A Private with the 7th Battalion, Edmund died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 22. Edmund was born at Great Yarmouth on 5 March 1895, a son of Edmund Alfred and Esther Maria Durrant. He was baptised at Great Yarmouth on 24 April 1895. In 1900 his family lived at 7 Ashby Terrace, Kirkley. Edmund became a pupil at Kirkley School on 6 March 1900. In 1901 his family lived at 60 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911 when Edmund was an engineer’s apprentice at a motor works. Later his mother lived at 39 Lovewell Road, South Lowestoft. Edmund volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 9261. He was posted to the 7th Battalion and arrived in France, with the Battalion, on 30 May 1915. The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:10 October 1916Relieved 11th Middlesex in Bulls Runs, near Flers, four companies in front line.12 October 1916Attack to be made on Bayonet Trench and Luisenhoff Farm. Morning very quiet.5 a.m. Battalion lying in shell holes in front ready.10 a.m. Major Henty went forward to advance Battalion Headquarters in Grass Street to receive reports.2 p.m. Zero. Attack started. German barrage very intense. Battalion proceeded in four waves, each company with a platoon front.No definite report until 6 p.m. when Battalion was back in front line having failed to attain objective.B and D Companies gained objective, but were driven out by superior numbers.1st Essex on right gained objective but were unable to hold it, finally and they managed to keep part of it.Battalion withdrew to reserve in Flers Trench. Colonel Murphy, in history of the Suffolk Regiment, felt that the attack failed because the enemy wire had only partially been destroyed and that the British barrage was ineffective.All fifteen officers that went over the top became casualties: eleven killed and four wounded. Ninety two other ranks were killed and, in total, the Battalion had over 500 casualties.  Edmund was reported missing and his death presumed to have taken place on, or since, 12 October.  

A Trimmer, Frederick died on 21st May 1947 at the age of 26.Frederick, also known as Samuel, was born on 8th July 1920, a son of Harry and Margaret Sarah Ann Durrant. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 29th July 1920 and his family lived at Whapload Road. Frederick's mother died in 1936.By 1947 Frederick was living at 3, Hill Top, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft. In 1947 Frederick was the Trimmer 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 Private with the 5th Battalion, Ivor died on 29th of September 1945 aged 29.John was born at Gisleham on 3 August 1916, a son of Frederick William and Rosa Jane Durrant. In 1921 his family lived at Black Street, Gisleham. Later his family lived at 3 Mill Villa, Gisleham.Ivor worked as a general labourer before enlisting in the Royal Norfolk Regiment. Ivor 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 Ivor, like many of his battalion was captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942.Ivor was held in the Changi district of Singapore. It seems that he was still in Singapore in November 1944. It appears that after Singapore was liberated, on 12 September 1945, that Ivor was taken to India, probably for medical treatment and rehabilitation before returning to England. Ivor died at Bangalore on 29 September, and he was buried there before being reburied at the Madras War Cemetery.  

A Private with the 4th Battalion, James died on 3rd of October 1943 aged 22. James was born at Dovercourt, Essex, on 7 February 1921, a son of James Robert and Winifred Anne Durrant. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Dovercourt, on 6 March 1921, and his family lived at 7 Lea Road, Dovercourt. By 1939 his family were living at 10 Laurel Road, Lowestoft.  James was working as a salesman when he joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with 3 Company in the 4th Battalion.In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, part of 54 Brigade in the 18th (East Anglian) Division, 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, Nova 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.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.      James was taken prisoner at Singapore. On 13 May 1943 he was part of a group of men taken overland to work on the Burma Railway. In October 1943 he was at No. 13 Camp, Kanburi. James developed peritonitis and died at the Tamarkand Hospital. He was buried at Kanburi No. 1 Cemetery and reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in 1946.  

A Private, James died on 3rd of July 1916, at the age of 21.James was born at Lound in 1894, a son of James and Sarah Ann Durrant. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Lound, on 4 November 1894. The 1911 Census shows that James worked as an assistant gardener and that his family lived at The Street, Lound. James volunteered to join the Army and enlisted at Lowestoft. He joined the 7th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment and he arrived in France, with the battalion, on 30 May 1915.The 7th Battalion did not take part in the attack on the Somme on 1 July 1916, but were moved into positions on 2 July ready to make an attack on the village of Ovillers in the early hours of July 3rd. The battalion captured the German first and second line trenches and pressed on to the third line. Here the attack faltered and the battalion began to suffer many casualties: in total 18 officers and 485 men were killed, wounded, or reported missing. James was among those killed in action on that day. Initially he was buried at Mash Valley Cemetery Ovillers-La Boiselle. During the war James' grave and 34 other graves at Mash Valley were destroyed in later fighting. James is now commemorated on a special Mash Valley Memorial at Ovillers Military Cemetery.  

A Private with 4th Bn., Kenneth died on 19th of August 1943 at the age of 25. Kenneth was born at Leeds on 25 July 1918, a son of Ernest Frank and Christiana Sarah Durrant. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 18 September 1918. At that time his family lived at 35 Wellclose Mount, Leeds. In 1939 his family lived at 137 Bells Road, Gorleston, and Kenneth worked as a baker's ovenman. Kenneth was a nephew of Miss Margaret Ellen Lamb of 59 London Road South, Lowestoft.Kenneth served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed form Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces at Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion, including Kenneth, went into captivity. Kenneth was a Sonkrai (Sonkurai) Camp when he died from colitis. In December 1945 Kenneth's body was exhumed and he was reburied at Thaybyuzayat. 

A Corporal in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Robert died on 28th February 1945 aged 28. Robert was born at Rushmere on 27 March 1917, a son of Arthur and Lucy Durrant. In 1921 his family lived at 1 Prospect Place, Kessingland, and this was still their home in 1939. In 1939 Robert was working as an electrician and lodged at 13 Portland Street, King’s Lynn. In 1940 Robert married Millvina Ethel Bond, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Millvina remarried in 1947. Robert joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and August 1940. Robert served with 151 Maintenance Unit. His unit was based at Singapore from 1 June 1941 to 10 February 1942, when they were evacuated to Java. Robert was taken prisoner at Java on 8 March 1942. On 26 September 1942 he was transferred to Jesselton, and 9 October 1942 he was sent to Sandakan, Borneo, where he died from malaria.  WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Ronald died on 12th of September 1944 aged 25.Ronald was born at Lowestoft on 23 August 1919, a son of Philip Clarence and Eva Durrant. In 1921 his family lived at 14 Tonning Street and by 1939 their home was at 41 Tonning Street and Ronald was a printing compositor.Ronald served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed form Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces at Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity. Ronald was taken prisoner at Singapore and, on 21 October 1942, he was among a party of men taken overland to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. Once the Burma Railway had been completed British prisoners of war were taken back to Singapore and then transported by Japanese ships to Japan. These ships were known as ‘Hell Ships’.On 4 September 1944 Henry was one of the prisoners that embarked the ‘Hell Ship’ Rakuyo Maru. The ship was carrying 1,317 British and Australian prisoners when it left Singapore in a convoy bound for Formosa (Taiwan). On 12 September the ships were attacked by submarines of the United States Navy and the Rakuyo Maru was sunk. The Japanese survivors were rescued by a Japanese escort ship, but the prisoners were left in the water only aided by some rafts and small boats that had been abandoned. The next day, as survivors were rowing to land, they were attacked by a Japanese ship and around 350 killed. In total 1,159 of the prisoners were killed.  

A Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps, William died on 6th of March 1942 at the age of 34. William was born at Lowestoft on 1 April 1907, a son of Dennis George and Alice Jane Durrant. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 30 April 1907 and his family lived at 146 Saint Peter's Street. By 1911 they were living at 66 Essex Road. William married Martha Emma Peek in 1938. In 1939 they lived at 10 Rotterdam Road and William was an electrical public lighting attendant.William enlisted in the Royal Norfolk Regiment, number 5781996, and later transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps, at which point his service number changed to T/5781996.He was reported missing in action on 6 March 1942 and later presumed to have died on that date.  

A Private with the 2/4th Battalion, Thomas died on 11th of December 1917 at the age of 39. Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1878, a son of Edward and Hannah Dye. In 1881 his family lived at 28 Mariners Street. By 1891 they were living at 26 Mariners Street. By 1900 the family home was at 17 Queens Road. Thomas was working as a labourer for Mr. Newrick, at Lowestoft, when he enlisted in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Lowestoft on 27 February 1900. He was embodied for service in South Africa on 12 April 1900 and disembodied on 11 April 1902. He was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal for his service in the Boer War. Thomas was discharged, time expired, on 26 February 1906. In late 1906 Thomas enlisted in the regular army at Grimsby. He joined the Lincolnshire Regiment, service number 7801. By 1911 Thomas had been transferred to the Army Reserve. The 1911 Census shows him lodging with George and Rebecca Quantrill, at 17 High Street, and working as a corporation labourer. Also shown on the census is Thomas’ five year old son. Later in 1911 Thomas married Annie Grieve: this was registered in the Mutford district. Later Annie, and children, lived at 45 Fraser Street, Grimsby.It seems that Thomas was mobilized when the First World War began and he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, arriving in France with the battalion on 5 November 1914. Thomas became unwell and was evacuated to England via Hospital Ship Oxfordshire on 8 December 1914. Later Thomas was transferred to the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, service number 29490, and joined the 1st Garrison Battalion which served in Malta and then in Egypt. Subsequently he was transferred to The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), service number G/61686, and was posted to the 2/4th Battalion which served in Egypt and then Palestine. Thomas contracted malaria, while on active service, and died at 44 Stationary Hospital, Kantara, Egypt.  

An Aircraftman 2nd Class with the Royal Air Force, William died on 5th of November 1939 aged 19.  William was born at Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, in 1920, a son of William Youngs Alice Dye. In 1921 his family lived at Ruthens Loke, Caister-on-Sea. By 1939 his family were living at 266 Saint Peter’s Street, Lowestoft, where his father had a shop.William served with 38 Squadron. He was on board a Wellington bomber that was transporting ground staff personnel from R.A.F. Marham to Barton Bendish. The aircraft was Wellington I, L4239, which crashed after hitting a tree whilst practicing steep turns at low level near Swaffham.  CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Seaman H.M.S. Almanzora, Henry died on 30th of October 1918 aged 34. Henry was born at Carlton Colville on 30 July 1884, a son of William and Sophia Dyer. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 14 September 1884. In 1891 his family lived at 13 South Elmham Terrace, Carlton Colville. Henry’s mother died in 1899. In 1905 Henry lived at 40 Southwold Road, the family home of his future wife.On 20 December 1911 Henry married Elizabeth Ann Howard, formerly Moore, at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Henry was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. In March 1914 they lived at 60 Shakespeare (Road?), Liverpool. Subsequently Elizabeth returned to 40 Southwell Road. She married James Baker in 1920 and then lived at 19 Saint John’s Road.Henry joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7 December 1905 and re-enrolled for the service on 12 December 1910. In civilian life he worked on the trawler Gladiolus, LT 291, in 1911, on the Felesia, LT 1155, from 1912 to 1913, and trawler LT 653 in 1914.  Henry was called out for service in August 1914. In late 1914 he served with H.M.S. Mars and on 28 June 1915 joined H.M.S. Gibraltar. From 28 September 1915 Henry served with H.M.S. Almanzora, and Armed Merchant Cruiser, and was with H.M.S. Eagle for a time before returning to the Almanzora.  Henry died from broncho-pneumonia.Henry’s brother-in-law, Walter Moore, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918.  Henry is commemorated on both Saint Margaret’s and Saint John’s War Memorials. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Gleaner of the Sea. Arthur died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 19.Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 27 January 1897, a son of Abraham and Ellen Jane Dyke of 19 Lorne Road, Lowestoft.Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 27 January 1915 and all of his service was with the Gleaner of the Sea'. In 1915 the 'Gleaner of the Sea' was part of the Dover Patrol and the crew had the task of tending the anti-submarine nets. On 24th April 1916 a German submarine, the U-13, became tangled in the drifter's anchor chain. The Skipper, Robert Hurren, attacked the submarine with a 'lance bomb' which exploded and damaged the submarine which was subsequently sunk. The 'Gleaner of the Sea' was sunk during the night of 26/27 October 1916. Arthur was initially reported missing believed killed and subsequently it was concluded that he had been killed in action when the 'Gleaner of the Sea' was sunk.  The Gleaner of the Sea 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 Gleaner of the Sea was lost with all hands. For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

A Private with 10th Bn., Frank died on 17th of November 1916 at the age of 30. Frank was born at Carlton Colville on 3 June 1886, a son of Abraham and Anna Dyke. In 1891 his family lived at 9 Severn Terrace, Carlton Colville. Frank was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on10 April 1900 and his family lived at 16 Severn Terrace, Kirkley Run. By 1901 they were living at Worcester Terrace, Carlton Colville, and Frank was a plasterer working for his father. On 27 December 1910 Frank married Lilian Maria Mitchell at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. Frank was working as a labourer and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1911 they lived at 6 Stanley Road, Oulton Broad, and frank worked as a domestic gardener. After Frank's death Lilian married Philip Cole and lived at 14 Ethel Cottages, Kirkley. Frank enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. he joined the Royal Fusiliers and was posted to the 10th Battalion in France. On 16 November 1916 the 10th Battalion were ordered to attack and capture Munich Trench, Frankfurt Trench and Leave Avenue and establish a strong point. Then they were ordered occupy Muck Trench, from Leave Avenue to Railway Avenue with four strong points. During the night of 16/17 November an encounter with the enemy led to six casualties in the Battalion.The 17 November ‘passed without remarkable incident: some enemy shelling’. Reinforcements were sent to the left post in Muck Alley. During the night of 17/18 November the machine-gun team at left post in Muck Trench was knocked out by a shell with the officer in charge and nearly all the men being killed. At 6.10 a.m. on 18 November an attack by 32 Division commenced and all the parties of the Battalion stormed their objectives. All but one made good, but due to 32Division’s lack of progress the Battalion’s parties had to be withdrawn. The Battalion lost five men killed, including Frank, on 17 November (these were possibly the men of the machine-gun team) and one officer and 19 men killed on 18 November.    

A Civilian, Leslie died on 16th of February 1941 aged 18. Leslie was born at Lowestoft on 24 February 1922, a son of Herbert Edwin and Ada Maud Dyke. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 12 May 1922, and his family lived at 7 Florence Road, Pakefield. They were still living at 7 Florence Road in 1939 when Leslie worked as an electrician.   On 16 February 1941 Leslie was at Jewsons Yard, Belvedere Road, when an air raid took place and Leslie was killed. Leslie was buried at Kirkley Cemetery on 22 February 1941. 

An Acting Bombardier with 154 Heavy Battery, John died on 15 June 1917 at the age of 29. John was born at Hurley, near Cookham, Berkshire, in 1888, a son of Thomas and Fanny Eacott. He was baptised at Hurley parish church on 20 May 1888.John served in the Royal Navy from 24 March 1904 to 12 May 1912 and became an Officer's Steward. John married Elizabeth Goodridge at Southampton in 1916.On 14 April 1916 John enlisted in the Hampshire Royal Garrison Artillery. Subsequently he went to France and became an Acting Bombardier with 154th Heavy Brigade Royal Garrison Artillery. John was killed in action on 15 June 1917 and is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium. There is no war dairy for 154 Heavy Battery and the diary for 87 Heavy Artillery Group gives no details of what happened to John. After John's death Elizabeth married William Arthur Bowles. They lived at Rotten Park, Southampton, and later moved to 4 Saint John's Road, Lowestoft. Note his entry in Commonwealth War Grave gives his age as 32, but he was not born until 1888. 

A Seaman Cook with H.M. Trawler Pelton. Herbert died on 23rd of December 1940 at the age of 20. Herbert was bon at Lowestoft on 15 March 1920 a son of Lewis and Valerie Gertrude Eade. He was baptised at Saint John's Church on 16 April 1920, and his family lived at 102 Pakefield Street. Herbert was serving on the Pelton when it was torpedoed and sunk by a German motor torpedo boat, off Great Yarmouth, with the loss of all twenty members of crew. 

A Deck Hand with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), John died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 19.John was born at Pakefield in 1895, a son of Lewis and Selina Eade. In 1901 his family lived at 84 Pakefield Street, Kirkley. In 1911 John lived with his maternal grandparents, John and Louisa Fisher, at 4 Wycombe Terrace, Saint George's Road, Kirkley. By 1915 his family were living at Morton Road, Lowestoft. Subsequently John's mother remarried and lived at 24 Morton Road, Lowestoft.John's father, Lewis, was the Skipper on the Incentive and was also killed when the vessel was sunk. What exactly happened to the Incentive is unclear, but it is assumed that it sank after striking a mine laid in the Dogger Bank area. 

Skipper with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), Lewis died on 28th of May 1915, at the age of 40.Lewis was born at Blythburgh in 1874, a son of Samuel and Hannah Eade. In 1881 his family lived at Blythburgh. On 28 March 1894 Lewis married Selina Elizabeth Fisher at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. At that time they were both living at Kirkley and Lewis was a fisherman. In 1901 they lived at 84 Pakefield Street, Kirkley, and Lewis was the Mate on the trawler 'Florabell'. In 1911, while Lewis was Skipper of the trawler 'Kestrel' (LT 442), Selina lodged at New Street, Padstow, Cornwall. By 1915 Lewis, and family, were living at Morton Road, Lowestoft. Subsequently Selina remarried and lived at 24 Morton Road, Lowestoft. Lewis' son John served with him, as a Deck Hand, on the Incentive and was also killed when the vessel was sunk. What exactly happened to the Incentive is unclear, but it is assumed that it sank after striking a mine laid in the Dogger Bank area. 

An Air Mechanic 2nd Class with No. 1 Training Centre (Halton), Sidney died on 1st of April 1916 at the age of 20.Sidney was born at Lowestoft on 12 June 1895, a son of William and Rosa Ann Eagle. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 14 August 1895, and his family lived at 9 Selby Street. In 1901 his family lived at 168 Denmark Road, and this was Sidney’s home for the rest of his life. In 1911 Sidney studied for, and gained, a first-class certificate in Pitman shorthand (60 words per minute). Sidney was living at 168 Denmark Road, and working as a clerk, when he attested for the Army, at Lowestoft, on 15 December 1915. He was called up on 20 January 1916 and joined the Royal Flying Corps, service number 19324. He was posted to the Recruit Depot on 26 January 1916 and then joined No 1 Training Centre. Sidney contracted meningitis and died at the Isolation Hospital, Curragh, Ireland. 

A Private with 910th Mechanical Transport Company, Jack Arthur died on 15th of December 1918 aged 29. Jack was born at Corton in 1889, a son of Charles and Mary Earl. In 1901 his family lived at Alexandra House, Alexandra Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 their address was 56 Alexandra Road and Jack was a motor driver. On 11 October 1913 Jack married Cecilia Agatha Roberts at Saint John’s Church. Jack was a chauffeur living at 12 Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe, and Cecilia lived at 71 London Road South.Little is known of Jack’s military service other than that he served in Salonika and died from influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia.

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Ernest died on 1st of October 1916 at the age of 21. Ernest was born at Pakefield in 1895, a son of Horace and Margaret Easey. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 9 June 1895. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Glencoe Terrace, Kirkley, and by 1911 at 528 London Road and Ernest was a farmer’s pupil.Ernest was working as a brick carter, possibly for his father, when he attested for the Army, at Lowestoft, on 12 December 1915. He was called up on 25 January 1916. He joined the 3/1st Suffolk Yeomanry, service number 2449. Ernest was a qualified army cook. He was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment and posted to the 1/4th Battalion, in France, on 27 August 1916. On 7 September 1916 he was transferred to the 4th (Reserve) Battalion The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number G/18099, and was immediately posted to the 7th Battalion.   The 7th Battalion War Diary for October 1916 cannot be traced, hence, other than that he was killed in action, no further details of what happened to Ernest are known. On 15-02-1917, Ernest's father received Two Pounds, Five shillings and threepence which was Army pay owed.Later on 11-10-1919 Horace was also awarded a Three Pounds War Gratuity.at the time of his death, Ernest was survived by his mother and father, Margaret and Horace and four brothers...Horace Stephen Easey, aged 48 of 650 London Road South.Herbert Alfred Easey, aged 35 of Kenilworth, Warwickshire.Percy Clement Easey, aged 32 of Oshawa, Canada.andHubert William Easey, aged 28 of 43 Oxford Road, Lowestoft. CREDIT:Martin Swann - Forces War Records

Formerly a Private with the 22nd Battalion, Harry died on 1st of July 1918 at the age of 38. Harry was born at Lowestoft on 29 October 1880, a son of William and Louisa Easey. In 1881 his family lived at 2 Mills Road, Lowestoft. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 27 December 1885, and his family lived at 48 Bevan Street. By 1891 Harry's father had died and his mother was married to Henry West. His family was now living at 5 Patterson Street, Winlaton, County Durham. By 1901 his family were living at 43 Plaxton Street, Stranton, West Hartlepool. On 21 June 1902 Harry married Minnie Jackling at All Saints Church, Stranton, Hartlepool. In 1911 they lived at 11 Rokeby Street, West Hartlepool. By 1913 they were living at 8 Brown Street, Hartlepool, and later at 22 Freville Street, West Hartlepool. On 19 November 1915 Harry enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry at West Hartlepool. He was working as a blacksmith's striker and living at 22 Stainton Street, West Hartlepool. He was posted to the 22nd Battalion (Pioneers) with service number 22/253. He went to France with the Battalion on 16 June 1916. On 20 June 1917 Harry was shot in the spine. He was admitted to 91 Field Ambulance and then sent to 17 Casualty Clearing Station, on 21 June 1917. He was transported to England, from Boulogne, on 7 July 1917, viz Hospital Ship Saint David. Harry was paralysed from the waist down.  Harry was posted to the strength of the Depot on 7 July 1917 but was actually admitted to the King George Hospital, London. He was discharged medically unfit, because of wounds, on 21 September 1917. Harry died at Hartlepool on 1 July 1918 and was buried on 6 July.  

A Civilian, Elsie died on 26th of August 1942 aged 42. Elsie was born at Lowestoft on 26 February 1900, a daughter of Julian Christopher and Annie Eliza Juler. She was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 9 May 1902 and her family lived at 87 Arnold Street. By 1911 they were living at 33 Tennyson Road and this was still their home in 1921 when Elsie was a shop assistant on the furniture department at Tuttle and Sons Limited, drapers and furnishers, London Road North. On 18 February 1928 Elsie married Charles Glencoe Redvers Easter at Saint Margaret’s Church. Elsie was living at 128 Clapham Road, and Charles was a clerk living at 27 Church Road. By 1939 their home was at 100 Avondale Road, Ipswich. Charles served during the war as a Corporal with the Royal Corps of Signals.Elsie died, at 65 Avondale Road, Ipswich, during an air raid.  Elsie’s brother-in-law, Raymond Easter, served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916. 

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Raymond Victor died on 3rd of July 1916 at the age of 20. Raymond was a son of Albert Edward and Elizabeth Ann Easter. He was born at Lowestoft on 5 December 1895 and baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 27 December 1895 and at that time his family lived at 14 Stevens Street, Lowestoft.Raymond attended Hervey Street Scholl and, from 2 February 1903, Saint John's School, Lowestoft. By 1911 his family was living at 26 Clemence Street, and Raymond worked as an errand boy. Later his family would live at 27 Church Road, Lowestoft.Raymond volunteered to join the Army. He enlisted at Lowestoft and joined the Suffolk Regiment. he served with the 7th Battalion and was with the Battalion when they landed at Boulogne on 30 May 1915.On 3 July 1916 the 7th Battalion took part in a frontal attack on the village of Ovillers, in the Somme region of France. Although initially successful the attack faulted because, when in the village, German troops were able to infiltrate the successive lines of the British attack and inflicted heavy casualties. The 7th Battalion lost 21 officers, and 458 men, killed wounded or missing, but some of those missing did return to the battalion in the following days.Raymond was among those missing and later presumed to have died 'on or since 3 July 1916'. Raymond initially received a battlefield burial at Map Reference 57d.x.7.d. and later, in 1919, reburied at Ovillers Cemetery. 

A Sapper with 412 Field Company. Thomas died on 21st of May 1918 at the age of 31. Thomas was born at Kirkley on 26 August 1886, a son of William Norton and Caroline Easter. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 28 September 1886 and his family lived at 7 Southwell Road. By 1901 they were living at 13 Southwell Road and Thomas was an apprentice bricklayer. In 1911 they were still, living at 13 Southwell Road and Thomas worked as a bricklayer. Later his mother lived at 15 Southwell Road. On 6 September 1911 Thomas married Alice Louisa Goldspink at All Saints' Church, Pakefield. Thomas was a bricklayer, living at Kirkley, and Alice lived at Pakefield. They lived at Blaston House, Walmer Road, Lowestoft.Thomas was working as a bricklayer when enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 11 December 1915, but was not called up until 2 June 1916, when he joined the Royal Engineers, service number 177104. He was posted to the 4/2nd Lowland Field Company, with service number 4847 and was posted to Egypt on 14 March 1917. In 1917 he was renumbered as 414737. In April 1917 he was posted to 412 Field Company and on 17 April 1918 arrived in France. Thomas was admitted to No 2 General Hospital and had an appendectomy operation on 28 April 1918. He was transferred to England and, on 12 May 1918, he was admitted to the War Hospital, Keighley. Initially he seemed to be making a good recovery but on 20 May severe pain and began vomiting. During 21 May the medical staff began to realise that Thomas had an acute intestinal obstruction, but he was not well enough to undergo an operation. Thomas collapsed and, at 10.30 p.m., died from shock. A post-mortem showed that he had a gangrene of the caecum causing a blockage in the retrocaecal region and he died from complications and shock following on from surgery. Thomas' father died in 1914 in the loss of the trawler Speculator. 

A Mater with the Trawler Speculator. William died on 9th of November 1914 at the age of 62.Born at Aldringham in 1852, a son of Thomas Norton and Jemima Easter. He was baptised at Aldringham on 8 August 1852. In 1861 his family lived at Aldringham cum Thorpe. In 1871 they lived at Aldringham and William was a mariner. In 1883 William married Caroline Goddard this was registered in the Blything district. In 1891 they lived at Youngman's Buildings, 7 Southwell Road, Lowestoft. By 1901 they were living at 13 Southwell Road and this was still their home in 1911 when William worked as a blacksmith (unemployed). Later Caroline lived at 15 Southwell Road. The trawler Speculator, LT 1050, was last seen between 4 and 5 p.m. on 9 November 1914 fishing in the Yarmouth field near Smith's Knoll. The Skipper of the trawler Achieve reported that he heard an explosion around 8 p.m. that evening and it was presumed that this was the sound of the Speculator being blown up by a mine. The next day wreckage from the Speculator was found. See: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)William's son Thomas died in 1918 while serving with the Royal Engineers. 

A Craftsman with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Ernest died on 20th of August 1947 aged 24. Ernest was born at Eastbourne, Sussex, in 1923, a son of James William Aubrey and Emma Eastick (Ernest's father later remarried). By 1932 his family was living at Leeds and in 1939 their address was 7 Hawkswood Terrace, Leeds. Subsequently his parents lived at 32 Newson's Meadow, Lowestoft. Ernest's death was registered in the Petersfield district.

A Private with 1st Bn., Herbert died on 1st of January 1942 at the age of 31. Herbert, also known as Bertie, was born on 21 May 1910, a son of William and Esther Mary Ecclestone. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 1 June 1910 and his family lived at The Street, Oulton. In 1911 his family lived at Oak Cottage, Blundeston. By 1921 his family had moved to live at 37 Tower Street, Great Yarmouth. By 1944 Hebert's mother had died and his father was living at 9 Park Road, Lowestoft. At some point Herbert moved to Lancashire. He enlisted in The King's Regiment (Liverpool), possibly around 1929, with service number 3767756. At some pointe he transferred to serve with the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and saw active service in the campaign on the North-West Frontier of India 1937-39.  The 1st Battalion was in India when the Second World War began. In February 1941 the Battalion moved to Penang, and in May 1941 moved to Sungai Patani, Malaya. On 7 December 1941 the Japanese declared war and, at that time, the Battalion was in positions at Jitra. From 10 December 1941 until the fall of Singapore, in February 1942, the 1st Battalion was constantly in action. On 1 January 1942 Herbert was at Kampar where the Battalion fought an action against the Japanese. Herbert was killed in action and his body left 'north-west of the foundry' before being buried in a trench close by.  Note: Commonwealth War Graves Commission records state that Herbert was 49 when he died. This would mean that he was born in 1893 and that he would have been at least 20 years older than any of the other soldiers in his battalion. Checking all available records as well as finding Herbert's details in a number of family trees shows that he must have been born in 1913, not 1893, thus making him 29 when he died. 

A Fourth Hand with Trawler Willing Boys (Lowestoft), Robert died on 2nd of October 1917 at the age of 17. Robert was born at Pakefield in on 27 January 1900, a son of Robert and Alice Edgeley. In 1901 his family lived at 27 Saint George’s Road, Kirkley. Robert was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 12 March 1902. By 1911 his family were living at 25 Saint George’s Road.During the First World War Robert worked as the Fourth Hand on the trawler Willing Boys, LT 67.On 2 October 1917 the Willing Boys was fishing near Smith’s Knoll Spar Buoy, bearing south, east.  About 4.10 a.m. the Skipper of the Gold Seal saw the Willing Boys about half a mile away. He knew it was the Willing Boys because of the trawler's fore topsail and his mizzen topsail which is a peculiar shape.At 6.30 a.m. there was suddenly a heavy explosion. By this time the Willing Boys was about a mile away from the Golden Seal. The stern had been blown off the Willing Boys, by a mine, and the trawler was sinking by the stern. The trawler disappeared almost at once with the loss of her crew of five. Other trawlers were not able to help because they could not reach the Willing Boys because of the lack of wind.See: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Private with the 57th Battalion, Herbert Card died on 2nd of October 1918 aged 20.Herbert was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of James and Martha Ellen Edmonds. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, on 6 November 1898. At that time his family lived at 13 Wollaston Road. By 1911 they had moved to 44 Bevan Street.Herbert enlisted at Lowestoft. A transcript of Soldiers Died in the Great War states that he had served with the Suffolk Regiment, number 48470, but this is not confirmed in any other source. We do know that he served in France with the 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, number 47871, and that on 12 March 1918 he was admitted to 48 Casualty Clearing Station with a fever, pyrexia, of unknown origin. Subsequently he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps.   In late September 1918 the 57th Battalion were at the Marcoing Line, near Cambrai. There is no record of when, where, or how, Herbert was wounded, but given that he is buried at Boisleux-St. Marc, which was a base for many medical units, it seems likely that he was evacuated to a Casualty Clearing Station there and subsequently died of wounds. Herbert's brother James served with the East Surrey Regiment and died in 1917. 

A Private with the 12th Battalion, James died on 7th of June 1917 at the age of 28.James was born at Lowestoft on 23 August 1888, a son of James and Martha Ellen Edmonds. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 3 March 1889. In 1891 his family lived at 13 Wollaston Road, and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 his parents were living at 44 Bevan Street.On 20 October 1910 James married Blanche Mary Crisp at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. James was a warehouseman living at 44 Bevan Street and Blanche lived at 40 Melbourne Road. By 1915 they were living at 16 Albany Road, and James was a carman. Later Blanche lived at 107 Saint Margaret’s Road. James attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 29 November 1915. He was called up on 31 May 1916 and joined the Middlesex Regiment, service number 29671. James arrived in France on 27 September 1916 and was posted to the 12th Battalion.On 11 October 1916 he was transferred to the East Surrey Regiment, service number 25388, and posted to the 12th Battalion, joining them, in the field, on 13 October. By May 1916 he was serving with 6 Platoon B Company.  On 7 June 1917 the 12th Battalion took part in the assault on Dammstrasse, part of the Battle of Messines Ridge. As the battalion moved up they were subjected to German artillery fire that caused casualties in D Company. By 1.30 a.m. the battalion was in position, awaiting zero hour. The objective of 41 Division, including the 12th Battalion, was Dammstrasse and the woods and positions beyond. At 3.10 a.m. the mine at St. Eloi was exploded and at the same time the British barrage began. Under cover of the barrage the first wave of the battalion moved forward and by 5 a.m. every position on the Dammstrasse had been taken and a number of prisoners captured. There was little resistance, other than at White Chateau. By 6 a.m. men of the battalion were on Dammstrasse in readiness for the next assault. Around 6.50 a.m. they moved forwards in 50 yard ‘leaps’ and they began clearing the dugouts and trenches in Pheasant Wood and Denys Wood meeting light resistance and taking many prisoners. The men then moved forward to dig themselves in near the enemy’s line at Obscure Support, and at this point the British barrage appeared to drop back causing many casualties. By 8.30 a.m. the men were consolidating the line. The enemy continued intermittent shelling, which caused further casualties. At 3.10 p.m. the units of 24 Division passed through the battalion’s positions to move on to the next objective. In the assault the battalion captured 268 prisoners.The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: six woundsOther ranks: 23 killed; 7 died of wounds; 153 wounded; 6 missingJames was reported missing on 7 June. His body was found in an unmarked grave at map reference 28.O.9.A.9.2. and he was identified by an identity disc. In 1919 he was reburied at Voormezeele. James’ brother Herbert served with the Machine Gun Corps and died in 1918. 

A Civilian, Megan died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 18. Megan was born at Lowestoft on 6 January 1924, a daughter of William Bertie and Gladys Edmonds. In 1939 her family lived at 67 Lorne Park Road. Megan died at London Road North during the Waller Raid.

A Deck Hand with H.M.P.M.S. Ascot. Samuel died on 10th of November 1918 at the age of 22. Samuel was born at Lowestoft on 31 October 1896, a son of James and Maud Edmunds. By 1901 Samuel's father had died and his mother married Charles Forwood and they lived at 8 Gun Lane, Lowestoft. Later they lived at 82 Queens Road.  At Lowestoft Petty Sessions on 21 November 1910 Samuel was found guilty of stealing 31 herring worth 9d (9 pence). He was sentenced to four years detention: until he was 19 years of age. In 1911 he was at the Kerrison Reformatory School, Thorndon, Suffolk. Samuel joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 19 December 1916. On 1 December 1917 he joined H.M.S. Pekin and on 6 June 1918 he was drafted to H.M. Paddle Mine Sweeper Ascot.  The Ascot was the last ship to be sunk before the Armistice. The ship was torpedoed by U-67 off the Farne Isles. Thirty men died in the loss of the ship.

A Seaman with H.M.S. Clan McNaughton, William died on 3th of February 1915 at the age of 42. William was born at Lowestoft on 10 March 1874, a son of William and Mary Ann Edmunds. William's mother died in 1891. In 1899 his father lived at 207 Clapham Road, Lowestoft and in 1914 his father lived at 16 Dove Street, Lowestoft.William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 February 1894. William was awarded the Royal Naval Reserve Long Service Medal in 1910. From his Royal Naval Reserve service card we know about William's civilian employment:In 1899 he served on trawlers LT 254, LT 156 and LT 706. 1910 serving on LT 73431 March 1911 working ashore29 September 1911 serving on the Silver Bird LT 72429 March 1912 working ashore28 September 1912 serving on the Adventure LT 8029 March 1913 working ashore29 September 1913 serving on the Peer (?) G. Day LT 18730 March 1914 working ashoreWilliam was called out for service with the navy on 2 August 1914. He was drafted to H.M.S. Hogue. He was on board the Hogue when the ship was sunk by a German submarine on 22 September 1914. William survived the sinking. Thereafter he was drafted to S. S. Clan McNaughton.The Clan McNaughton was lost during a severe gale off the north-west coast or Ireland. All 317 men on board were lost. 

A Civilian, Alice died on 12th of May 1943 at the age of 51. Alice was born at Lowestoft on 6 October 1891, a daughter of Hyrum and Frances Rand. In 1901 her family lived at 4Gladstone Cottages, Tonning Street. By 1911 Alice was lodging with James and Caroline Reeve at 4 Raglan Cottages, Raglan Street, and Alice was a domestic servant. In 1913 Alice married Joseph William Edwards, this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1915 they were living at 45 Bevan Street and in 1921 their home was at 4 Summer Road, which was still their home in 1939. Later Joseph lived at 24 Bevan Street. Alice died at the High Street during the Focke-Wulf Raid.

A Civilian, Blanche died on 23rd of January 1942 at the age of 47. Blanche was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a daughter of Albert Edward and Eliza Bushell. She was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 June 1894, and her family lived at 50 Stanford Street. Blanche’s father was a baker. By 1901 her family were living at 21 Duke’s Head Street, and later her parents lived at 72 Sussex Road. In 1911 Blanche lived at 90 Park Road, and she was a domestic servant working for William and Harriett Green.In 1918 Blanche married Edward Victor Edwards. In 1921 they lived at 44 Stanley Street, and this was still their home in 1939. Blanche died at 44 Stanley Street during an air raid.Blanche had two brothers in law that died in 1917: William, who served with the Royal Irish Rifles, and George who served with The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).

A Private with the 2/4th Battalion, George died on 5th of November 1917 at the age of 25. George was born at Lowestoft on 13 May 1892, a son of James and Sarah Edwards. By 1896 his family were living at 44 Stanley Street, and this was still the family home in 1911, when George worked as a grocer’s assistant. Subsequently George moved to Chatham.George enlisted in the Army at Gillingham. He joined The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number 3965. He was posted to the 2/4th Battalion in Egypt. Around March 1917 he was renumbered 201316. By November 1917 he was a member of the Lewis Gun Section in D Company.The 2/4th Battalion were part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Between 3 and 7 November 1917 the units of the 53rd Division were involved in the capture of Tell Khuweilfe, north of Beersheba, part of the Third Battle of Gaza. Fifty-four men of the battalion were killed on 4 November. George was reported missing, and his death was presumed to have occurred on 5 November. Gorge’s brother William served with the Royal Irish Rifles and died in 1917. His sister-in-law, Blanche, died in an air raid in 1942. 

A Leading Stoker with H.M.S. Bluebell, Ivan died on 17th of February 1945 aged 23. Ivan was born at Lowestoft on 23 April 1921, a son of William Ernest and Kathleen May Edwards. In 1921 his family lived at 54 Cambridge Road. By 1939 their home was at Rivetts Loke, Market Lane, Blundeston. Ivan served with the corvette H.M.S. Bluebell. On 17 February 1945 the Bluebell was off Murmansk, waiting for convoy JW 64 to assemble, and was hit by an acoustic torpedo fired by the German submarine U-711 which caused the Bluebell’s depth charges to explode. The Bluebell sank in under a minute and of the 86 crew only one man was saved. 

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Sidney died on 24th of September 1918 aged 22. Sidney was born at Kessingland in 1896, a son of Frederick George and Laura Edwards. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 6 September 1896 and his family lived at Upper Kessingland. In 1901 his family lived at 32 Seago Street, Lowestoft, and in 1911 at 27 Princes Road when Sidney was a chemist’s errand boy. Later his parents lived at 164 Saint Peters Street.Sidney enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment and was posted to the 8th Battalion in France. On 24 September 1918 the 8th Battalion were in the vicinity of Lieramont – Villers-Faucon doing trench salvage works and repairs. Sidney was killed in action but the battalion war diary gives no details of the circumstances. Sidney's brother-in-law, Frank Whaley, served with the Royal Artillery and died in 1941. 

A Rifleman with the 8th/9th Battalion, William died on 19th of September 1917 at the age of 29. William was born at Lowestoft on 21 March 1888, a son of James and Sarah Edwards. In 1891 his family lived at 44 West Raglan Street. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 2 September 1896 and his family lived at 44 Stanley Street. This was still the family home in 1911. By 1911 William was lodging at 6 Lucas Road, Colchester, and he worked as a compositor. In 1914 William married Florence Mabel Corkerton: this was registered in the Colchester district. By 1917 Florence was living at 17 Rebow Street, Colchester. William enlisted in the Army at Colchester. He joined the London Regiment, service number 7058. He was posted to the 1/17th Battalion, in France, with service number 4067. He was transferred to the Royal Irish Rifles, service number 9/43523, and joined the 9th Battalion. On 29 August 1917 the 8th and 9th Battalions of the Royal Irish Rifles amalgamated to form the 8/9th Battalion.On 14 September 1917 the 8/9th Battalion moved into the Havrincourt sector to relieve the 15th Royal Irish Rifles. The battalion war diary records that from 16 to 20 September the battalion were in the trenches and lost one man killed, which was William, and two men wounded.William's brother George served with The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) and died in 1917. His sister-in-law, Blanche, died in an air raid in 1942. 

A Cook with Sailing Trawler Young Bert (Lowestoft), Thomas died on 30th of July 1917 aged 27. Thomas was born at Great Witchingham, Norfolk, on 5 April 1889, a son of Francis Ward and Elizabeth Eglington. He was baptised at Great Witchingham on 19 April 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Bawdeswell Road, Whitwell, Norfolk. By 1901 his family had moved to Hackford, Norfolk. In 1910 Thomas married Ethel Daisy Hood, this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1911 they lived with Ethel’s family at 62 East Street, Lowestoft, and Thomas was a fisherman. Later Ethel lived at 9 Camden Street. On 30 July 1917 the sailing trawler Young Bert, LT 454, was sunk by submarine UC-63 somewhere in the North Sea. All five crew were killed. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Hylton died on 9th of December 1940 at the age of 26. Son of Hylton Charles and Agnes Harriet Ellis of 74 Sycamore Avenue Lowestoft. Hylton's widow, Alice, married his brother Richard who also died while serving with the RAF. Alice lived at Dinnington Colliery.  Hylton served with 115 Squadron flying out of RAF Marham and was the Obersver/Nose Gunner on a Wellington bomber. Returning from a bombing mission to Bordeaux the aircraft went off course in very bad weather and flew into the Cefn Yr Ystrad mountain near Tredegar in Wales. All of the crew were killed. An account of what happened to Hylton and how this has been remembered appears in Wales Online at Wellington bomber crew that crashed in Wales remembered - Wales OnlineHe was killed whilst flying in Wellington IC, T2520 KD-A of No 115 Sqn, which crashed into a hill in Wales on its return from a raid to Bordeaux.  He is buried in North Gosforth Joint Burial Ground CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Richard died on 26th of September 1945 at the age of 25.Son of Hylton Charles and Agnes Harriet Ellis of 74 Sycamore Avenue Lowestoft. Richard's brother Hylton also served with the air force and died in 1940. Richard married his brother's widow Alice.Richard enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after October 1941. He was a Pilot and in September 1945 was serving with 33 Squadron, based at Sylt, Germany. On 26 September Richard was flying a Tempest V aircraft, number SN225, on a training flight. The aircraft crashed when pulling out of a dive attack on a ground target at the ranges at Sylt. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Leading Seaman with S.S. Tyrhaug, Stanley died on 22nd of March 1918 at the age of 26. Stanley was born at Tunstall, near Halvergate, Norfolk, on 14 June 1891, a son of James and Mary Ellis. He was baptised at Tunstall on 26 July 1891. By 1901 his family were living at Norwich Road, Stalham, Norfolk. Later his family lived at Brunstead, Stalham.On 18 October 1915 Stanley married Gertrude Clara Colby (Coleby) at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Stanley was an Able Seaman with the Royal Naval Reserve serving on the ‘Maid of Honour’ and Gertrude lived at 60 Ipswich Road. During the war Gertrude lived at 8 Factory Street, Lowestoft. In 1920 she married Robert Grimmer. Stanley was living at Brunstead, Stalham, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 18 November 1914. He served at H.M.S. Pembroke until 19 December 1914 when he joined the Merchant Fleet Auxiliary ship Tringa. On 8 July 1915 he joined the hired yacht Maid of Honour. On 14 September 1916 he was drafted to H.M.S. Victory II and then H.M.S. Excellent. Then, on 22 November 1917, he was drafted to H.M.S. President III for work on Defensively Armed Merchant Ships and he joined the S.S. Tyrhaug.On 22 March 1918 the Tyrhaug was sailing ten nautical miles north-east of the Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall, and was hit by a torpedo fired by submarine UB-103. The ship sank and two of the crew, including Stanley, were killed.  

A Sub-Lieutenant with H.M.S. Gurkha, Arthur died on 8th of February 1917 at the age of 35. Son of John Jonathan and Olive Vineyard Elven of 124 Denmark Road Lowestoft.

A Civilian, John died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 82. John as born at Stradbroke, Suffolk, on 4 March 1859, a son of William and Susannah Elwood. He was baptised at Stradbroke on 26 January 1862. In 1871 his family lived at Barley Green, Stradbroke.It seems that John began work as a Railway Signalman about 1877. In 1881 he was a lodger at 34 Osprey Street, Rotherhithe. On 20 October 1881 John  married Emma Fanny Cattermole at Saint Mary Magdalen Church, Peckham. John was a railway signalman and the both gave 10 Queen's Road as their address.  Between 1891 and 1921 they lived at 94 Saint Hughes Road, Penge, and the 1921 Census shows John as a Railway Signalman working for the London and Brighton Railway at Sydenham. Emma died in 1925 and sometime later John moved to Lowestoft. In 1939 he lived at 107 Clapham Road and the 1939 Register shows him as a retired Railway Foreman.John died at 107 Clapham Road during an air raid. 

A Lieutenant with the 5th Battalion, Bernard died on 17th of July 1944 aged 30.Bernard was born at Lowestoft on 31 October 1913, a son of William Donald and Agnes Mabette Embry. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 30 November 1913 and his family lived at 40 High Street. In 1921 his family lived at 53 Worthing Road. By 1939 Bernard’s family were living at 7 Dene Road and Bernard was an elementary school teacher. Bernard married Margaret Helen Finn, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Their home was at Sunflowers, Normanston Drive. Bernard was an Officer Cadet before being commissioned at a Second Lieutenant in the South Staffordshire Regiment on 21 August 1943. He served with the 5th battalion and landed at Normandy on 25 June 1944. On 17 July the 5th Battalion attacked the town of Noyers and during the attack Bernard was killed in action.  

A Lieutenant with 1/2 North Midland Field Company, Burkett died on 13th of October 1915 at the age of 31. Burkett was born at Chelsea, London, in March 1884, a son of Arthur George and Elizabeth Emery. In 1891 his family lived at 80 Cobden Road, Croydon, and by 1893 they were living at Park Road, Lowestoft.Burkett was educated privately before attending Saint Margaret’s School from 9 October 1893 to 12 July 1894.In 1901 his family lived at Providence House, 17 Park Road, Lowestoft, and Burkett was a solicitor’s clerk. In January 1901 Burkett became a student at Lowestoft School of Art. Burkett was well known in the Lowestoft area as an artist and illustrator. Burkitt trained to be an architect, under Ralph Scott Cockrill, at Lowestoft. He moved to Birmingham and from 1909 he had his own practice as an architect and surveyor. He was elected a member of the Society of Architects (MSA). See Emery, Burkett John 1884 - 1915 | AHRnet (arthistoryresearch.net) In 1910 Burkett became a mason and was a member of the Arter, Worcestershire, Lodge. On 29 October 1910 Burkett married Nora Fanny Small, at Wretham Road Church, Handsworth, Birmingham. In 1911 they lived at 68 Broughton Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, and Burkett had his own business as an architect and surveyor. Later Nora lived at 2 North Gate, Harborne, Birmingham. Burkett volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Birmingham. He joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 394, and was posted to the 14th Battalion. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 12 January 1915, and served with the 2nd North Midland Field Company. He was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant on 6 July 1915. Burkett arrived in France on 10 August 1915 to join the 1/2nd North Midland Field Company, part of the 46th (North Midland) Division. On 13 October 1915 the 46th division took part in an attack to capture the Hohenzollern Redoubt. The 1/2nd North Midland Field Company had two sections supporting 137th Brigade during the assault. The 1/2nd Field Company War Diary has the following for War Diary 13-14 October 1915:Bombardment of British artillery started at 12 noon. The infantry attacked at 2.05 p.m. Number 1 and 2 Sections following the third line of infantry attack across the open. The orders for Royal Engineers being to block communications trenches leading to the enemy and to wire in front of captured trenches as soon as infantry had reached their objective. As the infantry did not advance beyond our own front line, owing to heavy machine gun fire, the Sections only reached our own front line, and helped to man the trenches with the infantry. Casualties were very heavy considering no engineering work was necessary, and were as follows: two officers wounded and missing; 27 other ranks killed wounded and missing.It was noted that Lieutenants Davis and Emery both led their men in the attack on the 13th October. See: Role of RE Field Company in attack - Other Great War Chat - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum (greatwarforum.org)Burkett was known to be wounded and missing at the attack on Hohenzollern Redoubt on 13 October 1915.    Note: The Commonwealth War Graves website states that Burkett died on 11 October 1915. Evidence from the Field Company War Diary and other sources show that this is not correct and that he was wounded and missing, later presumed killed, on 13 October 1915. 

A Master with S. S. Mexico City, Charles died on 5th of February 1918 at the age of 53.Charles was born at Lowestoft in 1864, a son of Jewett David and Fanny Elizabeth Emms. He was privately baptised by the Vicar of Saint John’s Church on 14 March 1864, and his family lived at Commercial Road. In 1871 the family lived at 3 Commercial Road where Charles’ father had a bakery and grocer’s shop. After his father’s death his family lived at Cyprus House, 11 London Road, and in 1911 he had relatives lived at 34 Marine Parade. On 4 November 1879 Charles began a four year Merchant Navy apprenticeship with Bullard King and Company of 75 Mark Lane, London. He served for four years as an apprentice and then as an Able Seaman with the square rigged sailing ship Wolsely, and then served as an Able Seaman on another square rigged ship, the Lurline. He was awarded his Certificate of Competency as a Second Mate on 2 July 1885. He then on the Engineer for two years, as Second Mate, and then was the Second Mate on the Lena. Still in his capacity as Second Mate he then served on the City of Cork, the Onegar and the Odessa. He was awarded his Certificate of Competency as a First Mate on 14 February 1889. Charles then served as Second Mate on the S.S. Michigan and then the S.S. Hathfield and, on 19 February 1891 he was awarded his Certificate of Competency as Master.   On 11 January 1893 Charles married Grace Eleanor Murrell at All Saints’ Church, Hatcham, Deptford, London. Charles was a master mariner and they both gave their address as 65 Casella Road. In 1901 their home was at 65 Casella Road, Deptford, and Charles was the First Mate on the S.S. Campeador. By 1911 their home was at 72 Erlanger Road, New Cross, London.In 1918 Charles was the Master of the cargo ship S.S. Mexico City. During the First World War the ship had been fitted with defensive armament. On 15 February 1918 the ship was sailing from Liverpool to Alexandria with mixed cargo. About fifteen miles off South Stack, Holyhead, and quite without warning, the ship was torpedoed, by German submarine U-101, and sank. All twenty-nine of the crew, including Charles, were lost.  

A Private with 96 Company. James died on 27th of November 1918 at the age of 35.No biographical details about James prior to 1915 have been traced. He may have been born in Norwich. James married Sophia Sarah Mingay in 1915. Their home was at 17 South Elmham Terrace, Oulton Road, Lowestoft.James served with the Army, initially he joined the 14th Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), service number G/26010. In late 1916 the 14th Battalion was sent to Salonika and in June 1917 the men were transferred to the Labour Corps. James became part of 96 Company Labour Company, Labour Corps, with service number 57097. James died at 42 General Hospital, Greece.Note: Commonwealth War Graves records list him as a member of The Queen's rather than the Labour Corps. Believed to be listed on Saint Margaret's War Memorial as J.E. Everitt. 

Thomas died on 1st of December 1937 at the age of 39. of 21 Minden Road, Lowestoft. Although not officially a war casualty he served with honour

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Charles died on 27th of November 1943 aged 25. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 12 June 1918, a son of Charles Robert and Alice Maud Farman. In 1921 they lived at 105 Carlton Road and by 1939 Charles’ parents were living at 125 Carlton Road.Probate records show Charles’ address as The Police Station, Stowmarket, hence it is thought that he was serving in the police before he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve at some point after November 1940. By November 1943 he was serving with 172 Squadron. Charles was a member of the crew of a Wellington XIV bomber, number HF 153, that had been fitted with a Leigh Light and radar for anti-submarine work. The aircraft flew from RAF Lajes Field, in the Azores, on an escort sortie for Convoy SL-140. His aircraft was attacking submarine U-764 when it was hit by anti-aircraft fire (flak) and crashed into the sea west of Lisbon. Two of the crew survived. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

An Able Seaman with S.S. Thurston (West Hartlepool), George died on 4th of March 1940 aged 32. George was born at Lowestoft on 13 January 1906, a son of John Henry and Eunice Farman. By 1911 George’s mother had died and George, and his father, lived with George’s grandmother Elizabeth Knight at 5 Ashby Road. In 1921 his family lived at 21 Beckham Road, and by 1939 at 35 Avondale Road. In 1922 George was tried for breaking and entering and theft. He was found guilty and sentenced to go to a borstal for three years. George then made a career in the Merchant Navy, first going to sea around 1924.   On 27 August 1938 George married Mary Elizabeth Page at Saint Thomas’ Church, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. In 1940 Mary lived at 33 Oxford Street, East Kirkby, Nottinghamshire.In the late 1930s George served on a number of cargo ships: the Baltraffic from 1 February 1937; the Anthea from 28 April 1937; the Thorpeness from 27 December 1937; the Welcombe from 30 October 1939; and he joined the Thurston on 30 December 1939.Just after midnight on 4 March 1940 the Thurston collided with the French cargo ship S.N.A.1 while sailing in the Bristol Channel off the north coast of Cornwall. All of the crew of the French ship were rescued by the Thurston. Just a few hours later, when off Trevise Head, the Thurston was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-29. Thirty-four of the Thurston’s crew, including George, were killed, as were thirty of the crew of the S.N.A.1. There were only four survivors from the two crews. 

An Able Seaman with S.S. Sixty Six (Middlesbrough), Gilbert died on 29th of June 1918 at the age of 68. Gilbert was born at Lowestoft on 29 June 1849, a son of Matthew and Jane Farrer. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 5 August 1849. In 1851 his family lived at the South Turnpike, Lowestoft. He married Georgiana Farman at Saint Margaret’s Church on 24 December 1878 and Gilbert was a mariner and they both lived in Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 67 Mills Road, and Gilbert was a seaman. In 1901 they lived at 186 Raglan Street and Gilbert was a fisherman and this was still their home in 1911 when Gilbert was a seaman. In July 1915 Gilbert was an Able Seaman working on the S.S. Sixty Six. He was still working on the ship in 1918. Early on 29 June 1918 the Sixty-Six was sailing alone from Middlesborough with a cargo of cement. Off Scarborough the ship was spotted by the German submarine UB-88 which followed the ship and fired a torpedo which hit the ship amidships. The Sixty-Six sank immediately and Gilbert and five other men were killed.  

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Protector, George died on 2nd of March 1916 at the age of 31. George was born at Kessingland on 7 March 1885, a son of George and Mary Ann Farrow. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 26 April 1885. In 1891 his family lived at Church Road, Kessingland, and this was still their address in 1901 when George was a general labourer. By 1911 they were living at Whites Lane, Kessingland, and George was a fisherman. On 28 December 1911 George married Maud Mitchell. They lived at 2 Shamrock Villas, Kessingland.George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 19 April 1915 and served on the trawler East Briton. On 4 February 1916 he joined the drifter Protector. A report in The Dover Express, of 17 March 1916, page 6, explains what happened to George:Sailor Drowned in the Wellington DockAnother Victim of the DarkAn inquest was held at the Esplanade Hotel on Tuesday by the Borough Coroner (Mr. S. Payn), on the body of George Farrow ages 29 years. Mr. Gilbert Deverson was chosen foreman of the jury.Mr. J.C. Mitchell, father-in-law of the deceased said: I am a boat-owner, living at Kessingland, near Lowestoft. I have been to the Mortuary, and identify the body there as that of George Farrow, my son-in-law, aged 29 years. He was engineer on the patrol boat “Protector”. He lived at No. 2 Shamrock Villas, Kessingland. He was a married man with two children. He left home three weeks ago last Saturday, he was a teetotaller.Skipper Walter Read, of a patrol boat, said: the deceased was chief engineer on board my vessel, and had been on board about five weeks. The vessel was on the Slip, being repaired. The deceased left my ship on the 2nd March to join another patrol boat lying in the Wellington Dock near the Commercial Quay. I last saw him at 8.15 p.m. on March 2nd. He left my boat by a ladder and went along the Commercial Quay alone. He never reached the other vessel. The only way to get aboard was to go over the slipway where the Rover Dour empties itself into the dock. There is no fence there, and it was very dark that night.The Coroner: Can you suggest anything captain?Witness: There ought to be a fence round the corner of Commercial Quay.George Hobbs, a labourer, living at 7, Adrian Row, said: I was at the dock yesterday when Mr. Mitchell came to me and told me that he had lost a son-in-law in the dock and offered 10s. to anyone who found the body. I got a grapnel and threw it over the corner by the right-hand side of the archway on the Quay. At the first attempt the grapnel hooked the body. Which was pulled out of the water and carried to the Mortuary.Police-constable Fagg said: At about 3.05 p.m. yesterday I was on duty at Snargate Street, when I was called to the Slipway, where I found the last witness with the body of a man, having a rope round the deceased’s waist. He hauled the body to the quay side, where it was at once identified by Mr. Mitchell and taken to the Mortuary. On searching the body I found a £1 note, a sovereign, 2s., and a sixpence. There were no marks of injuries on the body.  The Coroner, in summing up, said that, being a stranger, the deceased probably fell over the Slipway, not knowing the way round. It was a very dark night, and there was no fence there to keep people from falling over. Docks were always dangerous, and now they were more dangerous still. If a fence was put up there, it would, no doubt, be the means of saving life, and would cost but very little to erect.The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.          

A Private with the Packers and Loaders Branch, William died on 4th of October 1919 at the age of 29.William was born at Dunstable in 1890, a son of William and Sarah Annie Fearn. In 1891 his family lived at 52 Edward Street, Dunstable. By 1901 they were living at 43 Edward Street, Dunstable, and this was still their home in 1911. William served with the 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, number 204138, until 20 February 1918 when he was transferred to the Packers and Loaders Branch of the Royal Army Service Corps. On 18 April 1918 William married Bessie Louise Milson at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. William was serving with the A.S.C. and they were both living with Bessie's sister at 9 St. Aubyns Road, Lowestoft.William was discharged from the Army and he, and Bessie, lived at 41 Edward Street, Dunstable. William contracted tubercular meningitis and died at Dunstable on 4 October 1919. Subsequently she returned to Lowestoft and again lived with her sister at 9 Saint Aubyns Road. 

A Rifleman with 1/17th Bn., Edward died on 25th of September 1917 at the age of 21.Edward was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of James Edward and Anna Maud Felgate. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 2 December 1896, and his family lived at 12 Cambridge Road. This was still their home in 1911 when Edward worked as a fish merchant's errand boy. Later his parents lived at 182 Raglan Street, Lowestoft.Edward enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He chose to use his middle name as his first name, hence his service records give him as George Felgate. Initially he served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 1448. He was transferred to the London Regiment and posted to the 2/17th Battalion, service number 6261. He arrived in France on 24 June 1916 with the 2/17th battalion. Later he was posted to the 1/17th Battalion. In 1917 he was renumbered as 573165.We do not know exactly when, how, or where Edward was wounded, but, based on the 1/17th Battalion War Diary, it must have been prior to 17 September 1917. Edward died of wounds at 62 Casualty Clearing Station, Belgium.

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Walter died on 4th of October 1917 at the age of 33. Walter was born at Lowestoft (possibly Corton) on 21 November 1884, a son of James and Florence Jane Fenn. In 1891 his family lived at Camberwell Cottages, 1 Carlton Road, Kirkley. Walter attended Saint Margaret’s School from 24 October 1892 until 1898 and the school admission register states his next of kin was his grandmother, Sarah Wright, of 34 Oxford Road. In 1901 his family were still living at Camberwell Cottages and Walter was a good clerk for the Great Eastern Railway. By 1911 his parents were living at 98 Carlton Road.In October 1909 Walter was at Guildford and was involved, as a witness, in the trial of Walter Downes, who was convicted for stealing a bicycle. In August 1912 Walter became an inmate at the Bethnal Green casual ward. In the ward Walter was given 10 cwt of stones to break, but refused to do the task and said it was impossible to break stones on a concrete floor. ’Further he suggested that the cell he was in was not comfortable enough, and pointed out that if the roof were removed, and a skylight put on, it would add to his convenience.’ At Old Street Magistrates Court Walter was charged with refusing to break the stones and giving a false name. ‘The Magistrate, Mr. Chester Jones, said the prisoner should have the rest asked for, and sent him to prisoner of 21 days with hard labour.’ (See Tower Hamlets Independent 7 September 1912, page 2).  Walter volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lincoln. He joined the Lincolnshire Regiment, service number 3/10354. He was posted to the 6th Battalion, in Gallipoli, and arrived there on 14 September 1915. Subsequently he was posted to the 10th Battalion and then the 1st Battalion. On 3 October 1917 the 1st Battalion marched to Zillebeke and given equipment in readiness for an attack. They then spent the night in Polygon Wood. At 6 a.m. on 4 October the battalion began their attack near Broodseinde. A few casualties were caused by machine-gun fire and shells falling short. They encountered pill boxes and machine-gun fire came from one, which was silenced by Colonel Evens firing his revolver through the loophole. After about one hour and forty minutes the attack recommenced and went to the last objective, but heavy casualties were caused by machine guns and snipers in the vicinity of Judge Copse. For the rest of the day the battalion consolidated their position. The battalion went into the attack 570 strong and suffered the following casualties:Officers: five killed, eleven woundedOther ranks: 24 killed, 167 wounded, 36 missingWalter was killed in action during the attack.   

An Able Seaman with H.M. Submarine L.55, William died on 4th of June 1919 at the age of 23. William was born at Wenhaston, Suffolk, on 12 April 1896, a son of Joseph and Mary Ann. E. Fenn. In 1901 his family lived at The Barn, Wangford. William was a pupil at Wangford School before joining Blythburgh Primary School on 10 November 1902, when his family lived at Blythburgh. He left that school on 8 April 1904 when his family moved to Wenhaston. By 1911 his family were living at Dunwich Road, Blythburgh, and William worked on a farm. Subsequently his family lived at White Horse Corner, Carlton Colville. Wiliam was working as a horseman when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 10 July 1912. He attended H.M.S. Ganges and was advanced to Boy 1st Class. On 8 January 1913 he joined H.M.S. Vanguard. He went to H.M.S. Pembroke I on 3 June 1913 and on 28 August 1913 he joined H.M.S. Triumph. William then joined H.M.S. Hampshire on 8 November 1913. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman on 12 April 1914 and Able Seaman on 3 May 1915. On 16 May 1915 William went to H.M.S. Excellent, where he qualified as a Seaman Gunner. He joined H.M.S. Pembroke I on 17 July 1915. On 29 October 1915 William joined Merchant Fleet Auxiliary ship Angora (also known as S.S. or H.M.S. Angora) which was used as a minelayer. William volunteered to join the submarine service and joined H.M.S, Dolphin on 8 October 1918 in readiness for work on submarines. On 18 November 1918 he joined H.M. Submarine L.55.   In June 1919 the L.55 was part of the British military presence engaging with the Bolshevik forces in the Baltic. The L.55 was part of the Baltic Battle Squadron. On 9 June 1919 the submarine was in Caporsky Bay, in the Gulf of Finland, when it was attacked by two Bolshevik destroyers. What precisely happened to the L.55 is open to conjecture: Russian sources state the submarine was sunk by gunfire from the destroyer Azard; other sources suggest that the submarine was forced into a minefield. William’s service register entry records that he was on board the submarine when it ‘dived to attack enemy destroyer’. In 1927 the wreck of the L.55 was found by a Soviet minesweeper. Because of the political situation no British warships were allowed to attend, but the bodies of the crew were recovered and collected by the merchant ship Truro before being transferred to H.M.S. Champion. The crew were buried in a communal grave at Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, Portsmouth, on 7 September 1928.The L.55 was the only British ship sunk by the Bolsheviks. The submarine was salvaged and later commissioned for use in the Soviet navy.     

A Private with the 1/8th Battalion, Edward died on 27th of August 1917 at the age of 29. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 17 November 1887, a son of George and Harriett Fennell. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 1 November 1891 and his family lived at 5 Carlton Road. Edward attended Carlton Road School and, on 20 June 1892, he became a pupil at Kirkley School. By 1901 they were living at Ivy Villa, Rotterdam Road. In 1911 his family lived at 45 Maidstone Road and Edward worked as a tin case maker in a fish preserve factory.   On 25 December 1912 Edward married Harriett Alice Burden at Saint Margaret’s Church. Edward was a painter living at 4 Cathcart Street and Harriett lived at 24 Cathcart Street. By 1916 they were living at 59 Stanley Street and Edward worked as a solderer in a preserving factory. Later Harriett lived at 4 Cathcart Street. In 1921 Harriett married George Martin and moved to Canada. Before the First World War Edward served with the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment (Territorial Force) for four years. He attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 1 October 1916. He was called up on 1 November 1916 and joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 6495. He joined the 64th Provisional Battalion on 18 November 1916 and in early 1917 he was renumbered 290240. On 14 June 1917 arrived in France and on 15 June he joined 15 Infantry Base Depot and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion. On 5 July 1917 he was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 325024, and was posted to the 1/8th Battalion, joining the battalion in the field on 7 July. On 27 August the 1/8th Battalion were to make an attack at St. Julian, Belgium. The battalion’s war diary records the events:The morning gave promise of a fine day, but the ground was afforded no opportunity for drying as several showers fell. The men remained concealed in their positions, apparently unobserved by the enemy, until zero hour (1.55 p.m.). The five companies then attacked under cover of our artillery and machine-gun barrage, but owing to the activity of the enemy’s machine guns and, to a much greater extent to the impassibility of the ground, the final objectives laid down in operational orders were not gained. Springfield (an enemy outpost) was taken and positions consolidated to the east of the Winnipeg-Springfield Road. . . During the night the battalion was relieved. The battalion’s casualties on 27 August were 35 killed, 83 wounded, and 54 missing. Edward was killed in action on 27 August and his personal effects, a wallet and an identity disc, were sent to Harriett. The book ‘Some Desperate Glory’, based on the diary of Edwin Campion Vaughan, an officer with the 1/8th Battalion, describes the battalion’s endeavours on 27 August.  Edward's brother Sidney died in an air raid in 1941. 

A Civilian, Sidney died on 26th of February 1941 at the age of 55. Sidney was born at Lowestoft on 26 June 1885, a son of George and Harriett Fennell. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 1 November 1891 and his family lived at 5 Carlton Road. By 1901 they were living at Ivy Villa, Rotterdam Road, and Sidney was a mechanical engineer’s apprentice. In 1901 Sidney was a student at the Lowestoft School of Art. In 1902 Sidney was awarded the Great Eastern Railway Company certificate, and medallion, for first aid and at that time he was connected with Lowestoft Railway Station. In 1911 his family lived at 45 Maidstone Road.On 22 December 1907 Sidney married Elizabeth Wilde Dawson at Saint Mark’s Church, Lakenham, Norwich. Sidney was an engine fitter living at 27 West Street, Maryland Point, Stratford, London, and Elizabeth lived at 88 Hall Road, Norwich. In 1911 they lived at 38 Saint Alban’s Avenue, Vicarage Lane, East Ham, and Sidney was an engine fitter at a gas works. By 1939 Elizabeth died and Sidney lived with his son William at 75 Hollington Road, East Ham, and he worked as an engineer’s fitter and turner in the gas industry.  Sidney died at his home, 75 Hollington Road, during an air raid.Sidney’s brother Edward served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and died in 1917. Sidney’s son, Sidney, was born in London, and served as a Warrant Officer with the 9th King's Royal Rifle Corps, being killed in April 1941 during the campaign in Greece. 

A Sergeant with the 6th Battalion, Arthur died on 16th of April 1943 aged 27. Arthur was born at Nottingham a son of Arthur and Emma Haynes Fenton. He was baptised at Saint Saviour's Church, Nottingham, on 19 January 1916 and his family lived at 57 Pyatt Street. Arthur was a Fellow of the Library Association.Arthur married Winifred Annie Brooks, at Mansfield, in 1941, and they had a home at 21 Jenfold Avenue, Mansfield. Winifred later moved to Lowestoft and remarried in 1948. In April 1943 the 6th Battalion, as part of the Irish Brigade, were in an area north of Medjez-el-Bab. They were given the task of attacking mountainous areas to the north including Tanngoucha and Djebel Ang. During the night of 15/16 April the battalion launched an attack on Tanngoucha but were forced to withdraw because of overwhelming fire from flanking positions. Arthur was reported missing, believed killed, on 16 April, but it was later confirmed that he had been killed in action. Arthur’s body was recovered and buried at Baharine and in 1944 he was re-buried at Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery.   

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. P.32, William died on 10th of June 1917 at the age of 20.William was born at Fulham, London, on 26 November 1896, a son of James and Lucy Ferguson. He was baptised at Saint Andrew’s Church, West Kensington, on 16 December 1896, and his family lived at 57 Brecon Road, Hammersmith, and this was his family’s home until at least 1911, when William worked as a G.P.O. telegraph messenger. In 1917 William married Margaret Leah Pether: this registered on the Mutford district. Margaret lived at 74 High Street, Lowestoft, then 12 Sparhams Buildings, Saint Peter’s Street, before living at 10 Sparhams Buildings. In 1918 she married Thomas Hubble.  William was a baker’s boy when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 12 August 1912, service number J/19681. From 7 April 1914 to 23 September 1915 he served on H.M.S. Monarch. On 1 April 1916 he joined the ‘P Class’ patrol boat P.32. William was accidentally drowned on 10 June 1917. The Lowestoft Journal, 16 June 1917, page 3, gives details of his inquest.BOATING DISASTER AT LOWESTOFTNaval Men DrownedThe Deputy Coroner, Mr. Goatlee, held and inquest at Lowestoft Police Court, on Wednesday afternoon, as to the circumstances attending to the death of William Ferguson, able seaman, aged 20, who lived at 12 Sparham’s Buildings, Lowestoft, and who was drowned on Sunday afternoon just outside the Harbour mouth. Deceased and a petty officer took a ship’s skiff, to go for sail. Outside the Harbour the boat capsized and both were drowned. Ferguson’s body was picked up on the North Beach on Monday morning. The body of the Petty Officer has not been recovered.Charles Alfred Lee, an A.B., identified the body.   Sub-Lieut. Raymond, R.N., said that on Sunday, about 2.15 p.m., the deceased left his ship, in company with Petty Officer Isted, to go sailing for pleasure in a ship’s skiff. Petty Officer Isted was in charge, and was given orders by him not to go outside the Harbour. About 3 p.m. he was informed that the skiff had capsized outside the Harbour. He went on deck at once, and in his opinion the sea was too rough to hoist out the Berthon boats to send to their assistance. The boat, when he saw it at last, was suitably rigged for sailing in a sheltered Harbour. She had oars and crotches in her, and if she got into difficulties the sail could be lowered and her oars used. The deceased and Petty Officer Isted by going outside the Harbour were going against orders. Several boats were at once sent out in search, but no trace of the bodies could be found. In answer to a juryman, witness said the boat was 13ft. 6in. long, with a false keel weighing 25 lbs.Alfred John Mattell, a gunner, said he heard orders given by the last witness to Isted not to go outside the Harbour. When deceased and Isted left the ship witness’ last words to them were: “Be careful, and don’t go outside the Harbour.” Isted told me he was going round the Herring Basin. Witness saw the skiff off the ship, and Isted appeared to be handling the boat in an efficient manner. About 3.40 p.m. he received the skiff from the tug Despatch, and had her righted alongside the ship. The only equipment missing were the horse, crotch, and oars, tiller and stern sheet bottom board. The boat itself was undamaged. The yoke was under the stern sheets. The false keel was still on the boat.George Rooch, mate of the G.E.R. tug Imperial, Lowestoft, said that on Sunday afternoon he was on duty on his vessel in the Yacht Basin, when he saw two sailors in a small dingey sailing about in the Outer Harbour. About 3 p.m. he saw the boat leave the Harbour, and when about 200 or 300 yards outside he saw then try to turn the boat before the wind. He saw the jib-sheet slacken off, the main sheet remained tight, and almost in an instant the boat capsized. The men were sitting quite still and he watched them from the time they left the Harbour till the accident. He immediately informed the crew of the tug Despatch, which went out and was on the scene within about three minutes. He also saw a naval moto boat go out. In his opinion if the main-sheet had gone out all right the accident would not have happened. The sea was very choppy at the time.Thomas Chamberlain, a Corporation labourer, said he was on the North Beach, Lowestoft, about 10.35 a.m. on Monday, when just south of the Low Light he saw the body of a man floating in the surf about 10 or 12 feet from low water. He pulled the body ashore and informed the police.Inspector Peck said he received the body from Chamberlain, and found upon it a silver watch and chain and 7 and half pence in money. The watch had stopped at 2.55 p.m.The Coroner said the men had orders not to go out to sea but they did so, and the boat capsized. The boat was fit to sail in the Harbour, but not at sea, and they went out in disobedience of orders.The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death from drowning.”A Royal Navy inquiry concluded that William was drowned accidentally and that no blame should be attached to anyone other than Petty Officer Isted. The Petty Officer’s body was later recovered.  

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Jaguar, Richard died on 26th of March 1942 aged 35. Richard was born at Lowestoft on 4 January 1909, a son of William James and Ethel Maud Field. In 1911 his family lived at The Hemplands, and by 1921 their home was at 235 Raglan Street. On 26 December 1929 Richard married Doris Irene Foreman at Saint Margaret’s Church. Richard was a fisherman living at 235 Raglan Street and Doris was a fish worker living at 7 Factory Court, Factory Street. By 1939 they were living at 1 Sparhams Buildings, and Richard was a dock labourer.  On 26 March 1942 Richard’s ship, the destroyer H.M.S. Jaguar, was, with a Greek ship, escorting the tanker R.F.A. Slavol. The Slavol was torpedoed by German submarine U-652. The Jaguar came alongside to rescue the Slavol’s crew but was hit by two torpedoes from U-652 and quickly sank, off Sidi Barrani, Egypt. Richard was one of 193 men lost with the Jaguar.  

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Veteran, Jeffrey died on 26th of September 1942 aged 21. Jeffrey was born at Hornsey, London, on 5 December 1920, a son of Joseph Percy and Ella (Emma) Amelia Filby. In 1921 his family lived at 73 Park Ridings, Wood Green, London. By 1939 they were living at 15 Uplands Road, East Barnet, and Jeffrey worked as a clerk in the 'film trade'. Later his parents moved to Lowestoft.In 1942 Jeffrey served with the destroyer H.M.S. Veteran. In September 1942 the Veteran was part of the escort for convoy RB-1. On 25 September two ships, S.S. Boston and S.S. New York, were sunk by a German submarine. The next day the Veteran stopped to pick up survivors from the S.S. New York and was struck by torpedoes from German submarine U-404. All 134 of the Veteran’s crew, and a number of survivors from the S.S. New York were killed.    

A Corporal with the Royal Air Force, Leslie died on 9th of June 1940 at the age of 20. Leslie was born at Lowestoft on 16 December 1919, a son of Edward John and Emma Feldon Finch. he was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 23 January 1920. His family lived at the Lloyd's Bank building where Leslie's father was the caretaker. In 1939 Leslie's widowed mother, and his sister, lived at 41 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. Leslie served with 802 Squadron. This squadron was part of the Naval Air Service and was based on the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Glorious. The Glorious took part in the defence of Norway and, on 8 June 1940, was attacked by the battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and sank. The Royal Navy were not aware of the loss of the ship and so no effort was made to rescue survivors until 10 June: 1,207 men lost their lives in the loss of the Glorious.  He was serving with No 802 Sqn FAA and was lost in the sinking of HMS Glorious.  He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Fisherman with Steam Drifter Lord Carnarvon (Lowestoft), William died on 19th of November 1914 at the age of 43. William was born at Wenhaston, Suffolk, in 1870, a son of John and Lucy Finch. In 1871 his family lived at Blackheath, Wenhaston, and this was where they were living in 1881. In 1895 William married Elizabeth Noy at Wenhaston. By 1901 they were living at Back Street, Wenhaston, and William was a fisherman. In 1911 they lived at Back Street, Back Road, Wenhaston, and William was a fisherman on a steam drifter.By 1914 they were living at Carlton Road, Pakefield, and later Elizabeth lived at 4 Pakefield Corner, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft. William worked as a fisherman on the steam drifter Lord Carnarvon, LT 1197. The drifter sailed from Lowestoft on 18 November 1914. An explosion was heard during the evening, but next morning there was no sigh of the drifter. Wreckage was later washed ashore at Gorleston and Southwold. It seems that the Lord Carnarvon was sunk by a mine, most probably when sailing off Gorleston. All ten of the crew were killed. See: Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Campania II, Edward died on 5th of March 1917 at the age of 22. Edward was born at Kirkley on 3 April 1894, a son of James and Flora Firman. In 1901 his family lived at 29 Saint Georges Road. Later his parents lived at 33 Saint Georges Road. In 1911 Edward was an able seaman – cook on the trawler Acacia at Padstow, Cornwall. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 22 September 1915 and served on the trawler True Friend as a Deck Hand. On 21 July 1916 Edward was promoted to Second Hand. On 1 August 1916 he joined the trawler Campania II.   On 5 March 1917 the Campania II was in the North Sea and was lost in a gale. All twelve crew, including Charles, died. Edward’s body was recovered and he was buried at Kirkley Cemetery. 

A Pilot with Trinity House, Albert died on 26th of September 1915 at the age of 39.Albert was born at Lowestoft in 1876, a son of David and Maria Fisher. In 1881 his family lived at 3 Prairie, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 75 London Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1901. In 1897 Albert, and his father David, worked on the Lowestoft collier Mary Stowe and had to be rescued during a severe gale.   In 1904 Albert married Beatrice Mary Studd: this as registered in the Norwich district, but Beatrice came from Kessingland. In 1911 their home was at Jesmond Dene Cottages, Fronks Road, Dovercourt, Essex. In 1911 Albert was working on the Princess of London Light Vessel, off Dover. During the First World War Albert was a Pilot with Trinity House and was part of the North Channel area (North Channel Pilot). On 26 September 1915 the Trinity House pilot cutter Vigilant was cruising at the Sunk station when it struck a mine and was blown up. The cutter was conveying eleven Pilots and eight of them, including Albert, were killed, and three others injured. Among the cutter’s crew, of seven, six were killed and one injured. See Trinity House news: Flash-22-winter-2014.pdf 

A Deck Hand with Steam Drifter W. A. Massey (Lowestoft), William died on 11th of March 1918 aged 33. Emanuel was born at Pakefield in 1885, a son of George Edward and Phoebe Elizabeth Fisher. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 11 July 1886. In 1891 his family lived at 4 School Cottages, Pakefield Street. Later his father lived at 46 Church Road, Pakefield. In 1901 Emanuel worked on the trawler Ruby, LT 622, with his father and older brother. In 1911 Emanuel lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Mabel and George Wright, at 8 Church Road, Pakefield.     On 11 March 1918 the trawler W.A. Massey, LT 1090, was sunk by a mine when fishing about five miles west of Craeg a Mhail, Handa Island, Scotland. The trawler Rose was fishing nearby and reported the loss. Emanuel's brother, Ernest, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1915.

A Second Hand with H.M. Trawler Okino, Ernest died on 8th of March 1915 at the age of 28.Ernest was born at Pakefield on 23 November 1887, a son of George Edward and Phoebe Elizabeth Fisher. He was baptised at All Saints' Church, Pakefield, on 12 February 1888. In 1891 his family lived at School Cottages, 4 Pakefield Street, Lowestoft, and in 1901 they were still living at Pakefield Street. On 26 December 1910 Ernest married Ellen Maud Smith at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Ernest was working as a fisherman and lived at Pakefield, Ellen lived at 12 Notts Buildings. By 1911 they were living at 37 Pakefield Street, Lowestoft, and Ernest was a herring fisherman.Ernest joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 January 1915 and served on the minesweeping trawler Okino. In March 1915 the Okino was involved in minesweeping operations in the Dardanelles. On the night of 8 March the trawler was mined and sunk about 3,000 yards from Fort Yeni Kali at the south side of the Gulf of Smyrna. Ten crew were killed and five rescued. Ernest's brother, Emanuel, died in 1918 in the loss of the trawler W. A. Massey.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Hope. Frederick died on 6th of March 1918 at the age of 32. Frederick was born at Pakefield on 22 September 1886, a son of Frederick and Laura Fisher. In 1891 his family lived at 16 Beach Street, Pakefield. In 1901 his family lived at 6 Lakenham Cottages, Beach Street, Pakefield, and by 1911 at 42 Acton Road. In 1901 Frederick was the eighth hand on the trawler Never Can Tell, LT 283, at Lowestoft. Frederick married Clara Jubilee Doy at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 22 October 1905. Frederick was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. In 1911 their home was at 5 Lakenham Cottages, Beach Street, Pakefield, and Frederick was the engine driver of the trawler Energy at Newlyn, Cornwall. Later their home was at 28 Saint George's Road, and subsequently Clara lived at 38 Saint George's Road. Clara married Joshua Sharman in 1918.   Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 January 1915 and at that time his address was 352 Hendon Terrace, London Road, Lowestoft. Frederick he served with the drifter Hope and, for pay and administrative purposes, form 20 January 1915 he was on the roll of H.M.S. White Oak and, from 16 March 1915, until his death, H. M. S. Attentive III. Frederick died at the Royal Marine Infirmary, Deal, whilst under anaesthetic. Details from a pension record card show that he suffered acute cardiac dilation while in the second stage of anaesthesia.  Frederick's brother in law, James Doy, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.

A Cook with H.M. Trawler Birdlip. Harry died on 13th of June 1944 at the age of 24. Harry was born at Lowestoft on 30 May 1920, a son of Harry J. and Rhoda Fisher. In 1921 his family lived at 29 Pakefield Street, and this was still their address in 1939 when Harry worked as a sheet metal worker.  Harry married Kathleen Mary Butcher at Lowestoft in 1940. Harry 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 Harry, were lost. 

A Private with 1/2nd Bn., Leonard died on 6th of July 1916 at the age of 27. Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 5 February 1889, a son of Randall Colby Fisher and Susannah Colby Fisher. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 May 1889 and his family lived at 3 Mill Lane, Pakefield. Between 25 April 1892 and 31 May 1895 Leonard was a pupil at Cunningham Infant School, Pakefield. He then attended Christchurch School before, from 3 February 1896, becoming a pupil at Saint John's School. At that time his family lived at 2 Lake Lothing Terrace. Later his mother lived at 6 Compass Street, Lowestoft.The 1901 Census shows Leonard as a pauper living at The Union Workhouse, Oulton, and his mother was also a resident. By 1911 Leonard was lodging at 12 White Horse Street, Lowestoft, and he worked as a dock labourer. Leonard volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted in the London Regiment at Westminster. He was posted to the 1/2nd Battalion and arrived in France on 25 August 1915.Leonard died of wounds at No 6 General Hospital, Etretat, France. It is highly likely that he was wounded during the attack at Gommecourt on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, or in the following two days. It is noted in the Battalion War Diary that after the attack on 1 July many wounded men were left 'on the wire' and were brought in the next day. For an hour on 2 July both sides stopped fighting in order to bring in their wounded and around 45 men of the Battalion, that had been wounded on the 1st, were brought in. The Battalion lost four officers and 39 men killed; six officers and 160 men wounded; with two officers and 42 men missing. The War Diary adds that two of the wounded men had subsequently died.    Leonard's brother Randall died in 1941. His nephew Russell died in 1939 in the loss of the trawler Sulby.

A Mate with the trawler Bucentaur, Randall died on 2nd of December 1941, at the age of 56. Randall was born at Lowestoft on 5 April 1884, a son of Randall Colby Fisher and Susannah Colby Fisher. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 11 May 1884. In 1889 his family lived at 3 Mill Lane, Pakefield, and by 1896 at 2 Lake Lothing Terrace. His mother later lived at 6 Compass Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 Randall was working as a fisherman and he lodged at 9 Compass Street.On 29 January 1905 Randall married Elsie May Brereton Heathcote at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Randall was a fisherman and they both lived at 325 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 74 George’s Road, Lowestoft, and this would be Randall’s home for the rest of his life. On 18 July 1918 Randall joined the Royal Naval Reserve, number DA 21148, and served as a Leading Deck Hand on the trawler Pearl II. He was demobilized on 11 April 1919. In 1921 Randall worked for a Mr. Thacker a fishing boat owner. During World War Two Randall lodged at 12 Cecil Road, Gorseinon, Wales, while he worked as the Mate of the Bucentaur.On 2 December 1941 Randall stumbled while boarding a rowing boat at Valentia Harbour, County Kerry, Eire. He died from asphyxia due to drowning. An inquest returned a verdict of accidental death. Randall's brother Leonard died in 1916 whilst serving with the London Regiment. His son Russell died in 1939 in the loss of the trawler Sulby.  

A Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel Sulby (Fleetwood), Russell died on 21st of November 1939 at the age of 25. Russell was born at Lowestoft on 10 February 1914, a son of Randal George Fisher and of Elsie May Fisher. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, and his family lived at 74 Saint Georges Road and this was their home for the rest of his life.In 1939 Russell lodged at 37 Oak Street, Fleetwood, and he worked as a fisherman.Russell worked as a Deck Hand on the Fleetwood based trawler Sulby. On 21 November 1939, about 75 miles northwest of Rathlin, the Sulby, and the trawler William Humphries, were fired on by the deck gun of the German submarine U-33 and was sunk. The crew were able to take to lifeboats, but the boat containing the Skipper, Clarence Hudson, and four crew, including Russell, sank in gale force winds. Russell's father died in 1941 while serving on the trawler Bucentaur. His uncle Leonard was killed in 1916 whilst serving with the London Regiment. 

A Lance Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, Thomas died on 5th of July 1918, at the age of 25.Thomas was born at Norwich on 14 February 1893, a son of Thomas and Selina Fisher. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Church Close, Heigham, Norwich, and by 1911 they had moved to live at 1 Mill Lane, Pakefield. Thomas worked as a steam sawyer before enlisting in the Army, joining the Suffolk Regiment. He initially enlisted in 1910 and the 1911 Census shows him with the 2nd Battalion at Aldershot. Thomas married Florence Mabel Bears at Ditchingham (Broome?) in December 1914. Thomas and Florence lived at 6 Marine Terrace, London Road, Lowestoft. It is not clear whether Thomas was an Army Reserve when the First World War began, but he returned to serve with the Suffolk Regiment and he arrived in France on 16 February 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. He was initially reported to be missing (War Office list 1 June 1915) and later confirmed as being a prisoner of war (War Office list 2 December 1915). Red Cross records show that Thomas suffered from neurasthenia and he was allowed to go to interment at Switzerland, rather than being held in a POW camp. By 27 November 1917 he was interred at Chateau d'Oex and this is where he died, from pneumonia, on 5 July 1918. Husband of Florence Mabel Clarke (formerly Fisher) of 10 Prospect Place Pakefield Lowestoft.

A Fisherman with Steam Drifter Lord Carnarvon (Lowestoft), John died on 19th of November 1914 at the age of 36. John was born at 1878, a son of Christopher James and Harriett Charlotte Fisk. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 26 May 1878. In 1881 his family lived near The Green, Carlton Colville. By 1891 they were living at Bell Corner, Carlton Colville, and John was an agricultural labourer.  On 19 February 1898 John married Rosa Jane Tovell and Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. John was a fisherman and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 they lived at White Horse Corner, Carlton Colville, and John was a fisherman. They were still living at White Horse Corner in 1911 and John worked on the trawler Seadawn at Newlyn. By 1914 John and Rosa were living at Carlton Road, Pakefield. John worked as a fisherman on the steam drifter Lord Carnarvon, LT 1197. The drifter sailed from Lowestoft on 18 November 1914. An explosion was heard during the evening, but next morning there was no sigh of the drifter. Wreckage was later washed ashore at Gorleston and Southwold. It seems that the Lord Carnarvon was sunk by a mine, most probably when sailing off Gorleston. All ten of the crew were killed. See: Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

An Engineer with Fishing Vessel Leach’s Romance (Shoreham), William died on 29th of July 1940 aged 30. William was born at Lowestoft on 14 July 1910, a son of Charles and Ada Fisk. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 22 September 1910 and his family lived at 22 Union Road. By 1939 his parents were living at 18 Beckham Road. In 1930 William married Hannah Dorothy Margaret Mary Martin: this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1939 they lived at 33 Meeching Road, Newhaven. In July 1940 William was the Engineer on the fishing trawler Leach’s Romance. On 29 July the trawler was about ten miles south of Brighton and struck a mine. Four crew, including William, were lost, officially being noted as ‘missing presumed drowned.’

A Bandsman with the 14th (King’s) Hussars, Robert died on 8th of July 1918 at the age of 18. Robert was born at Lowestoft on 25 May 1900, a son of Charles and Laura E. Fiske. Robert was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 1 July 1900 and his family lived at 29 Grosvenor Road. Robert attended Kirkley School from 16 September 1903. By 1911 Robert’s father had died and his family lived at 28 Kirkley Cliff Road. Later his mother lived at 2 Beccles Road.   Robert enlisted in the Army, as a boy soldier, at Bury St. Edmund’s, in early 1916. Robert joined the 14th (King’s) Hussars. In 1918 Robert was serving with the 5th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, based at Scarborough and in June 1918 he was attached to the Infantry Command Depot at Catterick, possibly because he was a Bandsman. He was admitted to the Military Hospital, Catterick Camp, on 30 June 1918, suffering from pneumonia. He died, at the hospital, at 7.45 p.m. on 8 July. 

A Private with 7th Bn., Charles died on 14th of November 1916 at the age of 19. Charles was born at Norwich on 15 February 1897, a son of Henry William (Harry) and Sarah (Sally) Fitt. He was baptised at Saint James with Pockthorpe Church, Norwich, on 25 March 1897 and his family lived at 20 Cavalry Street, Norwich. In 1901 his family lived at 173 Sprowston Road, Norwich. By 1911 they were living at 3 Eden Street, Lowestoft, and Charles was an apprentice upholsterer. Later his parents lived at Eden Villa, 2 Eden Street, Lowestoft.Charles enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Fusiliers and on 23 July 1916 arrived in France to serve with the 7th Battalion. In November 1916 the 7th Battalion was part of the Royal Naval Division. On 13 November 1916 they began an attack with the objective of capturing the village of Beaucourt (For details see Webmatters : The Ancre and Beaucourt: November 1916). The attack lasted into the 14th November when the village was taken. Over the two days the Battalion's casualties were:Officers: 4 killed, 12 woundedOther ranks: 37 killed, 129 wounded, 4 gassed, 161 missing.Charles was killed in action on 14 November. Charles' brother Frank was killed at Passchendaele on 31 July 1917 while serving with the Liverpool Regiment. 

A Rifleman with 1/5th Bn., Herbert Frank died on 31st of July 1917 at the age of 27. Herbert was born at Norwich on 20 February 1890, a son of Henry William (Harry) and Sarah (Sally) Fitt. He was baptised at Saint Matthew's Church, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, on 19 March 1890 and his family lived at Quebec Road. In 1891 his family lived at 89 Cowgate Street, Norwich, and in 1901 they lived at 173 Sprowston Road, Norwich. By 1911 they were living at 3 Eden Street, Lowestoft, and Herbert was a gas works labourer at Lowestoft gas works. Later his parents lived at Eden Villa, 2 Eden Street, Lowestoft.In 1913 Herbert married Hilda Pearl Dawson and they lived at 146 Raglan Street, Lowestoft.Frank enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 19887. He was transferred to The King's (Liverpool Regiment) and posted to the 1/5th Battalion in France. On 30 July 1917 the 1/5th Battalion were in the Potijze Sector, near Ypres. On 31 July their Brigade was to make an attack with the objective of capturing the German first and second line systems in the Frezenberg Line. The Battalion War Diary does not state what exactly happened but records that they attacked at 3.50 a.m. and had the following casualties:Officers: 4 woundedOther ranks: 26 killed; 105 wounded; 45 missingHerbert was killed in action on 31 July. Herbert's brother Charles was killed in action at Beaucourt in November 1916 while serving with the Royal Fusiliers. His brother-in-law Wesley Dawson served with the Northumberland Fusiliers and died in 1918. 

A Private with , Frank died on 29th of October 1915 at the age of 29. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 4 September 1886, a son of James and Alice Fletcher. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 24 November 1886, and his family lived at 31 Saint Peters Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 his family were living at 85 Tonning Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 they lived at 12 Pier Terrace, Lowestoft. In 1905 Frank worked at Wrentham Dairy, Maidstone Road. At this time he was also a student at Lowestoft School of Art.By 1911 his family were living at 71 Beresford Road. Lowestoft, and Frank worked as a clerk for a coal merchant. Later his parents lived at 65 Royal Avenue, Lowestoft.  Frank was living at 71 Beresford Road and working as a clerk when he volunteered and enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps, at Lowestoft, on 15 February 1915. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps training unit at Aldershot.On 31 March 1915 Frank became unwell and was admitted to the Military Isolation Hospital at Aldershot: he was suffering from cerebro-spinal fever and phthisis. Several treatments were tried, but Frank died at Lowestoft Isolation Hospital on 29 October 1915. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Kent County, John died on 8th of December 1916 at the age of 29. John was born at Lowestoft on 19 August 1887, a son of Harry and Alice Fletcher. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 14 September 1887, and his family lived at 6 Strand Cottages, and this was still their home in 1901. Later his parents lived at East Street. On 8 January 1908 John married Agnes Jenny Aldred at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. John was a fisherman living at 6 Strand Cottages and Agnes lived at 1 Rank Score. By 1914 they were living at 12 Queens Road, and later Agnes lived at 15 Woods Loke, Oulton.  In 1911 John was the fourth hand on the trawler Osprey at Haking, Pembrokeshire.  John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914 and served on the drifter Kent County. The Kent County was a Special Service Vessel, also known as Q-Ships. The drifter was sunk by a mine about one mile off Cross Sand, near Lowestoft, with the loss of all ten members of crew. 

An Air Mechanic 3rd Class with the Reserve Depot, John died on 25th of May 1918 at the age of 35. John was born at Lowestoft on 11 August 1882, a son of John Matthias and Mary Ann Flower. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 September 1882. In 1891 his family lived at 7 Southwell Road and by 1901 at 32 Southwell Road and John was a house painter. John married Ellen Sophia Marjoram at Leiston on 11 September 1904. In 1911 they lived at Flora House, Lowestoft Road, Southwold, and later at 24 Southwell Road. Subsequently Ellen lived at 133 Clapham Road. In 1920 Ellen married Frederick Newruck.John was working as a coach painter when he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on 13 October 1915, service number 9802. His Flying Corps trade was lorry driver. John embarked for France on 5 December 1915, and he joined 3 Aircraft Park and, from 17 June 1917, he served with 5 Aircraft Park. John returned to England on 9 December 1917. On 1 April 1918, with the formation of the Royal Air Force, he became as Air Mechanic 3rd Class and the Register of Soldiers’ Effects states that he served with the Reserve Depot. John was involved in an accident and suffered a severe contusion to his abdomen which resulted in his death at Shorncliffe Military Hospital. A report in the Folkestone Herald, 1 June 1918, page 8, gives details of what happened to John:FATAL MOTOR ACCIDENTOn Tuesday Mr. Rutley Mowll, East Kent Coroner, held an inquest respecting the death of Air Mechanic John Thomas Flower, aged 36, who died in hospital on Saturday afternoon. Mr. A. H. Couchman was the foreman.  It appeared from the evidence that the deceased was in charge of a motor lorry carrying material from a railway station. When endeavouring to get alongside the railway track the engine of the lorry stopped, and he jumped down in order to re-start it. As he did so the lorry suddenly moved forward, and pinned the unfortunate man between it and the railway truck. A companion who had left to fetch some water for the radiator found on his return that the first-speed lever was still in gear, the throttle left open, and the spark fully advanced. The deceased had evidently forgotten to alter the levers when he got off his seat, and the engine being hot, half a turn of the starting handle would be sufficient to restart it. The cause of death was haemorrhage of the abdomen. A verdict of “Death from misadventure” was returned. Note: Commonwealth War Graves records give John’s rank as Air Mechanic 2nd Class and his unit as the recruits Depot. According to his Royal Air Force service record and the Register of Soldiers’ Effects these pieces of information are incorrect. 

A Third Hand, Ernest died on 21st May 1947 at the age of 43.Ernest was born at Kirkley on 19th March 1904, a son of William and Mary Ann Flowers. He, along with his siblings, was baptised at Saint Peters Church, Kirkley, on 18th January 1907. In 1911 his family were living at 12 Saint Georges Road, Kirkley.Ernest married Edith Elizabeth Chapman in 1939 and they lived at 73 Pakefield Street, Lowestoft.In 1947 Ernest was the Third Hand 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.   Ernest's brother William was killed in 1941 and his nephew Ivan was killed in action in 1944.

A Fisherman with Drifter Will and Maggie (Lowestoft), Harry died on 3rd of November 1914 at the age of 48.Harry was born at Kirkley in 1866, a son of William and Emily Flowers. In 1871 his family lived at 5 The Street, Kirkley. By 1881 they were living at Carlton Colville.  On 4 September 1891 Harry married Sophia Rebecca Pitcher at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. Harry was working as a fisherman and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 they lived at 42 Saint Leonard's Road, Kirkley and by 1911 at 5 Carlton Terrace, Carlton Road, Pakefield. Later Sophia lived at 84 Morton Road, Lowestoft.Harry was a fisherman with the drifter 'Will and Maggie'. At 9 p.m. on 3 November 1914 the drifter was fishing about 17 miles off Lowestoft. A mine was brought up in the net and exploded. Six of the crew were killed including Harry; George and Wilfred Gower; William Mower, and Frank Newrick, all from Lowestoft area; and Frederick Steel, from Gorleston. Two other men, Edward Smith and Alfred Leverett, were injured. Two men, Albert Wright and Ernest Coe, survived and were not injured. At the inquest Wright and Coe stated that the mine was caught in the drifter's net and exploded when the net was being hauled in. They added that the drifter's small boat was damaged in the explosion: hence the men who were not killed in the explosion had to survive in the water until rescued. The four survivors were picked up by the trawler Qui Saint and landed at Lowestoft. On 3 November 1914 the Will and Maggie was fishing about 17 miles off Lowestoft. A mine was brought up in the net and exploded, killing six of the crew. The four survivors were picked up by the trawler Qui Saint and landed at Lowestoft. For further details see: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Sergeant with the 7th Battalion, Ivan died on 8th of July 1944 aged 25.Ivan was born at Lowestoft on 21 February 1919, a son of William and Lilian Doris Flowers. In 1939 Ivan was living with his parents at The Red Lion Inn, The Street, Blundeston. In 1936 Ivan played football for the Eastern Coachworks. From 1937 to 1938 he played professionally for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and from 1938 to 1940 for Mansfield Town.Ivan joined the Army and served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment. On 8 July 1944 Ivan’s battalion, part of 59 Division, took part in the attack to capture Caen. Ivan was killed in action during this battle. Ivan's mother lived at Ashton Villa, Highland Way, Oulton Broad. His father was killed in 1941. Ivan's uncle Ernest died in 1947 with the loss of the Bucentaur.

A Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel Westfield (Milford Haven), William died on 6th of July 1941 at the age of 52.William was born at Pakefield on 6 September 1889, a son of William and Mary Ann Flowers. In 1891 his family lived at 6 Beach Street, Pakefield. In 1901 William was living with his grandparents at Francis Terrace, Carlton Colville. In 1911 he was living with his grandparents at Blacksmiths Bottom, Oulton Broad, and William worked as a fisherman. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve, number 984/DA, on 11 August 1914. He served as a Leading Hand on the trawler 'Ocean Anchor'. On 16 December 1915 he joined the trawler 'Furze' and was promoted to Engineman. When he joined the R.N.R. he was living at 1 Kirkley Run, Lowestoft. William married Lilian Doris Stone at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 3 February 1916. They lived at 39 Rochester Road, Kirkley.  William was demobilized on 6 March 1919. In 1939 William and Lilian lived at The Red Lion, The Street, Blundeston. William was supposed drowned in the loss of the 'Westfield'. At that time Lilian was living at Ashton Villa, Highland Way, Oulton Broad. William and Lilian's son, Ivan, a professional footballer, was killed in action on 8 July 1944 while serving with the 7th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. William's brother Ernest died in 1947 with the loss of the Bucentaur. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Edwin died on 28th of July 1943 at the age of 25. Edwin was born at Cambois, Northumberland, on 9 August 1917, a son of John and Martha Fogo. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Cambois, on 29 August 1917. In 1939 his family lived at 24 Boathouse Terrace, North Blyth, and Edwin was an assistant in a menswear shop. In 1942 Edwin married Beatrice Irene Leech, this was registered in the Lothingland district. In 1950 Beatrice lived at 63 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. She remarried in 1957. Edwin joined the Army and served with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Subsequently he was transferred to the 1st Battalion The London Scottish (Gordon Highlanders). Edwin served in North Africa before being involved in the Sicily campaign. During the night of 27-28 July 1943 Edwin’s battalion took over front line positions near Catania, Sicily. The battalion was diary for 28 July states:Bad spell of mortaring by (the) enemy. Private Fogo, 3 Platoon, killed, Lieutenant Gillan and seven men wounded.Edwin was buried at Grid Reference 11/GKF/ 27 and in November 1943 was re-buried at Catania War Cemetery. 

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Charles died on 16th of February 1944 aged 21.Charles was born at Marylebone, London, on 21 December 1922, a son of Henry George and Ellen Louisa Folkard. In 1939 his family lived at Farawa, Hall Road, Oulton Broad, and Charles was a student.  By February 1944 Charles was a Navigator, under training. On 15 February he was flying on a navigation exercise in an Anson I, number N5130, of 8 (Observer) Advanced Flying Unit, based at Mona, Anglesey. The aircraft broke up during a turn and then crashed, at Cae Erw, near Llandudno Junction, due to an aileron separating causing the wing to fail. Charles died the next day at Marl Farm, Llanrhos, Conway, Carnarvonshire, from injuries sustained in the crash.  WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, Ernest died on 17th of March 1944, at the age of 50. Ernest was born at Herringfleet on 28 January 1894, a son of George and Julia Folkard. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Herringfleet, on 1 April 1894. In 1901 his family lived at Herringleet Road, Herringfleet, and in 1911 at 11 Sunny Bank Cottages, Herringfleet, and Ernest worked as a farm labourer. Ernest served in the Army during World War One. Initially he served with the Army Service Corps and then the Royal Irish Fusiliers. He was discharged, because of wounds, on 28 October 1918.Ernest married Kathleen (Katherine) Alexandra Shreeve in 1919.In 1939 Ernest and Kathleen lived at 35 The Street, Lound, and Ernest worked as a builder's labourer. Ernst was injured on 18 November 1940 during an air raid on Lowestoft. He died, at Somerleyton, on 17 March 1944 and his death was attributed to the injuries he had sustained during the air-raid.  Kathleen lived at The Street Somerleyton.Ernest's brother James served with the Royal Garrison Artillery and died in 1918. 

A Corporal with No 1Base Signals Repair Unit, George died on 7th of November 1944 aged 22. George was born at Lowestoft on 5 December 1921, a son of Frederick M. and Ethel May Folkard. In 1939 his family lived at 5 Broad View Villa, Hall Road, and George was a clerk in an ironmonger’s shop and apprentice shopkeeper. In 1942 George married Ruth Evelyn Leeds, this was registered in the Lothingland district. In 1944 their home was at 37 Duke’s Head Street. George joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and June 1940. In November 1944 he was serving with No 1 Base Signals Repair Unit.On 7 November George was in transit to Ostend on Landing Ship Tank 420. Adverse weather meant that the Landing Ship could not dock at Ostend and was returning to the U.K. when it struck a mine near the Middlekerke Bank, in bad weather, and sank. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Gunner with 177th Siege Battery, James died on 13th of May 1918 at the age of 29. James was born at Herringfleet on 7 February 1889, a son of George Melbourne and Julia Folkard. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Herringfleet, on 24 March 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Sunny Bank Cottages, Herringfleet, Suffolk, and this is where they lived throughout James’ life. In 1911 their specific address was 11 Sunny Bank Cottages and James worked as a farm labourer. James was living at 17 Dove Street, and working as a brewer’s drayman, when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 11 December 1915. He then joined the Army Reserve and was called up on 29 February 1916. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 68737. James married Ellen Louisa Crane at Saint Andrews Church, Buxton, Norfolk, on 26 June 1916. Ellen lived at Earsham Lodge, near Bungay, Norfolk, and later lived at 60 Crawford Buildings, Homer Street, Marylebone, London.James embarked at Southampton on 2 July 1916 and arrived at Le Havre the next day to join 119 Siege Battery. On 25 August 1916 he was admitted to 102 Field Ambulance with a fever (pyrexia of unknown origin) and was transferred to 8 Australian Field Ambulance on 28 August. James was discharged to duty on 31 August. James was slightly wounded on 20 May 1917, but remained with his battery. He was granted leave to England from 21 to 31 October 1917. On 21 November 1917 he was admitted to hospital suffering from a shrapnel wound to his hand. He was then sent to No 10 Convalescence Camp before joining the Base Depot on 22 January 1918.On 9 February 1918 James was posted to 177 Siege Battery. On 9 May 1918 James received shrapnel wounds to his head and shoulders. He was taken to 10 Casualty Clearing Station where he died from his wounds on 13 May. James’ personal effects, comprising his identity disc; letters; photos; a pipe; wallet; wrist watch, strap and protector; and his note book, were sent to Ellen.  James' brother Ernest was wounded in an air-raid in 1940 and died in 1944 as a result of his injuries. 

A Lance Corporal with No 44 (Royal Marine) Commando, Frank died on 22nd of January 1945 aged 24. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 23 June 1920, a son of Frank and May Violet Foot. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 16 July 1920 and his family lived at 194 Denmark Road. By 1939 they were living at The Elms, Carlton Road, and Frank was a fitter’s labourer. In 1941 Frank married Gladys Irene Hitter, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Gladys remarried in 1947. By January 1944 Frank was serving with X Troop, 44 Commando in Burma. On 3 January 1945 his unit was involved in a full-scale amphibious landing at Akyab. On 22 January they were to attack two positions, valleys known as Milford and Pinner, to the east of Hill 170. On 22 January 44 Commando took, and held, Milford. It was during this attack that Frank was killed.   

A Civilian, George died on 4th of February 1941 at the age of 64. George was born at Lowestoft on 21 October 1877, a son of George and Jessie Forder. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 4 November 1877. By 1881 his father had died and his family lived at 20 White Horse Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 55 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 his family were living at 9 Thurston Road and George worked as a brickmaker.  On 26 October 1907 George married Ada Theresa Spurgeon at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. George was a fish packer living at 9 Thurston Road and Ada lived at 57 Edinburgh Road. Later he worked as a fish smoker. By 1921 they were living at 23 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft. George served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve before joining the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman, number J68662, on 12 March 1917. In June - July 1917 he served on H.M.S. Mantua, an Armed Merchant Cruiser. He was demobilized on 11 January 1919. In 1939 George and Ada were still living at 23 Saint Peter's Street and George was a fish worker - asher. Ada died in 1940. George died at 23 Saint Peters Street during an air raid. His sister-in-law Florence Spurgeon was also killed at 23 Saint Peter's Street that day. George's brother-in-law Arthur Collins, and nephew, also named Arthur Collins, died in 1914 in the loss of the trawler Queen of Devon.

A Driver with D Battery, 242nd Brigade, died on 23rd of September 1917 at the age of 18. Harold was born at Lowestoft on 29 March 1898, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Adaline Forder. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 2 November 1900, and his family lived at 86 Carlton Road. In 1901 his family lived at 5 Clement Square, Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at The Market Place, Loddon and later his mother lived at New Road, Acle, Norfolk. Harold was working as a labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 1 October 1913. He did not take to navy life and he was imprisoned for ninety days and then discharged, on 29 October 1914 'services no longer required'. Harold volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He joined the Royal Field Artillery and arrived in France 30 July 1915. He served with A Battery of 243 Brigade, part of the 48th Division. On 16 October 1916 243 Brigade was broken up and subsequently Harold served with D Battery of 242 Brigade, also part of the 48th Division. Commonwealth War Graves records give Harold's unit as A Battery 243 Brigade, whereas the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects correctly shows the unit he was serving with when he was killed.  The 242 Brigade War Diary for 23 September 1917 has:5 a.m. protective barrage. Otherwise quiet except for intermittent hostile shelling. On that day three men of D Battery, including Harold, were killed and three wounded.  Harold was buried at Valley Cottages Cemetery, Zillebeke, Belgium, however all of the graves, and bodies, at that cemetery were lost in subsequent fighting and the men, including Harold, are commemorated by headstones at Railway Dugouts Cemetery which, unless they carry a personalised inscription chosen by their family, have the words 'Their Names Shall Not Be Blotted Out' on their headstones. This form of words was devised by Rudyard Kipling, hence the commemoration is known as the Special 'Kipling' Memorial. In fact Harold's headstone has the words 'Rest In Peace'.  

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Frederick died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 20. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 1 September 1896, a son of William Emmanuel and Emily Foreman. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 1 November 1896, and his family lived at 20 Lorne Park Road, and this was still their home in 1901. From 23 March 1903 Frederick were a pupil at Cunningham School. By 1911 his family was living at 4 Wivenoe Cottages, Florence Road.Frederick enlisted in the Army, at Lowestoft, during the early stages of World War One. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 15528. Frederick arrived in France, as part of the 9th Battalion, on 31 August 1915.On 13 September 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Guinchy on the Somme. At 6.20 a.m. they attacked the German lines and were able to capture two lines of German trenches, however, the enemy artillery and machine-gun fire inflicted heavy casualties. The situation could not be cleared up and so, at 7.30 a.m. A Company made an attack on the German strongpoint known as The Quadrilateral, but they failed to reach their objective due to enemy machine-gun fire. By the end of the day two officers and 15 men had been killed and 10 officers and 185 men wounded. On 15 September the Battalion made an attack on the enemy trenches with a final objective between Lesbouchs and Morval. The Battalion were to advance at 7.50 a.m. There was heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire and half of C Company could not even leave the trench. The rest of the Battalion were held up by heavy machine-gun fire from The Quadrilateral. There were many casualties, including Lieutenant-Colonel Mack. During the day the Battalion lost four officers and 35 men killed, seven officers and 99 men wounded, and two officers and 93 men missing. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects shows that Frederick was killed in action between 13 and 16 September 1916. But the 9th Battalion war diary states that there were no casualties on 16 September.  Note: in some, non-military, records his first names are given and Benjamin Frederick. Frederick's brother William served with the King's Royal Rifle Corps and died in 1917.

A Corporal with the 16th Battalion, William died on 2nd of February 1917 at the age of 24. William was born at Lowestoft on 5 April 1892, a son of William Emmanuel and Emily Foreman. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 15 May 1892, and his family lived at Kirkley. By 1896 their address was 20 Lorne Park Road, and this was still their home in 1901. William is believed to have attended Kirkley School, from 1 June 1897, and, from 23 April 1906, was a pupil at Cunningham School. By 1911 his family were living at 4 Wivenoe Cottages, Florence Road, and William was a general labourer. William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the 16th (Service) Battalion (Church Lad's Brigade) King’s Royal Rifle Corps, service number C/442. William's battalion was made up of current and former members of the Church Lad's Brigade and volunteers for that battalion came from all over Britain. He arrived in France, with the battalion, on 16 November 1915.In late January and early February 1917, the 16th Battalion were at Clery-sur-Somme, near Bray. We do not know exactly when, or how, William was wounded, but given that he is buried at Bray, which was the location of a number of casualty clearing stations, it is likely that he was taken to Bray for treatment and he died of his wounds there.William's brother Frederick served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916. William’s headstone bears the inscription ‘My brother and I’.Note: on some military records William is listed as James William.