived at 38 Stanford Street, and this was still their home in 1901. In 1911 they lived at 12 Saint Margaret’s Plain, and later at 18 Cleveland Road. Harold enlisted in the Army at Norwich around March 1914. He joined the 20th Hussars and arrived in France, with his regiment, on 16 August 1914. On 7 November 1918 the 20th Hussars passed through infantry holding the Dompierre-Cartignies Road and advanced to a line about one mile west of Avesnes-sur-Helpe where they found a continuous line of German machine-gun positions. At this point the infantry caught up with the regiment and patrols were sent out. During this advance Harold and one officer were killed and seven men wounded. Harold was buried at map reference 57.A.N.33.a.5.2. and after the war he was reburied at Fontaine-au-Bois around 10 miles away. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, William died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 24. William was born at Carlton Colville in 1893, a son of Robert and Ellen Daines. In 1901 his family lived at Newton’s Cottages, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Private Road, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and William was a butcher’s assistant.William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 24160 and was posted to the 11th Battalion in France. He served with C Company. 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.  William was reported missing on 28 April and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. 

A Private with 1st Bn., Arthur died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 20. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 4 May 1895, a son of William and Eliza Dale. In 1901 his family lived at Pope’s Farm House, Norwich Road, Lowestoft. Later his parents lived at 2 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft. Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 16532. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 1 April 1915.Before dawn on 8 May, the men of the 1st Battalion were warned of an imminent attack, and added that the CO expected the Battalion to yield no ground, and to stand to the last. The German assault began at 10 am with a ferocious artillery attack: poison gas was also used against the British troops. All communication lines were cut, and the only routes for reinforcements were through Ypres which was in flames.In the 1st Battalion the Commanding Officer, Battalion Adjutant, and Regimental Sergeant Major all became casualties, and the battalion headquarters was destroyed. The Battalion held their ground, but, by noon, the Battalion had been completely overwhelmed. The total number of casualties on 8 May amounted to over 400. Only one officer and 29 men returned from the battle. The Battalion had sustained near 1,000 casualties in the six weeks since the start of the Battle of Ypres. Arthur was taken prisoner at Ypres on 8 May 1915. He had been shot in the shoulder and it seems that this had become infected, which led to his death. He died of his wounds at the prisoner of war hospital Dortmund (Bruderkrankhaus) and was buried at a cemetery in south-east Dortmund. After the war, when all British war graves were concentrated in a small number of cemeteries, he was reburied at Cologne. See: Prisoners of the First World War | International Committee of the Red Cross - Specify your search criteria (icrc.org) especially R 10275. 

A Private with 1st Bn., Ernest died on 8th of May 1915 at the age of 27. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 7 June 1888, a son of Frederick and Charlotte Elizabeth Dale. In 1891 his family lived at 60 West Bevan Street, Lowestoft. From 11 October 1897 Ernest attended Saint John's School, Lowestoft, and his family lived at 14 Stanford Street. By 1901 they were living at 73 Wollaston Road. In 1911 his family lived at 61 Norwich Road and, later, at 34 Windsor Road Lowestoft.Ernest volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 14 April 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. Before dawn on 8 May, the men of the 1st Battalion were warned of an imminent attack, and added that the CO expected the Battalion to yield no ground, and to stand to the last. The German assault began at 10 am with a ferocious artillery attack: poison gas was also used against the British troops. All communication lines were cut, and the only routes for reinforcements were through Ypres which was in flames.In the 1st Battalion the Commanding Officer, Battalion Adjutant, and Regimental Sergeant Major all became casualties, and the battalion headquarters was destroyed. The Battalion held their ground, but, by noon, the Battalion had been completely overwhelmed. The total number of casualties on 8 May amounted to over 400. Only one officer and 29 men returned from the battle. The Battalion had sustained near 1,000 casualties in the six weeks since the start of the Battle of Ypres. Ernest was reported missing. A note on his Medal Index Card indicates that it had been thought that he had died 'on or since 16 August 1916. However, by July 1918, it was concluded that he was 'presumed killed' on 8 May 1915. 

A Private with the 18th Battalion, Joseph died on 7th of November 1918 aged 20. Jospeh was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Joseph and Emily Daley. In 1901 his family lived at 49 Stevens Street, and by 1911 at 57 Stanford Street. Later his parents lived at 7 Hart Gardens, Dorking, Surrey. Joseph enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 21098. He was then transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 3936, and posted to France to serve with the 18th Battalion. Joseph had influenza and was evacuated to one of the casualty clearing stations at Busigny where he died. 

A Marine with H.M.S. Prince of Wales, George died on 13th of May 1943 aged 26. George was born at Lowestoft on 24 January 1917, a son of Ernest Alexander and Constance Dalley. In 1921 his family lived at 4 Anguish Street. By 1943 their home was at Rosalyn, 12 Poplar Road, Carlton Colville. In 1939 George was working as a butcher’s assistant, with Harry Butler a butcher and sausage manufacturer, and living at 48 Cedars Road, Edmonton, London. In December 1941 George served with the battleship H.M.S. Prince of Wales in the Far East. On 10 December the Prince of Wales was attacked by Japanese aircraft and sank. George survived the sinking of his ship, was rescued and taken to Singapore where, for administrative purposes he was recorded as being part of the compliment of H.M.S. Sultan, the Royal Navy’s base at Singapore. When Singapore fell, on 15 February 1942, George was captured.He was sent to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. George died from acute enteritis.  

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Scott, Alfred died on 15th of August 1918 at the age of 18. Alfred was born at Fritton on 13 October 1899, a son of Alfred William and Emma Kett Daniels. He was baptised at Fritton on 26 November 1899, and his family lived at Fritton. In 1901 his family lived at 45 England Lane, Gorleston, and by 1911 they were living at 15 Lothing Street, Lowestoft.  In 1917 Alfred married Dorothy Ann Boyce: this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1918 Dorothy was living at 2 Run Cottages, Flixton, Lowestoft. Alfred was working as a hairdresser when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Stoker 2nd Class, on 17 October 1917. He joined H.M.S. Scott on 15 January 1918. On 15 August 1918, H.M.S. Scott was involved in escorting a convoy of ships from The Netherlands to England. Near the Dutch coast the Scott went to assist the destroyer H.M.S. Ullswater that had been hit, either by a mine or torpedo, and was floundering. As the Scott went to offer assistance the ship was itself struck twice, either by mines or torpedoes, and the ship's forward magazine exploded. Within 15 minutes H.M.S. Scott had sunk with the loss of 22 crew including Alfred.   

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Arthur died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 29. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 7 June 1887, a son of George and Sarah Ann Dann. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 24 July 1887, and his family lived at Warnes Buildings (sic), Kirkley. By 1891 his family were living at Stanley Cottages, 2 Carlton Road, and this was still their home in 1901. Later his parents lived at 81 Kimberley Road. In 1907 Arthur married Rosina Tutthill. By 1911 their home was at Veldt Cottage, Kirkley Run. Arthur worked as a sailor. During the war Rosina moved to 347 Grafton Street, Toxteth Park, Liverpool. Later Rosina lived at 98 Beresford Road, Toxteth Park, Liverpool.Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 18259. Arthur was posted to the 7th Battalion and arrived in France on 11 August 1915. Arthur was wounded and his name appears in the War Office Daily List 23 August 1916. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 7th Battalion’s part in the attack on the front between the Scarpe and Monchy (near Arras), known as the Battle of Arleux, on 28 April 1917, pages 233-4:The battalion, going over the top at 4.35 a.m. to attack the new Blue Line, passed through the 5th Royal Berkshire Regiment, who had captured Bayonet trench and also some 150 yards of Rifle trench. They immediately came under a most devastating machine-gun fire from Rouex, which the troops operating on the north side of the river had not yet taken, and suffered very heavy losses. Portions of the various companies managed to reach the first objective but were unable to gain further ground. All the officers except the colonel and the adjutant have been killed or wounded, these small parties returned to the Black Line as soon as it grew dark and at 1 a.m. the battalion, now reduced to 190 effective men, withdrew to the support line. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers three killed, one died of wounds, four woundedOther ranks: 89 killed and an unknown number wounded or missingArthur was reported missing on 28 April and later it was presumed that he had been killed in action that day. Arthur’s half brother Ernest served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1914, and his half-brother Michael died in 1947 with the loss of the trawler Bucentaur

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Ernest died on 16th of December 1914 at the age of 40. Ernest was born at Aldeby, Norfolk, in 1874, a son of George and Eliza Dann. In 1881 his family lived at Waterheath Cottage, Aldeby, near Loddon. By 1891 his mother had died, his father remarried, and the family had moved to Lowestoft, living at Stanley Cottages, 2 Carlton Road, and Ernest was a house painter.On 31 May 1896 Ernest married Ellen Read at Saint Peter’s Church, Kikrley. Ernest was a painter and they both lived at Kirkley. By 1901 they were living at 92 Saint Leonard’s Road, Kirkley, and Ernest was a house painter and decorator. This was still their home in 1911 when Ernest was still in the same occupation. Later Ellen married George Tye and lived at 142 Carlton Road. Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft soon after the war began and joined the Suffolk Regiment (he may have been enlisted on Special Reserve terms as some records show his service number as 3/9475). He arrived in France on 10th October 1914 and was posted to the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment. He was one of the reinforcements that joined the battalion after it had been decimated at the Battle of Le Cateau on 26 August 1914. (It is possible that he was in the draft of 2 officers and 92 men that joined the battalion on 12 October 1914, bringing the battalion strength up to around 300).In mid-December 1914 the 2nd Battalion were in trenches at Petit Bois, near Messines, Belgium. Around 6 p.m. on 16 December the battalion were to be relived by men from the Wiltshire Regiment. During the relief the Germans opened fire and four men, including Ernest, were killed and three others wounded. (See battalion war diary WO 95/1424/1: Ernest is named in the war diary as one of those killed on 16 December 1914)It is quite likely that he had a battlefield grave. Later in the war the area was mined and fought over several times and many battlefield graves from earlier in the war would have been lost. Ernest thus has no known grave and in commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres. Ernest's brother Michael died in 1947 in the loss of the trawler Bucentaur. Ernest's half-brother Arthur died at Arras whilst serving with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Cook with the Trawler Bucentaur, Michael died on 21st May 1947 at the age of 67.Michael was born at Aldeby on 4th March 1880, a son of George and Eliza Dann. In 1881 his family lived at Waterheath Cottage, Aldeby, near Loddon. By 1891 his mother had died, his father remarried, and the family had moved to Lowestoft, living at Stanley Cottages, 2 Carlton Road.Michael married Harriett Good at Gisleham parish church in 1905. By 1911 they were living at Black Street, Gisleham, and by 1918 they were living at Rhoda Cottages, Black Street, Gisleham.Michael joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7th August 1918, service number 21344 D.A., and served as a Deck Hand the requisitioned trawler Thomas Burningham. He was discharged on 25th June 1919. Michael's brother Ernest served in the Suffolk Regiment in World War War and died in 1914.In 1939 Michael and Harriett were living at Rhoda Cottages, Gisleham.In 1947 Michael was the Cook on the Trawler Bucentaur. On 21st May 1947 the Bucentaur was involved with a collision with the American merchant/troopship Wilson Victory, sailing from Bremerhaven (for details see Wood v. United States, 125 F. Supp. 42 (S.D.N.Y. 1954) :: Justia ).The Bucentaur was lost with all hands.    Michael's brother Ernest died in 1914 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment and his half-brother Arthur died at Arras whilst serving with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Private with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Leslie died on 22nd of December 1944 aged 41.Leslie was born at Toftmonks in 1903, a son of Henry Arthur Daplyn and Rosa S. Daplyn.From 1 March 1909 to 10 December 1910 Leslie attended Northgate Infants School, Great Yarmouth, and his family lived at 8 Row 29. From 9 January 1911 to 2 March 1917 he attended Saint John's School, Lowestoft, and he passed his 'labour certificate'. In 1911 his family lived at 23 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 71 Kimberley Road. By 1921 Leslie's family were living at 15 Hervey Street and Leslie worked as a general labourer for Jackman and Sons at North Quay, Lowestoft. From 1925 to 1927 Leslie worked as a labourer for the London Midland and Scottish Railway at Lowestoft.   Leslie enlisted in the Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) on 29 December 1925, number 765406, and served until 22 February 1929.On 22 December 1928 Leslie married Alice Louise London at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland. Leslie was living at Lowestoft and working as a bricklayer. Alice lived at Kessingland. By 1939 they were living at Syra, Prospect Place, Kessingland, and Leslie worked as a billiard hall keeper. Leslie enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps on 11 September 1941. He was discharged and died, on 22 December 1944, from carcinoma of the left lung. Leslie was buried at Saint Edmund's Churchyard, Kessingland, on 27 December 1944. 

A Private with 1st East Anglian Field Ambulance, Albert died on 22nd of October 1915 at the age of 18. Albert was born at Kirkley on 15 June 1897, a son of Joseph and Harriett Dare. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 25 July 1897. In 1901 his family lived at 18 Lawson Road, Kirkley, which was Albert’s home throughout his life. Albert volunteered and enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was enlisted at Ipswich. He served with the 1st East Anglican Field Ambulance, part of the 29th Division.Albert arrived at Gallipoli on 26 September 1915. He contracted dysentery and was evacuated to Egypt, where he died on 22 October 1915. Note: although most records show him serving with the 1st East Anglian Field Ambulance, on some records he is shown as serving with the 88th Field Ambulance. This is actually the same unit as the 1st East Anglian was redesignated the 88th at some point in 1915. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Frederick died on 19th of October 1918 aged 38. Frederick was born at Somerleyton on 23 February 1880, a son of Edward John and Harriet Darkins. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Somerleyton, on 11 April 1880. In 1881 his family lived at 6 Old Mill Common, Somerleyton. By 1891 they were living at The Marsh, Blundeston, and in 1901 at Park Cottage, Somerleyton, when Frederick, like his father, was a gamekeeper. In 1904 Frederick married Agnes Mahala Betts and by 1911 they were living at Eastgate, Cawston, Norfolk, and Frederick worked as a gamekeeper. Later Agnes lived at The Golf Club House, Walmer Road, Pakefield. Frederick and Agnes were living at Pakefield when he enlisted in the Army, at Bury St. Edmunds. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, number 47902, before being transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment. Frederick was serving with C Company when he was taken prisoner on 8 May 1918. He was held at Dulmen camp and later at Metz. Frederick was still a prisoner of war when he died at Euskirchen, Germany. Frederick's brother-in-law, Cecil Betts, served with the Suffolk Regiment and was killed in 1915.

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Rooke, George died on 3rd of August 1916 at the age of 33. George was born at Blundeston on 9 August 1882, a son of Harry and Anna Darkins. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 3 September 1883. In 1891 his family lived at The Street, Lound.  On 19 September 1907 George married Harriet Jarvis. In 1911 they lived at 1 Wharfedale Place, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, and George was a fisherman. Later Harriet lived at 3 Wharfedale Place. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 December 1914 and served on the drifter Rooke. On 1 April 1915 George’s left hand was injured by a drag link. During the night of 2 – 3 August 1916 the Rooke was off Deal, Kent, and collided with the Swedish merchant ship S.S. Mereddio. Five of the crew, including George, were killed and four survived. His brother Walter served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Girl Rhoda, Walter died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 33. Walter was born at Hopton on 4 December 1883, a son of Henry and Anna Darkins. In 1891 his family lived at The Street, Lound.  In 1901 Walter was the cook on the trawler Content, LT 146, at Penzance. On 25 January 1912 Walter married Ethel Norah Knights at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Walter was a fisherman living at Rock Estate, Oulton, and Ethel lived at 7 Eastern Square, North Denes. They lived at 2 Hope Terrace, The Hemplands, Lowestoft. In 1920 Ethel married John Bull. Walter joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 January 1915 and served on the trawler Manzanita. On 24 April 1916 he joined the trawler Boy Charles and, from 1 July 1917, served on the drifter Girl Rhoda.  Walter died at the Royal Navy Hospital Haslar from pyelitis uraemia. Walter’s brother George served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916. 

A Petty Officer Stoker with H.M.S. Goliath., William died on 13th of May 1915 at the age of 45. William was born at Tenby, Pembrokeshire, on 7 September 1870. William is believed to be a son of James and Rebecca Davies who lived at Culver Park, Tenby. William married Harriet John at Saint Mary's Church, Tenby, in 1898. In 1901 they lived at 17 Goshen Street, Devonport. By 1911 their home was at 15 Townsend Avenue, Plymouth. In 1921 Harriet, and children, lived at 5 Garden Street, Victoria Road, Lowestoft. At some point Harriet lived at 98 Saint Leonards Road, Kirkley.William was working as a collier when he joined the Royal Navy on 26 May 1891, number 160757. William served on H.M.S. Fox in the Persian Gulf and was awarded the Naval General Service Medal with clasp 'Persian Gulf 1909-14'. He was discharged to a pension on 26 May 1913 and on 1 June 1913 he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve, number RFR/DEV/A/3835.William was called out on 2 August 1914 and joined H.M.S. Prince George. On 17 August 1914 he was drafted to H.M.S. Goliath. On 25 April 1915 the Goliath provided fire support for the landings at Gallipoli. On the night of 12/13 May the Goliath, and H.M.S. Cornwallis, were moored at Morto Bay, off Cape Helles. The two ships had a protective screen of five destroyers. That night the Turkish torpedo-boat Muâvenet-i-Millîye sailed, undetected, into Morto Bay. At 1 a.m. the Goliath was sighted and the torpedo-boat detected. The Goliath sent a signal requesting that night's password, but the torpedo-boat had closed on the Goliath and fired three torpedoes. Each struck the Goliath and the ship capsized and sank with the loss of 570 crew, including William.   See: The Sinking of HMS Goliath 13th May 1915 - dawlish chroniclesWilliam is commemorated on the Tenby War Memorial. 

A Private with 6th Battalion, George died on 22nd of August 1917 at the age of 37. George was born at Morar, Bengal, India, on 30 November 1882, a son of George and Jane Davis. George’s father was serving in India with the Royal Artillery. George was baptised at Morar, on 22 December 1882. By 1891 his family had settled at Lowestoft and lived at 3 Selby Street. This was still their home in 1901 when George worked as a timber carter. George married Harriett Elizabeth Grand at Lowestoft in autumn 1902. By 1911 they were living at 61 Clemence Street, Lowestoft, with George’s parents and George was a general carter.George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the East Surrey Regiment, service number 23474. He was transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry, number 27330, and posted to the 6th Battalion in France. On 21 August 1917 the 6th Battalion attacked the German positions in the vicinity of Inverness Copse. They had a number of strong points to deal with and faced sustained machine-gun fire. They were engaged in heavy fighting around Herenthage Chateau and took around 130 prisoners, but the Battalion lost many officers and the attack faltered through lack of leadership. Reinforcements were sent, in small numbers, but this did not help. About 2 p.m. on the 22nd the Germans, possibly 1,000 in number, grouped in preparation to make a counter-attack. This was checked by British artillery and machine-gun fire. At dawn on the 24th the Battalion was still holding on to Inverness Copse and the Germans counter-attacked in large numbers. Again, the attacked was checked by machine-gun fire. Later in the morning operational control was handed over to the Officer Commanding the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. The Battalion’s casualties from 21 to 24 August 1917 were:Officers: 6 killed, 2 wounded and missing, 9 woundedOther Ranks: 42 killed, 74 missing, 209 wounded  George was killed in action on the 22nd August. George's brother, Henry, had a long career in the Royal Navy and died in 1944.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Supporter, Harold died on 18th of November 1915 at the age of 26. Harold was born at Kessingland on 26 July 1889, a son of Francis George and Selina Davis. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 24 November 1889. A note in the baptism register records that Harold ‘Drowned Dardanelles in the Great War.’ In 1891 his family lived at Beach Road, Kessingland, and this was still their address in 1901. By 1911 they were living at The Drive, Belvedere Place, Kessingland, and Harold was a fisherman.Harold joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 August 1915. Initially he served on H.M. Trawler Ocean Plough and on 4 June 1915 he joined H.M. Trawler Supporter. The Supporter was a requisitioned Lowestoft trawler, LT 119. In late 1915 the Supporter was in the Dardanelles as part of the Allied operations on Gallipoli. Royal Navy records show that Harold was reported missing at sea on 18 November 1915. No other details of what happened to Harold are known. The Supporter was not sunk and it is not known if his loss was due to enemy action or an accident.  

A Chief Stoker with H.M.S. Shrapnel, Henry died on 18th of March 1944 at the age of 52. Henry was born at Lowestoft on 14 April 1892, a son of George and Jane Davis. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 10 June 1892, and his family lived at 3 Selby Street, Lowestoft. Henry attended Saint John’s Infants School before, on 5 February 1900, becoming a pupil at Saint John’s School. In 1900 his family lived at 3 Selby Street. By 1911 they were living at 11 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. Henry was working as a fisherman when he joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 19 July 1909. For most of the First World War he served on H.M.S. Electra. Henry was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He became a Chief Stoker in 1927 and was discharged to a pension on 18 July 1933. On 16 May 1918 Henry married Winifred Daisy Green at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. They gave their address as 61 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. In 1939 Winifred lived at 1 Hellena House, Clarkson Road, Oulton Broad (note she sometimes used Daisy as her first name).Henry was recalled to service on 26 August 1939. In 1940 he served with H.M.S. Barwell and other Boom Defence Vessels, and in 1941 joined H.M.S. Barsound. Later he served at H.M.S. Shrapnel and training establishment near London.Henry died from coronary thrombosis due to atheroma. Henry's brother George served in the Somerset Light Infantry and was killed in action in 1917. 

A Civilian, Percy died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 44.Percy was born at Cairo, Egypt, on 11 August 1897, a son of Frank and Esther Ellen Davis. Percy’s father was a solider in the 21st Lancers and charged at the Battle of Omdurman on 2 September 1898. In 1899 they family returned to Britain and 1901 they lived at Marlborough Barracks, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland. They moved to Morayshire, Scotland, about 1905, when Percy’s father became a ‘permanent staff’ Quartermaster Sergeant with the Scottish Horse Yeomanry. In 1912 they lived at Moss Street, Elgin, and later at Moray Cottage, Grant Street, Elgin.Percy was an apprentice dentist when he enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps at Elgin on 1 August 1916 and served in Egypt. His military employment was Dental Mechanic. On 6 July 1917 he arrived in Egypt. In Egypt he served with the 1/2nd Welsh Field Ambulance, then 66 Casualty Clearing Station before joining 32 Casualty Clearing Station. He returned to England in 1919 and was discharged to the Class Z Reserve on 16 January 1920. From 1920 he lived at the Masonic Bar, Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, before he became a student at Saint Andrews University, in 1923, where he studied dentistry and qualified, and became registered, as a Dentist on 7 September 1925. Percy is believed to have married Hilda in the early 1920s (date and place not found). By 1930 Percy had a dental practice at 21 Tombland, Norwich, and by 1935 at 102 London Road, Lowestoft.The 1939 Register shows Percy and Hilda at 102 London Road, but probate records give their home address at Bramley, Normanston Drive, Lowestoft.Percy was killed at 102 London Road during an air raid. 

A Corporal with the 44th Battalion, Basil died on 25th of October 1916 at the age of 23.Basil was born at Southsea Portsmouth on 18 July 1892, a son of Samuel John and Minnie Eliza Dawson. In 1901 his family lived at 19 Albion Place, Ramsgate. As a child Basil spent some time in Rochester, Kent, and then in London, where he boarded with Mr. A. Russell Baker at 2 Rectory Grove, Wandsworth. Basil attended Gideon Road School, Wandsworth, between 26 February 1902 and 12 July 1907. In 1908 his father died and by 1911 his family were living at 20 and 22 Denmark Road (Boarding House), Lowestoft, and Basil worked as an electrician at the Lowestoft Corporation Electric Light Works. He had been an electrician pupil under Mr. G. A. Bruce at Lowestoft. Later his mother lived at 116 Worthing Road before moving to 2 Gordon House, Chantry Road, Saxmundham. In May 1911 Basil emigrated to Canada where he became a ‘homesteader’ and also served in the 90th Militia. On 2 June 1915 Basil attested for the 61st  Overseas Battalion, service number 460277, at Winnipeg, Manitoba. He embarked on the S.S. Olympic at Halifax, Canada, on 1 April 1916 and arrived at Bordon, England, on 11 April 1915. On 12 May 1916 he was transferred to the 44th Battalion Canadian Infantry, service number 229393. Basil was appointed Acting Lance Corporal on 12 June 1916 and Acting Corporal on 27 July 1916, and was then confirmed in this rank. He arrived in France on 12 August 1916. On 25 October 1916 the 44th Battalion were in trenches east of Courcellette. A note in the Canadian War Graves (Circumstances of Casualty) records explains what happened to Basil:Was wounded by machine-gun fire, when advancing across “no man’s land” on the morning of October 25th 1916. He was carried back to our lines by stretcher bearers but before he could be evacuated, he was killed by an enemy shell which exploded in the trench. The records add that there was no record of his burial.  

A Private with the 14th Battalion, Wesley died on 7th of October 1918 aged 37.Wesley was born at Lowestoft on 27 November 1881, a son of James and Eva Dawson. His given names were William Wesley but when he enlisted, he gave Wesley as his first name. In 1891 his family lived at 88 Bevan Street, and this was still their home in 1901 when Wesley, like his father, was a plasterer. In 1911 Wesley was still working as a plasterer and his family lived at 80 May Road. Later his parents lived at 117 Wollaston Road.Wesley enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Engineers, service number 166363. He was transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 57446, and posted to the 1st Battalion in France. Subsequently he was posted to the 14th Battalion. Wesley served with 1 Platoon, A Company. He received a gunshot wound in late 1917 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 19 January 1918. Once recovered he returned to the 14th Battalion and served with 1 Platoon in A Company.   On 26 May 1918 the 14th Battalion moved to battle positions near Hermonville and faced a German attack that began the next day. German records show that Wesley was taken prisoner at Cormicy, near Hermonville, on 27 May. Prisoner of records do not show whether, or not, Wesley had been wounded, but he was held at a prisoner of war hospital at Rethel before being transferred to Landau. His cause of death is not known. Wesley was buried at Germerscheim and by 1924 had been moved to the Niederzwehren Cemetery.  Wesley's brother-in- law, Herbert Fitt, served with the Liverpool Regiment and died in 1917.

A Corporal with B Battery, 190th Brigade, Wilfred died on 26th of September 1916 at the age of 34. Wilfred was born at Great Yarmouth in 1882, a son of Charles William and Margaret Rachael Dawson. In 1891 his family lived at 14 Wellesley Road, Great Yarmouth, and this was still their home in 1901. Wilfred attended the University of Birmingham and then became a teacher at West Street School, Farnham. By 1911 he was the headteacher at Shackleford School, Surrey, and then became headmaster of a Carshalton School. On 6 July 1912 Wilfred married Marion Williams at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Wilfred was living at Shackleford and Marion lived at Kirkley. By September 1915 they were living at 96 Park Lane, Wallington, Surrey. Later Marion lived at Florence House, Pakefield, Lowestoft. In 1930 she married William Mitchell.Wilfred enlisted in the Army at Wallington, Surrey. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number L/46262. Wilfred served with 190 Battery, known as ‘Wimbledon’s Own.’ Wilfred was already a Corporal when he went to France on 6 May 1916. In September 1916 190 Brigade were near Longueval. Their role was to provide a barrage to support attacks in the Gueudecourt area. The war diary for 26 September has:Ordinary day firing 1683 rounds 18 pounder and 565 rounds 4.5 inch howitzer fired. Casualties: Second Lieutenant A.K. Andrews wounded Four other ranks wounded. Wilfred was among those wounded. The following report of Wilfred’s death was published in the Yarmouth Independent, 14 October 1916, page 5:THE LATE CORPORAL WILFRED DAWSONCorporal Wilfred Charles Dawson, R.F.A., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Dawson, “Avillion”, Wellesley Road, whose deeply regretted death was reported last week, was educated first at the Priory School, and subsequently became a pupil teacher at Cobholm, after which he went to Birmingham University. He obtained a headmastership at Godalming, and ultimately at Carshalton, where he was associated with the Rev. Bowyer Vaux, son of the Rev. B. Vaux, who was incumbent of Saint Peter’s, Yarmouth. Whilst he was at Yarmouth he was closely associated with the Rev. Zouch Thurton, of Saint Mary’s Church, where he helped in the choir and at the organ. He was married and leaves a widow and a child at Wallington. He voluntarily enlisted in October 1915. The Wallington and Carshalton Herald says:There will be very great regret expressed especially by the boys of Camden Road School, at the death in action of Mr. Wilfred Charles Dawson, late headmaster of the school. The sad news was received by Mrs. Dawson on Wednesday morning, when on opening a letter from the front, she found it was form the captain of her husband’s battery, and stated:- “It is with extreme regret that I write this letter offering you not only my own condolences, but those of every man in the battery, on your husband’s death. He was killed in action by a shell splinter, and was buried by the parson of the dressing station. His loss is felt by all; we miss a friend.” A second-lieutenant also wrote:- “ He was a fine man and we regret the sad loss.” A fellow-corporal wrote: - “Will was deeply respected by the N.C.O.’s and men in the battery. He was a fine chum.” His death was painless and instantaneous.  Mr. Dawson came to Carshalton as headmaster of Camden Road School in the early part of 1915, and voluntarily offered his services to his country in October of the same year. He had a wonderful influence with boys, and considering the few months he was among them it was remarkable the high place he had in their affection and esteem. He was a musician of undoubted talent, both as organist and singer. Besides being a member of the choir, he was actively interested in the work generally of the Parish Church. Previous to his coming to this district he was for ten years headmaster o Shackelford Schools, and also organist of the Parish Church there. He was a graduate of Birmingham University and a very promising life was cut short by his untimely end. He belonged to Great Yarmouth, being the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dawson of that town. He was a corporal in the mayor of Wimbledon’s R.F.A., and acted as quarter-master-sergeant before his battery was sent into the trenches. The Rev. J. Montgomerie, Shackelford Rectory, Godalming, writes to Mr. C.W. Dawson:- “I had great affection for your son, with whom I worked for ten years. He was so manly, thoughtful, high principled, and religious. We were all the poorer when he left us. The dear fellow has willingly given his life for his King and country in this righteous cause. The School – staff and scholars – are very grieved to hear of your son’s death as they all loved him.Corporal Hector, R.F.A., writes to Mrs. Dawson that Corporal Dawson was killed instantly. “Will was deeply respected in the Battery. A finer chum no man could want to have.”Two officers, sending their condolences, speak of Corporal Dawson in similarly high terms.Letters addressed to his father and his wife were found upon Corporal Dawson after he fell and have been sent home. They were written in a most cheerful, patriotic spirit, and in one of them he says, “I don’t think there is any reason to fear a land raid. It would be a hopeless enterprise and I don’t believe Fritz has the men to do it.”      Wilfred is commemorated with a memorial plaque at All Saints’ Church, Carshalton, and the war memorial at the University of Birmingham. 

A Seaman with Steam Drifter Reliance (Lowestoft), Henry died on 7th of October 1917 at the age of 15. Henry was born at Lowestoft on 25 January 1902, a son of Henry Charles and Ethel Maud Day. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 25 April 1902 and his family lived at 26 Melbourne Road. In 1911 his family lived at 15 Edinburgh Road and later at 125 Saint Margaret's Road. Later still, his mother lived at 8 Albany Road, Lowestoft.In 1917 Henry was a seaman with the Drifter Reliance, LT 694. The Reliance sailed from Lowestoft, on Saturday 29 September, to fish between Wintertons Ridge and Smiths Knoll, and was due to return on Monday 8 October. The Reliance was seen by several boats outside Winterton Ridge during the evening of October 6. A member of the crew of the Lord Roberts, William Westmate, stated at an inquiry that his crew had hauled their nest and gone below when, about five minutes later, they heard an explosion. This was presumed to be the Reliance striking a mine. All ten of the Reliance’s crew were lost. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing IndustryHenry's father died on 14 June 1917 when his trawler, the Herring Finder, was lost in a collision. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Beatrice, John died on 27th of September 1919 at the age of 49. John was born at Whitton, Ipswich on 9 September 1869, a son of William and Mary Ann Day. In 1871 his family lived at Henly Road, Whitton. By 1891 John was living with his widowed mother at 23 Great Wingfield Street, Ipswich, and John was a brewer's labourer.    On 19 January 1892 John married Sarah Hannah Meadows at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, John was a smacksman and they both lived at 5 Burton Place, The Beach, Lowestoft. In 1901 they lived at 18 Rant Score East and John was a fisherman. By 1911 they were living at 114 Whapload Road and John was a trawler fisherman. Later Sarah lived at 42 Anguish Street, Lowestoft. John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 25 March 1915. John served on the trawler Beatrice. On 26 June 1918 he was admitted to the Chatham Hospital. He was discharged on 17 July 1918 due to cerebral haemorrhage and granted a disability pension. John died at Lowestoft on 27 September.  

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, Leonard died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 30. Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 27 February 1887, a son of William Edward and Emily Mary Day. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 May 1887. In 1891 his family lived at 21 Beckham Road, and by 1901 at 48 Norwich Road. In 1906 Leonard married Florence Matilda Rogers. In 1911 they lived at 6 Chapel Street, and Leonard was a bricklayer. Later Florence lived at 20 Duke's Head Street and in 1920 she married Samuel Head. Leonard joined the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, in early 1909, service number 853. He was mobilised when the First World War began, but did not serve overseas before 1916. In 1917 he was renumbered 200058.On 23 April 1917 the 1/4th Battalion took part in the assault on the German front and support trenches of the Hindenburg Line near the River Sensee. After an artillery barrage the battalion’s advance began at 4.45 a.m. They faced considerable opposition. By 6.30 a.m. B Company were within 200 yards of their objective, but were held up by granatenwerfer (grenade launcher), rifle and machine-gun fire. They held on until 9.30 a.m. when a German counter-attack forced them to withdraw. C and D Companies, with the support of one tank, were able to reach a sunken road by about 9.30 a.m. They also faced considerable opposition and, from 2 p.m. they were forced back by counter-attacks. The battalion was relived during the night. In the assault they had captured about 650 unwounded prisoners, five machine guns and a trench mortar. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: one killed, eight woundedOther ranks: 41 killed, 160 wounded, 104 missing   Leonard was killed in action on 23 April.Leonard's brother in law, Herbert Harry Rogers, served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916.

A Private with 4th Bn. Peter died on 13th of February 1942 at the age of 20. Peter was born at Lowestoft in 1921 (his birth registered in the last quarter of 1921), a son of Walter Percy and Clara Maud Day. In 1939 his family lived at 13 Haward Street, 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.      Although official records show that Peter died on 13 February 1942, this is actually the date by which he was presumed to have died and original Commonwealth War Grave records shows that he was missing, presumed dead, between 5 and 15 February 1942. Initially Peter and four other soldiers (two from the 4th Suffolks and two from the 4th Norfolks) were buried at Geyland Village, Singapore, 'approximately 125 yards east of the junction of Katong and Wereham Roads'. In 1946 the men were exhumed at reburied at Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.  

A Leading Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Thomas Crofton I. Walter died on 17th of November 1917 at the age of 49. Walter was born at Walthamstow on 31 January 1868, a son of Walter George and Emma Day. In 1871 his family lived at Shernhall Street, Walthamstow. Walter married Annie Jane Tucker at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 10 March 1892. Walter was a fisherman, and they both lived at Whapload Road. By 1896 they were living at 4 Colville Road. The 1901 Census shows Annie living with Walter’s brother Thomas, and his wife Emily, at 42 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon. In 1901 Walter was the Second Hand on the trawler Samuel J. Dobson, at Milford Haven. The Skipper of the Samuel J. Dobson was Walter’s brother-in-law John William Tucker. By 1911 Walter and Annie’s home was at 33 Police Station Road, later their home was at 74 Trafalgar Road, 49 Trafalgar Road, then 71 Beresford Road, and subsequently Annie lived with her parents at 92 Clapham Road. Walter joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 4 September 1915. He served on the trawler John Alfred until April 1917 when he joined the Cormorant III, and in July 1917 he joined the Thomas Crofton I.Walter was on shore leave and on the night of 17 November 1917 he was returning to his ship, at Dundee Harbour, when he fell into the harbour and drowned.  Walter’s brother-in-law, John William Tucker, died in 1919 in the loss of the Armed Fishing Smack Ivanhoe. 

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Birdlip., Frederick died on 13th of June 1944 at the age of 22.Frederick was born at Walthamstow on 15 September 1921, a son of Thomas James and Beatrice E. Deal. In 1939 he lived with his family at 1 Joscelyne Square, Leigh Hill, Southend-on-Sea, and Frederick worked as a signwriter. Frederick married Sybil Bertha Brady, at Lowestoft, in 1943. Frederick served on H. M. Trawler 'Birdlip' which was used as a 'submarine chaser'. On 13 June 1944 the Birdlip was torpedoed by submarine U-547 off the west coast of Africa. All of the crew, including Frederick, were lost. Sybil remarried in 1946 and lived at 23 Queens Road, Lowestoft.  

A Seaman Steward with H.M. Trawler Kingston Cornelian. Arthur died on 5th of January 1940 at the age of 18. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 8 August 1921, a son of Harry George and Betsy Susannah Dennant. His family lived at 40 Raglan Street and later his parents lived at Blundeston.  On 5 January 1940 the Kingston Cornelain was in the Strait of Gibraltar. The trawler was in a collision with the French merchant ship Chella. The trawler sank very quickly with the loss of all seventeen crew, including Arthur. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Archibald died on 28th of October 1918 aged 20. Archibald was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Albert Edward and Isabella Dexter. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, on 1 April 1898 and at that time his family lived at 39 Stanley Street and this was still their address in 1901. By 1911 the family were living at 12 Gordon Road. Subsequently they would live at 105 Clapham Road.Archibald enlisted on 27 August 1915 serving initially with the Royal Flying Corps which was later transformed into the Royal Air Force. Archibald served in France from 24 March 1916 to 9 August 1917. On 15 December 1917 he was posted to the U.S.A. for training and he became a qualified Observer and was allowed to wear the Observer badge on his uniform.  Archibald flew operationally with 97 Squadron and was the Wireless Operator on Handley-Page O/400 Bomber D5417. While flying on 28 October his aircraft suffered structural damaged and crashed and burst into flames at Luneville. Archibald was injured and died and the other three crew were also killed.  (With thanks to CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass)

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Sisters Melville, Thomas died on 13th of February 1917 at the age of 34. Thomas was born at Cardiff on 31 October 1882, a son of Thomas James and Mary Dickens. In 1891 his family lived at 16 Constellation Road, Raoth, Cardiff, and by 1901 they were living at 14 Walkers Road, Roath, and Thomas was a chemist’s assistant. In 1911 Thomas lived with his sister, Mable Job, and family at 57 Waterloo Road, Hakin, Milford Haven, and he worked as an engineer at sea. In 1916 Thomas married Elsie Elizabeth Epps at Lowestoft. In 1917 her address was 27 Lovewell Road, and later she lived at 29 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad.Thomas was living at 70 Abbot Hall, Fleetwood, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 May 1915. He served on the trawler Elswick before joining the trawler Sisters Melville. On 13 February 1917 the Sisters Melville was sailing about four miles off Aldeburgh when it struck a mine and sank. Seven of the crew, including Thomas, were killed. 

A Lance Corporal with the 7th (Galloway) Battalion, John died on 4 April 1944, aged 22.John was born at Laverhay, Wamphrey, Dumfriesshire in 1921 a son of John and Agnes Murdoch.In 1943 John married Joyce Mary Key Blake, of 36 Nelson Road, Pakefield, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Joyce remarried in 1947. John was a member of the 7th (Galloway) Battalion. His unit was part of the airborne forces and were trained to land by glider. On 4 April 1944 John was flying in a Horsa Glider with other members of 3 Platoon, A Company, being towed by a Stirling IV aircraft on a night exercise. The Stirling hit a tree to the east of Warnford Park, Hampshire, and the glider crashed into the fields on Warnford Park killing all 27 men on board. The Stirling aircraft was badly damaged and itself crashed near Romsey killing all six crew. 

A Civilian, Albert died on 27th of February 1941 at the age of 77. Albert was born at Walsoken, Norfolk, on 23 July 1863, a son of William and Susannah Disney. In 1871 his family lived at Nelson Road, Gorleston. By 1881 they were living at 11 Saint Leonard’s Road, Kirkley. Albert married Ida Hutchings, at Lowestoft, in 1887.In 1891 they lived at 46 Haward Street, and Albert was a sawyer. By 1901 they were living at 49 Haward Street and Albert was a steam sawyer at a saw mill, and this was still their home in 1911 and Albert was still working as a steam sawyer. In 1916 they were living at 11 Avondale Road. By 1921 they were living at 80 Lorne Park Road and Albert was a sawyer at S. Richards & Co., Horn Hill, and he was ‘out of work’. Ida died in 1936. In 1939 Albert was still living at 80 Lorne Park Road and was a ‘sawyer - old age pensioner.’Albert was killed, at his home, during an air raid.Albert’s son Stanley was killed in 1916 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment.  

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Stanley died on 3rd of February 1916 at the age of 21. Stanley was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Albert and Ida Disney. In 1901 his family lived at 49 Haward Street. This was still their home in 1911 and Stanley worked as a cooper. Later his parents lived at 11 Avondale Road and then at 80 Lorne Park Road. Stanley enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1912. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with E Company (Lowestoft) of the 1/4th Battalion. He was a signaller. Stanley was mobilized when the war began and he arrived in France with the Battalion on 8 November 1914. The 1/4th Battalion moved to Loos on 30 January 1916. On 3 February their positions were heavily shelled all day, at points the shells were falling at a rate of 40 to 50 per minute. The Battalion’s casualties on 3 February were 15, including Stanley who was killed. The Battalion’s War Diary assigned the low number of casualties to the fact that the majority of the men were able to shelter in deep dug-outs. Stanley's father was killed in an air raid in World War Two. 

A Private with the 5th Battalion, Raymond died on 11th of November 1942 aged 24. Raymond was born at Great Yarmouth on 29 November 1917, a son of Charles William and Edith Alice Ditcham. In 1921 his family lived at 196 Stafford Road, Great Yarmouth. By 1939 Raymond’s family were living at 40 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft. Before joining the Army Raymond was a cotton clothing cutter.  Raymond served with the 5th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In May 1940 the battalion took over coastal defences at Weybourne, Norfolk. Later that year they moved to Holt and then King’s Lynn. In January 1941 they were sent to Scotland for advanced training and in April to Liverpool. In October 1941 they went to Glasgow and on 9 December they embarked the Duchess of Atholl, part of a convoy of ships carrying the 18th Division to Halifax. In Canada they changed ship to the U.S.S. Mount Vernon and then sailed for South Africa. They were due to sail to Bombay on 13 December 1941, but instead were taken to Mombasa. On 28 December they sailed for Singapore, arriving there on 13 January 1942.The battalion underwent some jungle training before moving to reserve positions at Ayer Hitam. The battalion’s first contact with the Japanese took place on 21 January. For the next few days they tried to hold positions, but, on 26 January, they were ordered to engage in a fighting retreat to Singapore. For the next two weeks they were involved in the defence of Singapore but Raymond, like many of his battalion was captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942. Raymond was held in the Changi district of Singapore, where he died from bacterial dysentery. He was buried at Changi Cemetery and in 1946 he was re-buried at Kranji War Cemetery.  

A Gunner with 208th Siege Battery, Albert died on 27th of December 1916 at the age of 38.Albert was born at Honiley, Warwickshire, in 1878, a son of Thomas and Harriett Dixon. He was baptised at Honiley on 1 September 1878. In 1881 his family lived at Honiley. By 1891 they were living at Elves Green Farm, Knowle, Warwickshire. In 1901 they lived at 63 Larch Woods Cottages, Shingham, Swaffham, Norfolk, and Albert was a game-keeper.  In 1906 Albert married Rosetta Oakley: this registered in the Depwade district. In 1911 they lived at Decoy Cottage, Lound, and Albert was a game-keeper. Later Rosetta lived at 3 Rosemary Lane, Beccles.Albert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft around July 1916. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 105212, and arrived in France around October 1916. From December 1916 he served with 208th Siege Battery which arrived in France on 16 December. 208th Siege Battery was armed with 6” Howitzers. Albert received a gunshot wound to his neck. On 25 December 1916 he was admitted to 34 Casualty Clearing Station, dangerously ill, and he died there on 27 December.

A 2nd Lieutenant with the 8th Battalion, Leonard died of wounds on 31st of December 1917 at the age of 28. Leonard was born at Rumburgh, Suffolk, in 1889, a son of Philip William and Emm Jane Dolman. In 1891 his family lived at the Farm House, Rumburgh, and in 1901 at Tivetshall Road, Pulham Saint Mary Magdalen. Later his family lived at Gisleham, before moving to Pulham Market, Norfolk. He was a brother of Gertrude Smith of The Hollies, Black Street, Gisleham. Leonard worked as a school teacher. Leonard volunteered and attested for the Army at Norwich on 15 August 1914. On 2 September 1914 he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, at Aldershot, service number 9950. He was a clerk and was posted to 21st Field Ambulance and arrived in France on 6 October 1914. On 19 March 1916 Leonard was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment. He joined the 2nd Battalion in France on 26 March 1916 and was posted to D Company. He served with the 2nd Battalion at the Somme in June-July 1916 and, on 4 July, received a wound to his left leg, caused by artillery fire. He was evacuated to England, arriving there on 8 July.  Leonard was posted to the 3rd Battalion on 12 September 1916. He returned to France in early 1917 and was attached to the 1st Battalion. On 14 April the battalion were at Zouave Valley, Vimy. The battalion were subjected to enemy shell-fire and Leonard was wounded in the right shoulder. He was evacuated to England, arriving at Dover on 18 April 1917 and, on 24 April, admitted to Northcliffe Hospital. He was discharged from hospital and joined the 3rd Battalion on 5 July 1917.  Leonard returned to France on 10 October 1917 and joined 17 Infantry Brigade Depot, at Calais. He was posted to the 8th Battalion and joined them on 15 October. At 6.30am on the 21 December a German raiding party tried to get into the right section of the battalion’s lines. Leonard’s platoon was manning the section and held off the attack, inflicting many casualties. However, Leonard was severely wounded in the thigh, calf, and foot. He was taken to 45 Casualty Clearing Station. On 26 December his leg had to be amputated and Leonard was gravely ill. One of his sisters had asked to visit him, but he was so unwell that this was not allowed. He died of wounds, at the Casualty Clearing Station, on 31 December. Leonard was awarded the Belgian Croix-de-Guerre, and thus was published in the London Gazette of 15 April 1918, page 4524. His service papers show that in 1918 Miss Marcelle Caudron, of Rebecques, France, had contacted the War Office enquiring after Leonard.His brother Philip served with the 1/5th Sherwood Foresters and died in 1917. 

A Private with the 1/5th Battalion, Philip died on 1st of July 1917 at the age of 39. Philip was born at Pulham Saint Mary Magdalen in 1876, a son of Philip William and Emm Jane Dolman. In 1881 his family lived at Peppys Lane, Pulham Saint Mary. In 1891 they lived at the Farm House, Rumburgh. Later his family lived at Gisleham, before moving to Pulham Market, Norfolk. He was a brother of Gertrude Smith of The Hollies, Black Street, Gisleham. In 1901 Philip worked as an asylum attendant at Ipswich Borough Lunatic Asylum, Foxhall Road, Ipswich.  For several years Philip was the manager of Messrs. Fell and Son, High Street, Ramsgate. He was known for writing cheery letters to his friends in Ramsgate and the last message received from him was a field postcard, posted the day before he went into action for the last time. He had many friends and was known as ‘Mac’. He was a member of the Ramsgate Liberal Club and was held in high esteem for his unfailing cheerful temperament and readiness to assist in promoting the success of any of the club functions (see The Thanet Advertiser 11 August 1917, page 3).   Philip was living at 39 Crescent Road, Ramsgate, and working as a grocer, when he attested for the Army on 10 December 1915. He was called up on 23 March 1916 and joined the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters), service number 5344. He was posted to the 3/6th (Reserve) Battalion. On 1 September 1916 he was posted to the 5th (Reserve) Battalion, service number 6192. Philip was then posted to the 1/5th Battalion and embarked at Folkestone on 10 February 1917 and disembarked at Boulogne the same day. He joined the battalion in the field on 5 March 1917. During 1917 he was renumbered as 202715. At 2.47 a.m. the 1/5th Battalion attacked the enemy’s positions west of Lens. Between 4.15 and 5 a.m. the left and centre companies reached their objectives, but the company on the right failed to do that and sustained many casualties. The battalion withstood many counter-attacks, mainly held at bay by Lewis gun fire. About 6.30 a.m. the enemy launched a string counter-attack and began bombing along the trench line and by these means were able to drive two wedges into the battalion’s line and could have cut off some of the battalion’s men. Late in the day the battalion handed over the position to the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: four missing, one wounded, one injured accidentallyOther ranks: 13 killed, 81 wounded, 62 missingPhilip was reported missing on 1 July 1917 and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. His brother Leonard served with the 8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and died in 1917.

A Lieutenant with the Royal Navy (Retired List), Sir James died on 13th of September 1919 at the age of 29. James was born at Edinburgh on 10 December 1889, a son of Rear Admiral Sir William Cecil H. and Lady Anne Josephine Moselle Domville. Because of his hereditary title he was known as Sir James Domville. In 1891 James was staying at his uncle’s home, Linden Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland. In 1901 James lived with his family at The Chantry, Sproughton, near Ipswich.     James succeeded as the 5th Baronet Domville of Saint Albans upon the death of his father in 1904. On 11 April 1912 James married Kathleen Agatha Charlesworth. Their home was at Gunton Hall, Lowestoft.James joined the training ship H.M.S. Britannia on 15 September 1904 and was commissioned as a Midshipman on 15 January 1906. He then joined H.M.S. King Edward VII until 15 February 1907 when he returned to H.M.S. Britannia. He served with H.M.S. New Zealand from 28 January 1908. Next, he joined H.M.S. Victory and was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant on 30 April 1909. He served with H.M.S. Leda from 1 March 1910 and joined H.M.S. Warrior on 10 May 1911. James was promoted to Lieutenant on 31 December 1911 and joined H.M.S. Bacchante in the Mediterranean Fleet. His personal reports were not always complimentary. James resigned his commission on 19 June 1912 and was placed on the emergency list, but resigned from the list on 14 April 1914, and he returned to the list on 8 August 1914 which meant that he could be called out for service with the navy.On 9 August 1914 James was posted to H.M.S. Halcyon for minesweeping duties at Lowestoft. He joined H.M.S. Kaphreda on 28 October 1914. A note on his service record has February 1915 ‘an expression of Their Lordship’s appreciation for his action in taking to pieces a German mine washed ashore at Torry Island’. Again, in February 1915, he received ‘an expression of Their Lordship’s satisfaction for action in taking apart, at great personal risk, a German mine washed ashore at Portrush.’ On 1 April 1915 he joined H.M.S. Kingfisher for Yarmouth Base and his report states: Report of patrol by trawlers April 1915. Board considered the work well done, his attack on enemy patrols well executed and the way in which he handled his small force was commendable.For this action, during which James was on board the trawler Barbados, he was awarded the vellum certificate of commendation with the following citation:He remained at the wheel when the skipper was wounded, personally working the helm, and generally handled his ship in a seamanlike manner, under heavy fire to avoid being torpedoed. He also took effective measures to call the attention of Leonidas in order to convey to her the information which led to the subsequent destruction of the enemy vessels.This particular action involved the trawlers Barbados, Columbia, Minra, Chirsit and two German torpedo boats. James was given command of the Paddle Minesweeper H.M.S. Balmoral on 29 October 1915 and on 3 February 1916 he joined H.M.S. Halcyon for minesweeping duties at Lowestoft. On 3 Jun 1916 he took command of the P-Class patrol boat P.19. On 27 February 1917 James became a Royal Navy liaison officer and he was sent to Marseilles and then to Port Said where he contracted enteric fever. James commanded H.M.S. Grasshopper from 10 August 1918 to 16 November 1918, when h, he was given command of H.M.S. Grasshopper. In November 1918 James’ medical adviser informed the navy that James was totally unfit for any service and that James awaited intimation from Their Lordship’s as to whether they wanted him to resign his commission. The matter was not fully concluded when on 13 September 1919 James was at the United Services Club, London, and shot-himself. He was taken to Charing Cross Hospital where he died.  Sir James' brother-in-law was Frederic Charlesworth who served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and died in 1918. See: Microsoft Word - xp DOMVILLE Sir James Henry (merseamuseum.org.uk)————————John, BARBADOS / Domville - also on PEKIN entry ;DOMVILLE James H Sir Bt. Lt. RN 85U012Barbados Captain Ellison N/E N/EAction Trawlers Barbados, Columbia, Miura, Chirsit &2 Ger T.B's01.05.15 Vellum letterHe remained at the wheel when the skipper was wounded, personally working the helm, and generally handled his ship in a seamanlike manner, under heavy fire to avoid being torpedoed. He also took effective measures to call the attention of Leonidas in order to convey to her the information which led to the subsequent destruction of the enemy vessels."This is not the first occasion of Sir J. Domville behaving with cool gallantry under fire, he is evidently a most valuable officer." - 4th Sea Lord - "Concur" - 1st Sea Lord.He received Their Lordships' commendation on three occasions during the first 4 months of 1915. CREDIT:GreatWarForum

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Frank died on 18th of July 1916 at the age of 22. Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Edwin Thomas and Louisa Dorling. From 7 May 1900 Frank was a pupil at Kirkley School and his family lived at 134 Beaconsfield Road. By 1911 they were living at 241 London Road South, and Frank was an assistant in his father green-grocer’s business. Frank volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13927, and arrived in France with the 8th Battalion on 25 July 1915.On 14 July 1916 the 8th Battalion moved into positions at Bernafay Wood. The battalion was subjected to heavy shelling on the 14th and intermittent shelling throughout the 15th and 16th. On 17th July they moved to Billon Wood and, on the 18th, to bivouacs. Frank was reported wounded and missing on 18 July 1916, but the battalion’s war diary records no casualties for that date. It is likely that he was wounded and ‘missing’ at some point from 14 to 18 July, but it was the 18th July when this fact was officially noted. It was not until September 1917 that it was concluded that he had died of wounds on 18 July.

A Mate, Leonard died on the 5th of February 1944 aged 63. Leonard was born at Kessingland on 9 August 1880, a son of George and Sarah Amelia Dowding. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 3 September 1880 along with his twin brother George. In 1881 his family lived at Beach Road, Kessingland, and in 1891 their address was ‘by sea’ Kessingland. By 1901 Leonard was working as a fisherman and in that year he worked on the trawler Belle, LT 167, at Newlyn, Cornwall. In 1902 Leonard married Sabina Jane Knights, this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1911 their address was ‘by the sea’ Kessingland, and Leonard was a drift fisherman. By January 1915 they were living at Brooklands, Kessingland.  In 1910 Leonard was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Hand. On 13 January 1915 Leonard joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a Second Hand, service number S.A. 1012. During the war he served with the trawler Gladys May. Leonard was demobilized on 24 June 1919. After the First World War Leonard and Sabina lived at Helen Villa, 12 John Street, Lowestoft, before moving to 4 Cliff Cottages, Kessingland, which was their address in 1939, when Leonard was a fisherman. By 1944 Leonard’s address was 2 Bethel Drive, Kessingland.  The details of what happened to Leonard are not known other than that in February 1944 he was working as a fisherman and that he died at the Falmouth and District Hospital. Leonard was buried at Saint Edmund’s Churchyard, Kessingland, on 11 February. 

A Bombardier with E Battery, Ernest died on 12th of September 1917 at the age of 25. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of Robert Charles and Emma Dowe. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 2 February 1896 and his family lived at 29 Raglan Street and this was still their family home in 1911.Ernest was working as a baker, for S.W. Turner, when he joined the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment (Territorial Force), at Lowestoft, on 15 February 1909. He continued to serve with the territorials until April 1911. Ernest was working as a labourer when he joined the regular army, at Lowestoft, on 26 April 1911. He enlisted to serve six years with the Colours and six with the Reserve. He joined the Royal Horse Artillery, service number 65310. On 23 August 1911 Ernest was posted to E Battery and he arrived in France with the Battery on 14 August 1914.At 9.30 a.m. on 22 August 1914, at Bray, near Peronnes, men of E Battery fired the fire British artillery rounds of the First World War.  Ernest was appointed Acting Bombardier on 29 April 1916 and paid Bombardier on 7 June 1917. On 7 September 1917 E Battery moved to positions in the vicinity of Vaudricourt with a waggon line south of Mazingarbe. About 4 p.m. on 11 September the enemy shelled the waggon lines with 4.2 inch guns which caused several casualties in the right section stalls. Two men were killed and nine, including Ernest, wounded. Twenty-two horses were also killed.Ernest had wounds to his back and abdomen and was taken to No 1 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died the next day.  

A Mate with Trawler Rupee (Brixham), Frederick died on 3rd of October 1917.Frederick was born at Lowestoft in 1873, a son of Thomas Henry and Mary Ann Dowsing. In 1881 his family lived at Wright's Cottages, 1, Beccles Road, Lowestoft. From a young age Frederick went to sea and was a trawlerman. By 1894 his family was living at 3 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft.Frederick married Mary Anna Hood at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 26 December 1894. Mary lived at 73 Queens Road. By 1901 they were living at 78 Queens Road, and by 1911 at 64 Queens Road, and later their home was at 81 Oxford Road, Lowestoft.The 1911 Census shows Frederick at Padstow and he was the Mate on the trawler Hyacinth (LT 1015).Frederick was the Mate on the trawler Rupee. On 3 October 1917 the Rupee was 12 miles north of Lundy when captured by a German submarine which proceeded to sink the trawler, by gunfire. Four of the crew, including Frederick, were killed. Frederick's brother Thomas served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916. 

A Private with 7th Bn., Harold died on 3rd of May 1917 at the age of 23. Harold was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Charles William and Edith Mary Dowsing. In 1901 his family lived at 36 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 87 Rotterdam Road and Harold worked as a porter at a new making works. Later his family lived at 38 Crown Street, Lowestoft.Harold 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. Harold arrived in France on 28 July 1915 with the 7th Battalion. On 28 April 1917 the 7th Battalion moved to Neuville Vitasse near Arras. On 1 may they moved into front line trenches at Eterpigny. Early on 3 May they moved into battle preparations ready for a major attack that began at 3.45 a.m. The barrage to cover their advance did not go well and the Germans were able to bring heavy rifle and machine gun fire to bear as well as bringing down their own barrage who proved to be very intense. The Battalion continued to advance until 11.00 a.m. when a general retirement began. Some officers managed to rally some of the men and halted part of the retirement. The German barrage continued into the afternoon. The battalions involved in the attack received reinforcements and at 5.35 p.m. the 7th Battalion received orders to attack and capture Cable Trench. This attack began at 7.15 p.m. but did not succeed and the remaining men of the 7th manned the front line until the next day. In the attack on 3 May the 7th Battalion lost 380 officers and men killed, wounded and missing. Harold was reported missing and was later presumed to have been killed in action. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Waveney II., Thomas died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 46. Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1871, a son of Thomas Henry and Mary Ann Dowsing. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 May 1871. In 1881 his family lived at Wright's Cottages, 1, Beccles Road, Lowestoft. By 1893 his family was living at 3 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft, and Thomas worked as a plumber. Thomas married Harriet Burwood at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 24 August 1893. Harriet lived at Milton Road. By 1901 they were living at 9 Chapel Street,. Thomas worked as a house painter. By 1911 they were living at 15 Factory Street, and Thomas worked as a plumber.Thomas joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 September 1915. At the time he, and Harriet, lived at 2 Farrow's Yard, Factory Street. Later Harriet lived at 50 Milton Road, Lowestoft. Thomas served on the 'Waveney II' from 10 September 1915. The 'Waveney II' was a net-layer and was one of a number of trawlers, in the Dover Patrol, that were attacked by German destroyers during the night of 26-27 October 1916. The 'Waveney II' was disabled by German destroyers and four crew, including Thomas, killed. The trawler was taken in tow but foundered and sank.   For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)Thomas' brother Frederick died in 1917 in the loss of the trawler Willing Boys. 

Formerly a Lance Sergeant with the 8th Battalion, Alfred died on 27th of March 1920 at the age of 23.Alfred was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of George and Louisa Elizabeth Dowson. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 4 December 1896 and his family lived at 221 Clapham Road. In 1901 his family lived at 26 Grosvenor Road, Great Yarmouth. By 1911 they had moved to 7 Spurgeon’s Score, Lowestoft, and this would be Alfred’s home for the rest of his life. In 1911 Alfred worked as an errand boy at a clothier’s shop. Alfred volunteered and enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment soon after the outbreak of war. He arrived in France on 17 August 1915 to join the 8th Battalion. In 1916 he was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette 21 December 1916). A report in the Lowestoft Journal, 25 November 1916, states that he received the award for gallantry under heavy shell-fire and this must have been in connection with the battalion’s activities in the Battle of the Somme.The 8th Battalion was disbanded in France in February 1918 and personnel send to the 2nd, 1/4th and 7th Battalions. It is unclear which, if any of these, battalions Alfred served with, but he was wounded in 1918 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of 14 May 1918.There is no information about Alfred being discharged from the Army, but he died of pneumonia at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Birmingham, and his details are listed in the Army’s Register of Soldiers’ Effects. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Launch Out. Charles died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 38.Charles was born at Lowestoft on 9 October 1878, a son of Charles and Harriett Doy. In 1881 his family lived at 58 Clemence Street.  In 1901 Charles was a seaman on the trawler Rose Bud, LT 594, at Newlyn. Charles was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Hand in 1905. On 26 January 1902 Charles married Emily Matilda Wade at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Charles was a fisherman and they both gave their address as at 31 Stanford Street. By 1911 they were living at 117A Bevan Street and Charles was a fish monger. For a time, they lived at Yarmouth Road, Heckingham. Later Emily lived at 73 Sussex Road, Lowestoft.Charles first enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve in 1895, in August 1914 his service number was 1258 C. He was awarded the Royal Naval Reserve Long Service Medal in 1910. Charles was called out for service on 3 August 1914, and he served on the Armed Merchant Cruiser Mantua. As he had completed his period of service he was discharged, at his own request, on 1 April 1915. Charles re-enrolled with the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 September 1915 and served with the trawler Launch Out.  The Launch Out was one of a number of Lowestoft trawlers, in the Dover Patrol, that were attacked by German destroyers during the night of 26-27 October 1916. The Launch Out stayed afloat before sinking. Eight crew, including Charles, were killed and the Skipper, Horace Kemp, died of his wounds two days later. 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 Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Arfon, James died on 30th of April 1917 at the age of 45. James was born at Lowestoft on 15 July 1870, a son of Money and Ellen Jane Doy. In 1871 his family lived at 3 Thurston Road, and by 1881 at Saint Peter’s Street. Later his father lived at 93 Seago Street.  On 1 September 1891 James married Charlotte Butcher at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. James was a mariner and they both lived at 3 Christchurch Square. By 1897 they were living at 1 Factory Court. By 1911 they were living at 9 North East Cottages, Brighton Street, Hull, and later Charlotte lived at 6 Camberwell Avenue, Brighton Street, Hull. James took two years off his age when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 24 January 1916 and he served on the trawler Arfon. On 30 April 1917 the Arfon was sailing off Saint Alban’s Head, Dorset, and struck a mine and exploded. Ten crew, including James, died, and three others were rescued.  James' brother in law, Frederick Fisher, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918.Note: some sources give the family name as Doye. 

A Sub-Lieutenant (A) with H.M.S. Implacable, Neville died on 24th of July 1945 at the age of 20.Neville was born at Lowestoft in 1925, a son of Harry Reginald and Hetty Mary Faith Doy. In 1939 they lived at 76 Florence Road, Lowestoft. Probate records give Neville's address when he died (and presumably this is where his parents lived) as 150 Waveney Drive, Lowestoft. Neville was commissioned Acting Temporary Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 5 August 1944, and as Temporary Sub-Lieutenant (Observer) in the Fleet Air Arm on 5 February 1945. Neville served with 1771 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, on board H.M.S. Implacable. He was the Observer on a Fairey Firefly aircraft that was on a bombing mission to mainland Japan. The aircraft failed to pull out of a dive and crashed killing Neville. 

A Chief Petty Officer with H.M.S. Queen Mary, William died on 31st of May 1916 at the age of 37. William was born at Holbrook, Suffolk, on 29 September 1877, a son of Robert and Sarah Ann Doylend. In 1881 his family loved at Chelmondiston, Suffolk. By 1891 his family were living at 8 Battery Green Road, Lowestoft, and his father was a Commissioned Boatman in the Coastguard. In 1911 his parents were living at 63 Maidstone Road, Lowestoft. William joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 13 February 1893 and he served continuously in the navy until his death in 1916. He was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1910. William joined H.M.S. Queen Mary on 13 September 1913.  On 30 April 1900 William married Charlotte Ann Cross and Saint Mary’s Church, Portsea. William was a seaman serving at H.M.S. Excellent, and Charlotte lived at 30 Duncan Street, Portsea. Charlotte died in 1905. On 14 April 1909 William married Eva Lilian Osmond at Broadway, Dorset. After William’s death Eva lived at Jestys Avenue, Broadway, Dorset.William was serving on H.M.S. Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland. Early in the battle the Queen Mary was hit twice by shells from the German battlecruiser Derfflinger and the Queen Mary's magazines exploded sinking the ship. William was one of 1,266 crew who were killed.  

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Charles died on 23rd of February 1945 aged 24.Charles was born at Lowestoft on 27 December 1920, a son of Charles William and Georgina Drake. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 20 January 1921 and his family lived at 221 Raglan Street. By 1939 his family home was at 104 Beresford Road and Charles was a clerk with an electrical cable making contractor.   Charles enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and June 1940. In February 1945 he was serving with 18 Squadron based at Falconara, Italy. On 23 February Charles was a member of the crew of a Douglas Boston IV bomber, number BZ482 ‘M’, that took part in a raid on the marshalling yards at Cormons, Italy. His aircraft failed to return. All of the crew were killed. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, Charles died on 9th of February 1941 at the age of 57. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 2 March 1883, a son of William and Phoebe Lydia Drake. He was baptised at Oulton on 22 April 1883. The 1891 Census shows Charles with his grandparents at 9 Cambridge Road, and he was still living with them at that address in 1901 when he worked as a house painter. In 1911 Charles lived with his parents at 8 Stevens Street and he worked as a blacksmith's striker. On 26 December 1914 Charles married Minnie Maria Green at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. At the time he was working as a printer's assistant. By 1921 they were living at 54 Stevens Street and Charles worked as a blacksmith's striker for the Great Eastern Railway Company. In 1939 he worked as a metal machinist (railway).On 7 February 1941 Charles was working at the L.N.E.R. Harbour Works when he was injured during an air raid. He died at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.Charles' son Ronald was killed in an air raid in May 1941. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Herbert died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20.Herbert was born at Forncett Saint Mary, Norfolk, in 1897, a son of Frederick and Sarah Ann Drake. In 1901 his family lived at Norwich Road, Forncett St. Mary. By 1911 they were living at Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and Herbert was a jobbing gardener.  In 1916 Herbert married Elsie Sabina Bryant: this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1918 Elsie lived at 4 Waveney Cottages, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad.Herbert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13892. He was posted to the 8th Battalion and arrived in France with the battalion on 25 July 1915. Herbert was wounded and his name appears in the War Office Daily list of casualties dated 3 November 1916. Subsequently he was posted to the 2nd Battalion. On 26 September 1917 the 2nd Battalion were involved in an attack at Zonnebeke, east of Ypres. This attack was judged to be a complete success, but one officer and 36 other ranks, including Herbert, were killed. Initially Herbert was reported to be wounded and missing and later it was concluded that he had died on, or since, 26 September. Hebert is buried at Dochy Farm Cemetery. Most of the burials in this cemetery come from battlefield graves in the local area. Commonwealth War Graves records show that Herbert was exhumed and reburied at Dochy after the war, but do not show where he was buried originally.  Herbert’s name is recorded on the war memorial at Saint Margaret’s Church.

A Corporal with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, John died on 17th of June 1946 aged 20.John was born at Lowestoft on 11 July 1926, a son of Herbert C. and Olive M. Drake. Throughout his life John's family lived at 544 London Road, Lowestoft.No details are known of John’s military service or his cause of death. 

A Civilian, Ronald died on 12th of May 1941 at the age of 16. Ronald was born at Lowestoft on 31 August 1924, a son of Charles William and Minnie Maria Drake. Throughout his life Ronald's family lived at 54 Stevens Street. In 1939 Ronald worked as a General Post Office messenger.During the night of 11 to 12 May 1941 an air raid took place and houses on May Road were badly damaged. Alfred J. Turner said that there was a crater in the middle of the road with four houses flattened on one side and the houses on the other side of the road were shattered. He said it was the worst damage that he had seen. Ronald was at 14 May Road during the raid, and died there. Ronald's father, Charles, was killed in an air raid in February 1941.

An Engineman with H.M.S. Glory, Richard died on 15th of October 1918 aged 37. Richard was born at Lowestoft on 11 June 1881, a son of Richard and Susannah Draper. In 1891 his family lived at 7 Wellington Cottages. In 1901 Richard lived with his sister, Susannah Capps, and family at 16 Factory Street and Richard was a fisherman.In 1904 Richard married Ethel Amy Paul: this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1909 they were living at 62 Kent Road, and by 1911 at 23 Worthing Road. In 1911 Richard was the Chief Engineer with the trawler Select, LT 732, at Newlyn. By 1915 they were living at 26 Fir Lane. In 1920 Ethel married Reginald Wright and they lived at 5 Fir Lane. Richard joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 4 October 1915. He served on the drifter Anchor Star until 10 December 1917. On 12 March 1918 he joined the minesweeping trawler Thomas Thresher. He was assigned to the depot ship H.M.S. Implacable on 23 April 1918 and on 8 June 1918 he joined H.M.S. Glory, the flagship of the British North Russia Squadron on active service in connection with the Russian Civil War. Richard died from influenza. Richard’s brother-in-law, Alfred Paul, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. Richard is commemorated on Saint Margaret's War Memorial.  

A Civilian, Susannah died on 22nd of July 1941 at the age of 67. Susannah was born at Lowestoft in 1874, a daughter of Edmund and Ann M. Redgrave. She was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 4 October 1874. In 1881 her family lived at 22 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at Sudbury Cottages, 1 Bevan Street, Lowestoft, and Susannah was a domestic servant.On 9 February 1896 Susannah married George Robert Draper at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a smacksman and they both gave their address as 5 Selby Street. By 1901 they were living at 26 Saint Leonard’s Road, and this would be Susannah’s home for the rest of her life. George drowned in Lowestoft Harbour in 1903. In 1911 Susannah was a laundress. By 1921 Susannah’s sister, Eleanor Redgrave, and her children, lived with Susannah and the extended family still lived together in 1939.   Susannah, along with her sister Eleanor, and her nieces Lily Redgrave and Beatrice Harvey, died at 26 Saint Leonards Road during an air raid.  Susannah’s brother Frederick was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment. Her brother James was killed in action in 1918 whilst serving with the Royal West Kent Regiment. 

A Private with the 51st Battalion, Frank died on 3rd of September 1916 at the age of 36.Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1880, a son of Edward and Catherine Drew. In 1881 his family lived at 1 Burton’s Cottages, Lowestoft. In 1891 they lived at Rotterdam Road. In 1898 Frank was bound over for stealing cigarettes. In 1899 he was convicted, along with John Thompson, of robbery with violence and sent to prison for six months. In 1901 Frank worked as a railway labourer and lodged at 2 Nursery Villas, Crayford, Kent. In 1904 he was convicted of ‘feloniously representing himself to be a Police officer for an unlawful purpose’ and was sent to prison for four months.Frank married Emily Edith Easter in 1905.In 1907 Frank was working as a labourer and living at 54 Tonning Street when he was convicted on two counts of stealing metal from Messrs. Davis and Company. He was sent to prison for six months with hard labour. In 1911 Frank and Emily lived at 11 Bevan Street and Frank worked as a window cleaner. In 1926 Emily married Thomas Stimpson.Frank emigrated to Australia in May 1912, to work as a farm labourer. Frank attested for the Australian Army at Perth, Western Australia, on 21 June 1915. He stated that he was an iron worker and that his next of kin was his sister, Kate Champ, of 71 Moore Street, Melbourne.Frank joined the 15th Depot Company. He was then posted to the 8th Reinforcements of the 11th Battalion. Frank embarked on the ‘Anchises’ at Freemantle on 2 September 1915. On 12 December 1915 he was taken on strength of the 11th Battalion at Sarpi Camp, Lemnos. On 15 December 1915 he was admitted to 2nd Field Ambulance, at Lemnos, with scabies and was transferred to the 3rd Australian General Hospital. On 7 January 1916 Frank was admitted to 15th General Hospital, at Alexandria, with jaundice and was transferred to the 1st Australian General Hospital, at Heliopolis, on 17 January 1916.Frank was discharged to duty, at Giza, on 18 February 1916and rejoined his unit on 6 March 1916. On 3 April 1916 he was transferred to the 51st Battalion. He sailed from Alexandria on 5 June 1916 and arrived at Marseilles on 12 June 1916. On 22 June 1916 Frank was ‘warned’ to proceed to the front line but was found to be drunk and arrested. On 1 July 1916 he faced a Court Martial and found guilty and sentenced to two months Field Punishment No 2. He had previously been charged with two counts of absence.   Frank was reported missing on 3 September and, if fact, he had been killed in action on that date. He was buried one mile east of Thiepval and four miles north-east of Albert (map sheet 57.d) by men from the 3rd Cavalry Division dismounted party. Frank’s personal effects, a steel box, and a knife, were forwarded to his sister. 

A Chaplain with the Indian Ecclesiastical Establishment, William died on 18th of August 1942 at the age of 37. William was born at Knaresborough, Yorkshire, on 13 May 1905, a son of William and Jessie Rebecca Driffield. In 1911 his family were living at The Avenue, Knaresborough. In the 1920s his parents lived at 3 Coppice Drive, Ripon, and by 1939 they were living at Goats Hill, Sheringham. Subsequently they moved to Lowestoft and lived at 2 The Avenue. William was ordained and in 1939 was living at 27 Rathbone Road, Saint Pancras, London. The 1939 Register describes him as a 'clerk in holy orders'. On 1 January 1942 he travelled to Rangoon to join the Indian Ecclesiastical Establishment and he became a Chaplain at the Delhi Cantonment.  William contracted encephalitis and died on 18 August 1942 and was buried on the same day. 

A Lance Corporal with 2nd Bn., Clarence died on 2nd of March 1916 at the age of 21. Clarence was born at Leeds in 1895, a son of Robert LIddell and Ellen Drummond. Clarence was baptised at Saint Martin's Church, Potter Newton, on 3 November 1895. In 1901 his family lived at 27 Amberley Green, Potter Newton. By 1911 Clarence's family had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 32 Kirkley Park Road, Lowestoft. However, it seems that Clarence remained in the Leeds area to complete his education and the census shows him staying with his aunt and uncle, Annie and John Dearden, at 30 Reginald Terrace, Leeds. Clarence volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. On 27 July 1915 he arrived in France to serve with the 2nd Battalion. On 2 March 1916 the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment were involved in an attack at The Bluff, near St. Eloi, south-east of Ypres. This attack was judged to be very successful and and of the enemy tranches were taken and three enemy machine guns captures and 49 prisoners taken. However, the 2nd Battalion suffered loses, including Clarence.  

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.L.C.F. (L) 1, Henry died on 17th of August 1944 aged 19. Henry was born at Lowestoft on 25 April 1925, a son of Henry George William and Bessie Duffield. In 1939 his family lived at 48 Denmark Road and Henry was at school.Henry served with H.M. Landing Craft Flak (L) 1 which was providing support for amphibious landings in the Normandy area when, on 17 August 1944, the Landing Craft sank a German motorboat. The Landing Craft manoeuvred toward the German craft which had a time fuse and blew up sinking the Landing Craft and killing most of the crew.   

An Able Seaman with S.S. Oriskany, Frank died on 24th of February 1945 at the age of 21. Frank was born at West Ham on 15 April 1923, a son of Richard and Rebecca Ann Dunn. In 1939 his family lived at 81 Rendel Road, Canning Town, and Frank was a mill hand at a timber mill. On 24 February 1945 the S.S. Oriskany was part of convoy BTC-18. The ship was torpedoed and sank, about five miles west of Lands End. There were no survivors.  Frank's father died in 1945 and, at some point, his mother lived in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Allen died on 25 June 1943, aged 21.Allen was born at Halesworth on 26 July 1921, a son of Frederick and Ethel Maud Dunnett. His family lived at 9 Quay Street, Halesworth. In 1941 Allen married Ivy May Lambert, of 18 Brickfields Cottages, The Street, Somerleyton. Allen was a gardener when he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He was posted to the 4th Battalion. In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion 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.      Allen was initially reported missing at Singapore, 15 February 1942, and was later confirmed to be a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. He was one of a group of men taken overland on 31 October 1942 to work on the Thai-Burma Railway. Allen died from beriberi at Takanoon. In 1946 he was reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. 

A Corporal with the 12th Battalion, Edward died on 18th of July 1917 at the age of 40. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 25 April 1877, a son of James and Sarah Dunnett. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 3 June 1877. In 1881 his family lived at Wicks Court, Saint Peter’s Street. Edward attended Arnold Street School and, on 22 February 1886, became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. At this time his family lived at Chapel Street and by 1891 they were living at 12 Oxford Road.In 1911 Edward lived with his father at 12 Oxford Road and he worked as a fisherman. Edward enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 21180. Edward was already a Corporal when left for France with the 12th Battalion. On 17 July 1917 the 12th Battalion were in the front line trenches at Villers Guislain. The battalion sent out a fighting patrol under Second Lieutenant Passman. The patrol encountered a large party of the enemy and after a ‘sharp engagement’ the enemy withdrew. The patrol lost one man, missing, and had two men wounded, the war diary records that ‘It is believed that enemy casualties were heavy’. Although Commonwealth War Graves records show Edward’s date of death as 19 July, the Army Register of Soldier Effects shows that Edward was reported missing on 18 July and was later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. It is clear that Edward was the man ‘missing’ from the fighting patrol. Edward’s sole legatee was his sister Maud Mary Cragg.  

A Rifleman with the 2/17th Battalion, William died on 20th of February 1918 at the age of 20. William, who was also known as Ray, was born at Oulton in 1898, a son of William and Alice Dunnett. In 1901 his family lived at Swiss Cottages, Bridge Road, Oulton. By 1911 they were living at 2 Broadway Villas, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft. William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. Initially he served with the 2/6th Battalion Suffolk Regiment (Cyclists), service number 2111. When he enlisted he gave Ray as his first name. William was transferred to the London Regiment and, on 24 June 1916, arrived in France to join the 2/17th Battalion. William served in France until 22 November 1916, when the Battalion moved to Egypt, and from 16 June 1917 served in Palestine. William was killed during the Battle of Jericho. On 20 February 1918 the 2/17th Battalion, part of 180th Brigade, advanced from Jerusalem to Jericho and captured their objective: Talat el Dumm. William was mentioned in General Allenby's despatches of 16 January 1918 for distinguished services in the Palestine campaign (London Gazette 16 January 1918, page 924). He is recorded on Saint Margaret's War Memorial as Ray Dunnett.Note: Charles Kent and William Turner, from Lowestoft, also served with the 6th Suffolk Cyclists, and were transferred to the 2/17th Battalion London Regiment, arriving in France on 24 June 1916. 

A Petty Officer Stoker with H.M.S. Scourge, James died on 19th of November 1915 at the age of 33. James was born at Lowestoft on 4 December 1881 (some sources state 6 February 1882), a son of Alexander and Margaret Durno. His family lived at 4 Summer Road, Lowestoft. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 4 December 1882. Around 1887 his family moved to Morayshire, Scotland. In 1891 his family lived at Thom Street, Duffus, Moray. In 1901 they lived at 9 Setter Street, Burghead, Moray, and James was a mason’s apprentice. Later his parents lived at Bruce Street, Saint Aethans, Burghead.James was working as a stonemason when he joined the Royal Navy at Burghead on 7 April 1904. When the First World War began James was a Stoker Petty Officer serving on the destroyer H.M.S. Scourge. In Marh 1915 the Scourge went to the Dardanelles to help support the Gallipoli campaign. On 7 August 1915 a Turkish shell hit the Scourge’s engine room and the ship had to undergo repairs. On 19 November 1915 one of the ship’s boilers exploded and six men killed, including James. He was buried at sea.  For further details of H.M.S. Scourge see: HMS Scourge (1910) (historyofwar.org)Note: Some records will state he was serving with H.M.S. Blenheim when he died. The Blenheim was the ‘mother’ ship which held the necessary pay and victualling accounts for sailors serving on smaller vessels such as H.M.S. Scourge.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Strathgeldie, Arthur died on 4th of January 1919 at the age of 22. Arthur was born at Kessingland on 3 January 1897, a son of Barzillai Thompson and Annie Maria Durrant. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 19 March 1899. In 1901 his family lived at Prospect Cottages, London Road, Kessingland, and by 1911 at 1 Jubilee Villas, London Road, Kessingland. Later they lived at Lyndia Cottage, Kessingland.Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 13 July 1915. During the war he served on trawlers 'Lord Lovat', 'Thames' and 'Wyeburn', among others, finally being drafted to the Strathgeldie on 6 March 1918. Arthur died on board H.M. Hospital Ship 'Agadir' from influenza and bronchial pneumonia.Subsequently his parents lived at Glendair Cottage, High Street, Kessingland.