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People of Lowestoft 1914-45

Also Suffolk Regiment

An infantry regiment of the line in the British Army with a history dating back to 1685. It saw service for three centuries, participating in many wars and conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars.The 1st Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 84th Brigade in the 28th Division in January 1915 for service on the Western Front and then transferred to Egypt in 24 October 1915. It suffered some 400 casualties at the Second Battle of Ypres in May 1915. CREDIT:Wikipedia

1/4th Bn.

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. 

Frank Stanley Blowers

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Frank died of wounds on 15th of April 1917 at the age of 24. 

Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of Henry John and Alice Edith Blowers. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Mariner's Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 his family lived at 16 Kirkley Street and Frank was a wood sawyer and a saw mill.

Frank enlisted in the Army at Ely and served, initially, with the Suffolk Yeomanry, number 1819. Later he was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment, number 5357, and posted to the 1/4th Battalion. he was renumbered to 202169 in 1917. 

James Henry Capps

A Colour Sergeant with 1/4th Battalion. James died on 2nd of January 1915 at the age of 38. 

James was born at Lowestoft on 29 September 1876, a son of James Edward Burwood and Mary Ann Capps. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 1 October 1876. In 1881 his family lived at 7 Crown Street, Lowestoft, and by 1891 at 90 Albert Street. James began work as a Post Office sorting clerk and telegraphist at Lowestoft in 1893. 

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. 

John William Daniel Chaney

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, John died on 3rd of March 1916 at the age of 23. 

John was born at Lowestoft in 1892 a son of John William and Lucy Ann Barrett (nee Chaney). In 1901 his family lived at 2 Gladstone Cottages, Tonning Street, and by 1911 at 9 Kent Road, and John was a barman at a restaurant.

Thomas William Chenery

A Sergeant with the 1/4th Battalion, Thomas died on 30 August 1916, at the age of 33.Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1883, a son of William and Ann Chenery.
The 1891 Census shows him with his grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Upson, at 251 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 he was working as an oil carter and lodging with his uncle and aunt, William and Alice Upson, at 7 Clemence Street.
In 1905 Thomas began working for the Great Eastern Railway at Lowestoft. He was a blacksmith’s striker and later became a bargeman. Thomas played football for the G.E.R. Reserves. 

Edward Henry Church

Edward Henry Church

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, Edward died on 28th of February 1917 at the age of 21. 

Edward was born at Blundeston in 1896, a son of William and Mary Ann Church. In 1901 his family lived ‘near Crossways’, Blundeston. In 1911 they lived at Hall Lane, Lowestoft, and Edward was a farm labourer. By 1914 his family lived at Meadow Cottage, Oulton, and later his parents lived at Church Farm, Oulton Road Lowestoft.

Edward enlisted in the Army at Ipswich. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2452, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France. 

Stanley Francis Coleman

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Stanley died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 19.

Stanley was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of William Edward and Emily Jane Coleman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 17 January 1897 and his family lived at 15 Edinburgh Road. By 1901 his family was living at Alpha Villa, 6 Ipswich Road, and this was still their address in 1911 when Stanley was a shipwright’s apprentice.

William  Cox

William Cox

A Private with 1/4th Bn., William died on 16th of May 1915 at the age of 19. 

William was born at Holloway, London, in 1895, a son of George and Ellen Eliza Cox. In 1901 his family lived at Church Road, Kessingland, and by 1911 at 3 Wivenhoe Cottages, Florence Road, Pakefield, and William worked as a saw mill. Later his parents lived at 11 Florence Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft.

William volunteered and enlisted in the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment (Territorial Force) in March/April 1913.

Leonard Christopher Day

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, Leonard died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 30. 

Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 27 February 1887, a son of William Edward and Emily Mary Day. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 May 1887. In 1891 his family lived at 21 Beckham Road, and by 1901 at 48 Norwich Road. 

In 1906 Leonard married Florence Matilda Rogers. In 1911 they lived at 6 Chapel Street, and Leonard was a bricklayer. Later Florence lived at 20 Duke's Head Street and in 1920 she married Samuel Head. 

Stanley Frank Disney

Stanley Frank Disney

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Stanley died on 3rd of February 1916 at the age of 21. 

Stanley was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Albert and Ida Disney. In 1901 his family lived at 49 Haward Street. This was still their home in 1911 and Stanley worked as a cooper. Later his parents lived at 11 Avondale Road and then at 80 Lorne Park Road. 

Stanley enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1912. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with E Company (Lowestoft) of the 1/4th Battalion. He was a signaller. 

Alfred George Fuller

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Alfred died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 21. 

Alfred was born at Kirkley on 16 August 1895, a son of Leander and Alice Maud Fuller. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 10 February 1897. From 1 May 1899 Alfred was a pupil at Kirkley School. In 1901 his family lived at Kirkley Street. In 1911 the family’s address was 23 Kirkley Street and Alfred was a butcher’s boy. 

Garnett Arthur Cumberland Goodall

A Second Lieutenant with 4th Battalion (Territorial) Suffolk Regiment, Garnett died on 20th of July 1916 at the age of 24. 

Garnett was born at Sydenham, Surrey, in 1892, a son of Arthur Hammond and Frances Marieanne Goodall. In 1901 his family lived at 13 Kirkstall Road, Streatham. By 19016 they were living at Lees Farm, Oulton Broad. Garnett was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 4 April 1906, aged 14. In 1911 his family lived at The Dell, Oulton Broad, and Garnett was a general engineer working for Brookes. 

Frank  Gouldby

Francis Alfred Gouldby

A Private with 1/4th Bn., Frank died on 12th of March 1915 at the age of 19.

Frank was born at Lowestoft on 8 January 1896, a son of Robert and Henrietta Gouldby. His given names were Francis Alfred, but he was often known as Frank and this is the name he used when he joined the Army. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 5 April 1896. Throughout Frank's life his family lived at 51 Stanley Street, Lowestoft.  

William James Hales

William James Hales

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, William died on 2nd of November 1916 at the age of 19. 

William was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of George and Elizabeth Hales. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church 26 June 1898, and his family lived at 20 Haward Street. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Cumberland Square, and by 1911 at 18 Mariners St. Lowestoft.

Theophilus Norman Harper

Theophilus Norman Harper

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Theophilus died on 1st of November 1916 at the age of 20. 

Theophilus was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Arthur and Hannah Harper. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 16 January 1896, and his family lived at 54 Whapload Road and this was still their home in 1901. By 1915 his family lived at 46 Whapload Road, and later at 11 Anguish Street, Lowestoft.

Robert James Knights

An Acting Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, Robert died on 8th of August 1918 aged 23. 

Robert was born at Lowestoft on 10 February 1895, a son of John and Amy Maria Knights. In 1901 his family lived at 17 Reeve Street. From 3 October 1904 Robert was a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1911 his family lived at 19 Oxford Road when Robert was a grocer’s errand boy. 

Frederick Larter

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion. Frederick died on 1st of November 1918, at the age of 41. 

Frederick was born at Halesworth in 1877, a son Harry and Jane Mary Larter. In 1881 his family lived at Smallgate Street, Beccles. In 1891 they lived at the Spread Eagle, Northgate Street, Beccles, where Frederick’s father was the licensee. In 1901 his family lived at 12 Carlton Road, Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 11 Beach Road. In 1916 they lived at 87 Tonning Street and later Frederick’s mother lived at 6 Claremont Road. 

William Frederick Larter

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, William died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 20. 

William was born at Blundeston on 2 July 1897, a son of Walter and Mary Larter. In 1901 his family lived at 93 Seago Street, and in 1911 at 6 Oulton Street, Lowestoft. Later his parents lived at 62 Stanford Street. William attended Roman Hill School and, from 6 March 1905, was a pupil at Saint Margaret's School. 

Cecil Sydney Layton

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Cecil died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 21. 

Cecil was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Charles and Lucy Layton. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 19 July 1896. In 1901 his family lived at 23 Jacob’s Street, and this was the family home for the rest of Cecil’s life. In 1911 Cecil worked as a boot repairer’s assistant. 

Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2062, and was posted to the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. 

Oliver Markham

Oliver Saunders Markham

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion. Oliver died on 11th of March 1915 at the age of 28. 

Oliver was born at Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire, in 1887, a son of William Henry and Hannah Elizabeth Markham. In 1891 his family lived at 49 Post Street, Godmanchester. By 1901 his family were living at 141 High Street, Huntingdon. At some point his parents lived at Letwell House, Godmanchester.  

John William May

John William May

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, John died on 15th of July 1916 at the age of 21. 

John was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of James George and Mary Ann May. In 1901 his family lived at 56 Milton Road. By 1911 his father had died and his family lived at 75 Milton Road and John worked as a butcher’s boy. Later his mother lived at 194 Raglan Street. 

John volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in April 1913. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 1/4th Battalion. It seems that John arrived in France between 22 November and 31 December 1914.

William Neve

William George Neve

A Sergeant with 1/4th Bn., William died on 20th of July 1916 at the age of 23. 

William was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of Charles and Jane Neve. In 1901 his family lived at Bishops Buildings, Mariners Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 William’s father had died and his family lived at 3 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. His mother remarried and, later, lived at 15 Albany Road, Lowestoft. 

In 1911 William worked on the trawler All's Well, LT 751, at the Isles of Scilly. 

Jessie Charles Nunn

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Jessie died on 3rd of March 1916 at the age of 26.

Jessie was born at Mundham, near Loddon, Norfolk, in 1890, a son of Jessie and Eliza Nunn. In 1891 his family lived at Queen Street, Southwold, and his mother was a lodging house keeper. By 1901 they were living at 34 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at St. Aubyn Cottage, Carlton Road, and Jessie was a compositor at a printers. The 1911 Census shows that there was a visitor at their home: Hettie (Harriet) Boyce, a book-binder.

Cecil Allerton Oakes

Cecil Allerton Isadore Oakes

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Cecil died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20. 

Cecil was born at Corton on 24 April 1897, a son of Joseph and Jane Julia Isadore Oakes. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 1 December 1897. In 1901 his family lived at Mill Lane, Corton. By 1911 his family were living at 5 Heath Cottages, Oulton Broad, and later his parents lived at Gayes Nurseries, 5 Heath Road, Oulton Broad. 

Stanley Victor Rix

Stanley Victor Rix

Formerly a Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Stanley died on 13th of January 1920 at the age of 23. 

Stanley was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Thomas Sidney and Elizabeth Rix. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 21 July 1897 and his family lived at 78 Tennyson Road. This was still the family home in 1911 when Stanley worked as a doctor’s errand boy. Later his parents lived at 62 Saint Peter’s Street. 

William Sharpe

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, William died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 36. 

William was born at Lowestoft in 1880, a son of William and Eliza Sharpe. In 1881 his family lived at 1 Whapload Road. By 1901 they were living at 9 Lighthouse Score, Whapload Road, and William was a boat builder’s labourer. Later his family lived at 42 Seago Street. In 1911 Wiliam lodged at 37 Trafalgar Street and he was a fishing industry storekeeper.

Harry Ernest Smith

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Harry died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 22. 

Harry was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Frederick and Ellen Selina Smith. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 3 May 1895. In 1901 his family lived at Horn Hill. By 1911 Harry’s mother had died and his family lived at 2 Florence Terrace, Saint John's Road, and Harry was a general labourer. 

Richard Stanley Spoor

Richard Stanley Spoor

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Richard died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 22.

Richard was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Moses and Alice Spoor. In 1901 hi family lived at 76 Queens Road, and by 1911 they were living at 87 Queens Road and Richard worked as a labourer for a steam drifter fishing company.

Richard enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3849, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, in France, in 1916. 

Wilfred Joseph Sterry

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Wilfred died on 7th of February 1916 at the age of 21. 

Arthur Daniel Sterry

Arthur Daniel Sterry

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Arthur died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 38. 

Arthur was born at Lowestoft in 1879, a son of Alfred and Mary Eliza Sterry. In 1881 his family lived at 6 Stevens Street. Arthur was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 27 October 1882. By 1891 Arthur’s father had died and the family lived at 6 Haward Street. In 1901 Arthur was a fish worker and he lodged with Samuel and Clara Smith at 2 Cook’s Buildings. 

John Cecil Thurling

John Cecil Thurling

A Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, John died on 1st of November 1916 at the age of 20. 

John was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Stephen and Phoebe Thurling. His family lived at 2 Jacob’s Street and this was John’s home for all of his life. In 1911 he worked as an iron moulder’s labourer with a motor engineer.

Before the Forst World War he began working with the Great Eastern Railway at Lowestoft. He was, for a time, a labourer, and later an assistant horse-truck driver. 

Wall

Thomas Henry Hastings Wall

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Thomas died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 28. 

Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1888, a son of John Thomas and Hannah Wall. In 1891 his family lived at 40 High Street, Gorleston (note some sources state that Thomas was born at Gorleston). In 1901 they lived at 5 Colville Road, Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 15 Union Place and Thomas was a milkman, hawker or deliverer. Later his parents lived at 15 Colville Road. 

Leonard Henry Youngs

A Private with 1/4th Bn., Leonard died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 22. 

Leonard was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Henry and Kate Youngs. In 1901 his family lived at 57 Maidstone Road, Lowestoft; by 1911 they were living at 39 Maidstone Road, and Leonard worked as a general labourer. Later his parents lived at 9 Ashley Road, Lowestoft.

1/5th Bn.

Harold William Smith Forms

Harold William Smith

A Private with the 1/5th Battalion, Harold died on 19th of April 1917 at the age of 21. 

Harold was born at Snape, Suffolk, in 1896, a son of Edward and Annie Maria Smith. In 1901 his family lived at Farnham Road, Snape. By 1911 they were living at 3 Sizewell Road, Leiston, and Harold was a brickmaker’s labourer. Later his family lived at 16 Essex Road, Lowestoft.

1/6th (Cyclist) Bn.

Frederick Osborne

Frederick Osborne

A Private with the 1/6th Cyclist Bn., Frederick died on 20th of February 1915 at the age of 22.

Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 19 April 1892, a son of William and Mary Ann Osborne of 33 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft. 

Frederick worked as a waiter at the Imperial Hotel, Lowestoft.

He volunteered in October 1914.

Frederick died at the Isolation Hospital, Lowestoft, 'of a disease contracted while on active service.'

10th Bn.

William John Bessey

A Private with 10th Bn., William died on 29th of June 1915 at the age of 34. 

William was born at Oulton in 1880, a son of William and Sarah Bessey. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 31 October 1880. In 1881 his family lived at The Street, Oulton, and in 1891 they were living at Yarmouth Road, Oulton. By 1901 William’s mother had died and his family lived next to Rose Cottage, The Street, Oulton, and in by 1911 they were living at 4 The Street, Oulton, and William worked as a plumber’s mate with the water and gas company.  

Arthur Augustus Larter

Formerly a Private with the Suffolk Regiment, Arthur died on 5th November 1918 aged 25.

Arthur was born at Beccles on 1 April 1893, a son of Harry and Jane Mary Larter. He was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Beccles, on 31 July 1893. In 1901 his family lived at 12 Carlton Road, Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 11 Beach Road and Arthur was a shipbuilder's labourer. In 1916 they lived at 87 Tonning Street and later Arthur’s mother lived at 6 Claremont Road. 

Alexander Frederick Littlewood

A Private with 10th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, Alexander died on 1st of January 1918 at the age of 37. 

Alexander was born at Lingwood in 1880, a son of Mary Ann (Marion) Littlewood. The 1881 Census records Alexander, and his mother, being inmates at Lingwood Workhouse. By 1891 Alexander was living at 6 Hervey Street, Lowestoft, with his grandmother, Ann Littlewood, and Alexander worked as a hawker- news (boy). In 1901 Alexander worked as a labourer, in London, and lodged at 24 Longfellows Road, Mile End. 

11th Bn.

Frederick John Baldry

Frederick John Baldry

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Frederick died on 25th of October 1917 at the age of 33.

Frederick was born at Lowestoft in 1884, a son of Frederick John and Hannah Baldry. In 1891 his family lived at 60 Tonning Street, Lowestoft, and by 1901 at 16 Haward Street, Lowestoft, and Frederick was a bricklayer. Later his parents lived at 93 Stanley Street, Lowestoft.