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People of Lowestoft 1914-45

Same Age - 20

Offord Attaway

A Private with 7th Bn., Offord died on 13th of October 1915 at the age of 20. 

Offord was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of William and Ellen Martha Attaway. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 23 June 1895, and his family lived at 117 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft, and this was their address in 1901 and 1911, and later his parents lived at 121 Wollaston Road.

In 1911 Offord worked as a clerk at a brewery. 

Walter Henry Balls

A Private with 2nd Bn., Walter died on 5th of September 1918 at the age of 20.

Walter was born at Pakefield on 9 March 1898, a son of Richard Henry and Laura Balls. In 1901 his family lived at 2 Homestead Row, Pakefield, and later at Bourne Terrace. Walter's mother died in 1903 and in 1907 his father married Lily Knights. In 1911 his family lived at 76 Saint George's Road, Lowestoft. 

Walter attended Cunningham Infant School from 15 April 1901 until 8 February 1907, when he became a pupil at Morton Road School.  

Clement Charles Banham

A Lance Corporal with 1/20th Bn., Clement died on 21st of May 1916 at the age of 20. 

Clement was born at Acton in 1896, a son of George William and Minnie Mary Ann Banham. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Liardett Street, Deptford. By 1911 they were living at 30 Trim Street, New Cross, and Clement was a gas fitter's mate. Later his parents lived at The Baths, Ilderton Road, Bermondsey, before moving to the Lowestoft area and living at 96 Park Road, Lowestoft.

Frederick Barnes

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Frederick died on 19th of July 1918 at the age of 20. 

Robert John Bennett

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Robert died on 9th of May 1941 aged 20. 

Robert was born at Deddington, Oxfordshire, on 19 July 1920, a son of John Gardner Bennett and Fanny Bennett. In 1921 his family lived at Adderbury West, near Banbury, Oxfordshire. In 1939 his family lived at White House Farm, West End, Wrentham, and Robert was an assistant buyer at a grocery. Later his parents lived at Kessingland Beach.

Eric Berry

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Eric died on 23rd of January 1943 aged 20. 

Eric was born at Chorley, Lancashire, on 17 November 1922, a son of William and Evelyn Berry. In 1939 his family lived at Loomdi, Normanston Drive, and Eric was an electrician and engineer.

Eric enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after August 1940. On 19 December 1942 Eric joined 75 Squadron, at R.A.F. Newmarket. He was a Wireless Operator. 

Edgar Herbert Blowers

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Edgar died on 19th of July 1918 at the age of 20. 

Edgar was born at Kessingland in 1898, a son of Robert William and Marina Blowers. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 17 April 1898. 

In 1901 his family lived at The Beach, Kessingland, and, by 1911, they lived 'near the Blacksmith's Shop, Kessingland.' Later they lived at 3 Oaklands Terrace, Kessingland. 

Boardley

Harold Augustus Boardley

A Lieutenant with the 8th Battalion, Harold died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20. 

Harold was born at Lowestoft on 29 May 1897, a son of Henry Robert and Agnes M. Boardley. In 1901 his family lived at 186 Denmark Road. From 15 September 1908 Harold attended Lowestoft School of Science, and his family lived at Sunnyhill, The Avenue, Lowestoft. In 1911 Harold was a patient at Lowestoft Sanitorium, Rotterdam Road. 

Harold was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry on 10 September 1915. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 July 1917. 

Birkwood George Willie Boon

A Private with 3rd Battalion, Birkwood died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 20. 

Birkwood was born at Corton on 16 December 1897, a son of George William and Alice Margaret Boon. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 6 February 1898. In 1901 his family lived at Church Lane, Corton, and by 1911 they were living at Sandpit Cottage, Corton.

Birkwood enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Rifle Brigade, service number S/29495 and was posted to the 3rd Battalion in France, joining VII Platoon in B Company. 

Charles William Brady

Charles William Brady

A Deck hand with HM Drifter Datum, Charles William died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 20. 

Charles was born on 5 March 1896, a son of Samuel George and Lucy Ann Brady. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 1 April 1896, and his family lived at 5 Wesley Street, and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 1 Bishop’s Building, Mariners Street. Later Charles’ family lived at 21 Chapel Street. 

Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and from 16 January 1915 he served on the trawler Datum. 

Charles Wilfred Brighton

A Stoker with H.M.S. Hindustan, Charles died on 3rd of February 1916 at the age of 20. 

Charles was born at Spexhall, Suffolk, on 17 April 1895, a son of Samuel and Martha Brighton. In 1901 his family lived ‘near the school’ at Spexhall. In 1911 his family lived at Beccles Road, Barnby, and Charles was a fisherman. 

Archibald Bruton

Archibald Bruton

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Archibald died on 1st of March 1916 at the age of 20. 

Herbert George Buck

A Private with 10th Bn. Herbert died on 1st of March 1917 at the age of 20. 

Herbert was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Robert and Florence Buck. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 5 March 1897 and his family lived at 38 Clemence Street. By 1901 they were living at 24 Stevens Street and by 1911 they had moved to 7 Essex Road and Herbert worked as a paper boy for a newsagent.

Arthur William Budds

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Arthur died on 23rd of September 1918 aged 20. 

Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 28 January 1898, a son of Walter Alexander and Matilda Ann Budds. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 6 March 1898 and his family lived at 5 Norwich Road. In 1901 his family lived at 57 Stanley Street, and this was Arthur’s home for the rest of his life. Arthur was a pupil at Hervey Street School and then joined Saint John’s School on 1 February 1905. In 1911 Arthur was a shoemaker’s errand boy.   

Edward Samuel Castleton

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, Edward died on 19th of June 1916 at the age of 20. 

Edward was born at Lowestoft on 21 October 1895, a son of Samuel Edward and Louisa Margaret Castleton. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 4 December 1895, and his family lived at 20 Lawson Road, Lowestoft, and this would be Edward’s home for the whole of his life. In 1911 he worked as a bricklayer’s apprentice. 

Edward enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3556. In 1916 he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France. 

Conrad Percy Catchpole

A Lance Corporal with the 10th Battalion, Conrad died on 11th of August 1917 at the age of 20. 

Conrad was born at Kessingland in 1897, a son of John and Emma Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 16 May 1897 and his family lived at Zulu Cottages, Kessingland. By 1911 they were living at 7 Broad View Villas, Oulton Broad.

Conrad volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 14646, and was posted to the 10th Battalion. Conrad arrived in France with the 10th Battalion on 25 July 1915. 

Walter John Catchpole

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Walter died on 15th of February 1944 aged 20. 

Walter was born at Lowestoft on 8 September 1923, a son of John Durrant and Martha May Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church on 11 November 1923 and his family lived at 5 Garden Terrace, Victoria Road. By 1939 his family home was at 3 Olive Cottages, Carlton Colville.

Frederick James Chamberlain

A Leading Seaman with H.M.S. Neptune, Frederick died on 19th of December 1941 aged 20. 

Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 10 July 1921, a son of Harry Albert and Ethel Maud Chamberlain. In 1939 his family lived at 67 Fir Lane. 

Henry Samuel Clark

A Private with 9th Bn., Henry died on 28th of September 1915 at the age of 20.

Henry was born at Lowestoft on 30 January 1894, a son of William Thomas and Mary Emma Clark. Henry was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 7 March 1894, and his family lived at 65 Strand Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Strand Street, Lowestoft, and by 1911 they were living at 3 Nelson Road, Lowestoft, and Henry worked as a general cooper. Later his family lived at 124 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. 

Albert Henry Coleby

Albert Henry Coleby

A Private with 7th Bn., Albert Henry died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 20.

Albert was born at Blundeston in 1895, a son of Albert James and Hannah Coleby. Albert was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Blundeston, on 18 November 1895. In 1901 his family lived at The Red Lion, The Street, Blundeston, where is father was both publican and a shoemaker. In 1911 they still lived at The Red Lion and Albert worked as a butcher.  

Donald Gordon Coleman

A Gunner with 147 (The Essex Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Donald died on 27th of October 1940 aged 20. 

Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 9 March 1920, a son of Gordon Knight Coleman and Lily Catherine Coleman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 April 1920 and his family lived at 75 May Road. By 1939 his family were living at 237 Saint Peters Street and Donald was a junior insurance clerk. Later his parents lived at Carlton Colville. 

Walter Cooper

A Gunner with 260th Siege Battery, Walter died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20. 

Walter was born at Oulton in 1896, a son of Simon George and Kathleen Maud Cooper. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 3 February 1897. In 1901 his family lived at Oulton Street. By 1911 they were living at 1 Pretoria Terrace, Rock Estate, Oulton Broad.

Kenneth John Cooper

An Able Seaman with Anson Battalion, Kenneth died on 25th of March 1918 at the age of 20.

Kenneth was born at Lound on 29 January 1898, a son of John and Rose Cooper of The Street, Lound. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Lound, on 1 May 1898. In 1911 Kenneth was an errand boy (domestic). 

Kenneth attested for the Army Reserve on 11 December 1915 but was called up to serve with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 16 June 1917 and actually joined the Royal Naval Division which was designated to fight on land but was made up of naval personnel. 

Harold James Cooper

A Sergeant with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Harold died on 26th of November 1941 aged 20. 

Harold was born at Penzance, Cornwall, on 2 March 1921, a son of Ernest Sidney and Selina Dorothy Cooper. In 1921 his family lived at Low Road, Thurlton, Norfolk. By 1939 their family home was at 70 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft, and Harold was a butcher’s apprentice. 

Harold enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and June 1940. By November 1941 he was a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner with 214 Squadron. 

Kenneth Frank Cornwell

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Kenneth died on 29th of January 1944 aged 20. 

Kenneth was born at Norwich in 1923, a son of Sydney Frank and Dorothy Olive Cornwell. Kenneth’s father was a teacher at Church Road Boys’ School before working at Roman Hill Senior Boys’ School. By 1939 his family were living at 36 Kirkley Park Road.  

Dorothy Irene Cox

A Civilian, Dorothy died on 22nd of July 1941 at the age of 20. 

Dorothy was born at Lowestoft on 18 August 1920, a daughter of Dennis George and Lily Maud Cox. She was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 3 September 1920, and her family lived at 58 Lorne Park Road. In 1939 her family were living at 42 Lorne Park Road and Dorothy worked at a factory (paste and jam?). 

Dorothy died at her home during an air raid. 

Denis Cox

A Cadet with M.V. Harpagus (London), Denis died on 5th of August 1943 at the age of 20. 

Denis was born at Reading in 1922, a son of Henry and Eleanor Mary Cox. By 1939 Denis' parents were running the Post Office at Chediston, and later they lived in Lowestoft. 

Denis died, at Algiers, in an accident caused by the explosion of a nearby ship.  

Charles Henry Crane

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Charles died on 9th of April 1917 at the age of 20. 

Charles was born at Gisleham in 1897, a son of David and Caroline Crane. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Gisleham, on 11 March 1897. By 1901 his family were living at Burton's Lodge, Gisleham, and in 1911 they were living at White House Lodge, Gisleham, and Charles worked as a lad on the farm. Subsequently his parents would live at Homestead, Gisleham. 

Arthur Harry Dale

Arthur Harry Dale

A Private with 1st Bn., Arthur died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 20. 

Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 4 May 1895, a son of William and Eliza Dale. In 1901 his family lived at Pope’s Farm House, Norwich Road, Lowestoft. Later his parents lived at 2 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft. 

Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 16532. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 1 April 1915.

Joseph Daley

A Private with the 18th Battalion, Joseph died on 7th of November 1918 aged 20. 

Jospeh was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Joseph and Emily Daley. In 1901 his family lived at 49 Stevens Street, and by 1911 at 57 Stanford Street. Later his parents lived at 7 Hart Gardens, Dorking, Surrey. 

Joseph enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 21098. He was then transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 3936, and posted to France to serve with the 18th Battalion. 

Peter Day CREDIT: Keith Day

Peter Eric Day

A Private with 4th Bn. Peter died on 13th of February 1942 at the age of 20. 

Peter was born at Lowestoft in 1921 (his birth registered in the last quarter of 1921), a son of Walter Percy and Clara Maud Day. In 1939 his family lived at 13 Haward Street, Lowestoft.

Archibald James Dexter

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Archibald died on 28th of October 1918 aged 20. 

Archibald was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Albert Edward and Isabella Dexter. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, on 1 April 1898 and at that time his family lived at 39 Stanley Street and this was still their address in 1901. By 1911 the family were living at 12 Gordon Road. Subsequently they would live at 105 Clapham Road.

Neville George Doy

A Sub-Lieutenant (A) with H.M.S. Implacable, Neville died on 24th of July 1945 at the age of 20.

Neville was born at Lowestoft in 1925, a son of Harry Reginald and Hetty Mary Faith Doy. In 1939 they lived at 76 Florence Road, Lowestoft. Probate records give Neville's address when he died (and presumably this is where his parents lived) as 150 Waveney Drive, Lowestoft. 

Neville was commissioned Acting Temporary Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 5 August 1944, and as Temporary Sub-Lieutenant (Observer) in the Fleet Air Arm on 5 February 1945. 

Herbert Edward Drake

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Herbert died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20.

Herbert was born at Forncett Saint Mary, Norfolk, in 1897, a son of Frederick and Sarah Ann Drake. In 1901 his family lived at Norwich Road, Forncett St. Mary. By 1911 they were living at Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and Herbert was a jobbing gardener.  

In 1916 Herbert married Elsie Sabina Bryant: this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1918 Elsie lived at 4 Waveney Cottages, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad.

John Neville Drake

A Corporal with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, John died on 17th of June 1946 aged 20.

John was born at Lowestoft on 11 July 1926, a son of Herbert C. and Olive M. Drake. Throughout his life John's family lived at 544 London Road, Lowestoft.

No details are known of John’s military service or his cause of death. 

William Lewis Dunnett

William Lewis Ray Dunnett

A Rifleman with the 2/17th Battalion, William died on 20th of February 1918 at the age of 20. 

William, who was also known as Ray, was born at Oulton in 1898, a son of William and Alice Dunnett. In 1901 his family lived at Swiss Cottages, Bridge Road, Oulton. By 1911 they were living at 2 Broadway Villas, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft. 

Herbert Lewis Eade

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. 

Sidney William Eagle

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). 

Raymond Victor Easter

Raymond Victor Easter

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.

Herbert Card Edmonds

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.