Same Age - 20

A Sergeant with 500 Squadron, Alan died on 30th of August 1941 at the age of 20. 

Alan was born at Lowestoft on 24 September 1920, a son of Albert John and Valerie Rhoda Peek. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 15 October 1920. His family lived at Wycombe Terrace, Saint Georges Road, Lowestoft, for all of Alan's life. 

Alan served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. He was based at Bircham Newton with 500 Squadron. 

A Seaman with H.M.S. Edinburgh Castle, George died on 3rd of July 1917 at the age of 20. 

George was born at Lowestoft on 23 November 1897, a son of William Charles and Selina Maria Poppy. In 1901 his family lived at 5 White Horse Street. By 1911 they were living at 8 Cambridge Road and George was as apprentice shipwright, and in August 1914 at 16 Edinburgh Road. Later his parents lived at 7 Albany Road. 

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Acasta, Herbert died on 8th of June 1940 at the age of 20. 

Herbert was born at Oulton Broad on 17 November 1919, a son of Alfred George and Edith Mary Pratt. In 1939 his family lived at 4 Gilpin Terrace, Gilpin Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, and Herbert worked as a boat builder. 

A Private with 7th Bn. Percy died on 12th of October 1917 at the age of 20. 

Percy was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of James G. and Bridget A. Pye. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Rant Score East, and by 1911 they were living at 135 Whapload Road, Lowestoft.

Percy enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Essex Regiment, number 276396, and was in the 5th Battalion. He was then transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and served with the 3/4th Battalion, number T/273049, before being posted to the 7th Battalion. 

A Private with the 13th Battalion, Gordon died on 7th of April 1943 aged 20. 

Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 11 April 1922, a son of James and Lilian Florence Rackham. In 1939 his family lived at Peacehaven, Normanston Drive, and Gordon was a cycle mechanic. 

Gordon enlisted in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was subsequently transferred to The King’s Regiment (Liverpool). 

A Private with 1st Bn., Christopher died on 8th of September 1915 at the age of 20. 

Christopher was born at Carlton Colville in 1895, a son of Robert and late Sarah Eliza Raven. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 29 September 1895. In 1901 they lived 'near Ivy Farm', Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 Cristopher's mother had died and his father married Harriet. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and Christopher was a general labourer.

A Seaman with H.M. Yacht Rosabelle. Ernest died on 11th of December 1941 at the age of 20. 

Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 5 August 1921, a son of Ernest Edward and Maud Eliza Reeman. By 1939 his family were living at 15 Love Road, Lowestoft, and Ernest worked as a fisherman.

The Rosabelle was a patrol yacht. On 11 December 1941, in the Straits of Gibraltar, H. M. S. Lady Shirley was sunk by submarine U-374. H. M. S. Rosabelle attempted to locate the submarine but was also torpedoed and sank. Twenty-nine crew, including Ernest, were killed, and twelve rescued. 

A Fitter Gunner with 354 Siege Battery, Jack died on 19th of October 1918 aged 20.

John was born at Oulton in 1898, a son of Fred John and Minnie Florence Richardson. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 8 June 1898, and his family lived at Oulton. In 1901 his family lived with his grandparents, Robert and Mary Kemp, at Boat Yard House, Oulton. By 1911 they were living at 1 York Villas, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, and John was a newsagent’s errand boy. This was still their home in 1916, when John was an engineering apprentice. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bernard died on 8th of September 1941 aged 20.

Bernard was born at Lowestoft on 11 March 1921, a son of Percival Walter and Eliza A. E. Robbens. In 1939 his family lived at 29 Beresford Road, Lowestoft.

Bernard served with Bomber Command and was based at Driffield, Yorkshire. He was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. In August 1941 Bernard was serving with 104 Squadron and was one of the crew of Wellington W5477. The Aircraft Accidents in Yorkshire gives the following account:

A Second Lieutenant with 4th Battalion attached to the 11th Battalion, Ernest died on 6th of September 1917 at the age of 20. 

Ernest was born at Great Yarmouth on 22 June 1897, a son of John Ernest and Caroline Sarah Rushmore. He was baptised at Great Yarmouth on 29 August 1897 and his family lived at Southtown. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Richmond Place, Kirkley. By 1911 the family were living at 12 Grosvenor Road and later at Victoria House, The Esplanade, Lowestoft.

A Private with 9th Bn., Kenneth died on 21st of February 1916 at the age of 20.

Kenneth was born at Holloway, London, on 24 October 1895, the only son of Harry Thomas and Adelaide Samuel. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Grand Parade, Archway Road, Hornsey. By 1911 they were living at 24 Wilton Road, Muswell Hill. In 1916 they lived at 149 Beedell Avenue, Westcliff, and subsequently they lived at 2 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. 

Kenneth was educated at Tollington School, Muswell Hill, London, and subsequently became an Analytical and Metallurgical Chemist. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Kenneth died on 9th of October 1943 aged 20. 

It seems that Kenneth was born at Huntingdon on 2 September 1923, a son of John William and Isobel Clara Saunders. In 1939 his family lived at 36 Monckton Avenue, and Kenneth was an apprentice electrician.

Kenneth enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1941. By October 1943 he was an Air Bomber serving with 106 Squadron based at Syerston, Nottinghamshire. 

A Private with 11th Bn. Robert died on 23rd of September 1917 at the age of 20. 

Robert was born at Lowestoft on 2 February 1897, a son of Robert Heslop and Elizabeth Saunders. In 1901 his family lived at of 77 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and this was Robert's home throughout his life. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 21 September 1902.

Robert joined the Army at Lowestoft in March 1916. He joined The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and in September 1916 was posted to the 11th Battalion in France and served with C Company.

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Bredon. Arthur died on 8th of February 1943 at the age of 20. 

Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 22 August 1922, a son of James Robert and Alice Rose Saunders. By 1939 his family were living at Bloodmore Lane, Gisleham, Suffolk.

Arthur was serving on the anti-submarine trawler, off the Canary Islands, when it was sunk by a torpedo from submarine U-521. Forty-three of the crew, including Arthur, were killed. 

A Private with 2nd Bn., William died on 2nd of March 1916 at the age of 20. 

William was born at Mutford on 24 September 1895, a son of Arthur and Alice Sharman. He was baptised at Saint Andrew's Church, Mutford, on 3 November 1895. In 1901 his family lived at Hulver Road, Mutford, and this was still the family address in 1911. The 1911 Census shows William working as a cow boy. 

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Stanley died on 23rd September 1944 at the age of 20.

Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 20 October 1922, a son of William and Nellie Norah Skippen. In 1939 his family lived at 2 Osborne Street. By 1946 Samuel’s parents were living at Tile House, Mancetter Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire. 

Stanley enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after June 1941. By September 1944 Stanley was a Pilot with 252 Squadron based at Gambut, Libya.

A Lance Corporal with 9th Battalion, Frank died on 13th of September 1916 at the age of 20. 

Frank was born at Norton Subcourse, near Loddon, on 6 April 1896, a son of George Woods and Emma Esther Smith. In 1901 Frank’s mother died and Frank, and his siblings, were living at The Workhouse, Hales, Norfolk. In 1911 he was a boarder at Heckingham, Norfolk, and he worked as a domestic groom.  

Frank volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 9th Battalion. 

A Private with 1st Bn., Frederick died on 25th of May 1915 at the age of 20. 

Frederick was born at Corton in 1894, a son of Charles and Sarah Soanes. In 1901 his family lived at High Street, Corton. By 1911 his parents were living at 3 Poplar Cottages, Corton.

Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 18 May 1915 to join the Battalion.

A Seaman with H.M. Drifter Star of Buchan., Percy died on 20th of October 1915 at the age of 20. 

Percy was born at Carlton Colville on 18 June 1895, a son of Albert and Alice Solomon.

He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 29 September 1895, and his family lived at Carlton Colville. 

In 1901 his family lived ‘near Low Farm’ Calton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Highlands Farm, Mutford.  

Percy joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 December 1914. From 14 December 1914 he served on the trawler Star of Buchan. 

A Sapper with 208th Field Company, Esmond died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 20. 

Esmond was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of John and Zillah Sterry. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 March 1898, and his family lived at Alma Road. In 1901 their address was 5 Alma Road and this was still their address in 1911. Later his parents lived at 7 Grosvenor Road, Lowestoft.  

Esmond enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Engineers, service number 84668. He was posted to France to serve with 208 Field Company. 

A Guardsman with the 4th Battalion, Alan died on the 21st of April 1945 aged 20. 

Alan was born at Lowestoft in 1925, a son of Alfred James and Louise M. Stevens. In 1939 his family lived at Joycot, Saint Peters Road.

Alan served with the 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards. This was a tank battalion armed with Churchill Tanks. 

A Gunner with 317 Battery, 36 Searchlight Regiment, Arthur died on 18th of February 1941 aged 20. 

Arthur was born at Pakefield on 11 November 1920, a son of Arthur Henry and Elizabeth Alice Thacker. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 12 December 1920. By 1939 his family were living at 92 Long Road. 

A Civilian, Olive died on 13th of January 1942 aged 20. 

Olive was born at Carlton Colville on 16 May 1921, a daughter of James and Marion Victoria Thrower. She was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 26 June 1921 and her family lived at Todd’s Cottages, Carlton Colville. Later her family lived at Sandy Lane, Gisleham. 

Olive died at Waller’s Restaurant, 90 London Road North, during the Waller Raid. 

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. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, William died on 26th of October 1917 at the age of 20. 

William was born at Blundeston in 1897, a son of James and Rosa Tripp. In 1901 his family lived at Lound Road, Blundeston. By 1911 they were living at Flixton and William was a gardener’s labourer. Later his parents lived at Pond Farm Cottage, Saint Olaves Road, Herringfleet.

William attested for the Army, at Lowestoft, on 15 November 1915 and was placed on the Class B reserve. At the time he was living at Flixton Run, near Lowestoft, and working as a gardener. 

A Private with 9th Bn., David died on 25th of September 1915 at the age of 20. 

David was born at South Burlingham in 1895, a son of Charles Roy and Alice Turner. In 1901 his family lived 'By Town Pits', South Burlingham. By 1911 they had moved to Kemp's Heath, Oulton, and David worked as a farm labourer. At some point his parents moved to 8 Meadow Cottages, Oulton, Lowestoft.

David volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. he joined the Suffolk Regiment and arrived in France with the 9th Battalion on 31 August 1915. 

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Delbert died on 18th of September 1945 aged 20. 

Delbert was born at Lowestoft in 1924, a son of George Frederick and Gladys Turner. In 1939 his family lived at 33 Edinburgh Road. 

Delbert enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after October 1942. By September 1945 Delbert was a Flight Engineer serving with 466 (Royal Australian Air Force) Squadron, based at Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Queen Mary, Robert died on 31st of May 1916 at the age of 20.

Robert was born at Smallborough, near North Walsham, Norfolk, on 7 June 1894, a son of Benjamin and Naomi Weston. In 1901 his family lived at Horning Row, Worstead, Norfolk. By 1911 they were living at Oxpits Cottages, Reedham, Norfolk. Later his parents lived at Hemblington and his sister, Louise, lived at Lound Road, Blundeston.  

Robert joined the Royal Navy, as a Stoker 2nd Class, on 2 December 1912. On 4 September 1913 he joined H.M.S. Queen Mary. 

A Rifleman with 1st Battalion, Reginald died on 1st of November 1918 at the age of 20. 

Reginald was born at Lowestoft on 12 January 1893, a son of George and Mary Ann Whale. In 1901 his family lived at 85 Oxford Road, Lowestoft, and later lived at 22 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft. Reginald attended Church Road School and, from 27 September 1909, became a pupil at Saint John’s School. Lowestoft. By 1911 his family were living at 19 South Elmham Terrace, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Later his parents lived at 18 Wellington Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft.   

A Civilian, Muriel died on 13th of January 1942 aged 20. 

Muriel was born at Lowestoft on 4 October 1921, a daughter of William Robert and Alice Maud Whitlam. In 1939 her family lived at 8 Oaklands Terrace, Kessingland, and Muriel was in domestic service. 

Muriel at Waller’s Restaurant, 90 London Road North, during the Waller Raid. 

Muriel was buried at Saint Edmund’s Churchyard, Kessingland, on 22 January 1942. (Her mother died in March 1942). 

A Musician with H.M.S. Exeter, Douglas died on 6th of September 1943 at the age of 20. 

Douglas was born at Lowestoft on 10 December 1922, a son of John Charles and Anne Wilkin. He was baptised at Saint John's Church and his family lived at 9 Tonning Street. Later his family lived at 50 Raglan Street and then at 15 Bevan Street. 

Douglas was serving on H.M.S. Exeter when the ship was sunk during the Second Battle of the Java Sea on 1 March 1942. Most of the crew, including Douglas, were taken prisoner by the Japanese.

A Private with the 1/1st Battalion, Stuart died on 31st of July 1917 at the age of 20. 

Stuart was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Frederick Charles and Miranda Wilson, and twin brother of Elvin. In 1911 the family lived at 78 Morton Road, and, by 1915, at 4 May Villas, Church Road, South Lowestoft.

In 1911 Stuart, and his brother Elvin, got into trouble for stealing pigeons. 

A Private with 6th Bn., Wilfred died on 8th of August 1917 at the age of 20. 

An Aircraftman 2nd Class with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, George died on 16th of December 1943 aged 20. 

George was born at Lowestoft on 20 August 1923, a son of Thomas Robert Vere and Margaret Elizabeth Wood. In 1929 his family lived at 130 Denmark Road and George was a bus depot storekeeper. 

George enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer reserve after December 1941. In December 1942 he was at 20 Service Flying Training School in Southern Rhodesia undergoing pilot training.  

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Sidney died on 6th of March 1917 at the age of 20. 

Sidney was born at Carlton Colville in 1896, a son of Stephen Frederick and Harriet Woods. In 1901 his family lived at Park Road, Rock Estate, Oulton, and by 1911 they were living at 4 Rock Road, Rock Estate, Oulton Broad.

Sidney volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13996, and arrived in France with the 8th Battalion on 25 July 1915.

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

Arthur was born at Market Harborough, Leicestershire, about 1897. No definite details have been found prior to 26 April 1909 when Arthur, and his younger brother George, became pupils at Saint Margaret’s School, Lowestoft, and his family lived at ‘Norwich House’.

A Lance Corporal with 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Chester died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 20.

Chester was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of George and Mary Ann Wright. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 17 July 1896. His family had lived at 34 Tennyson Road but in 1901 they were living at 7 Lovewell Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft. By 1911 they had moved back to 34 Tennyson Road and Chester worked as a baker's assistant. 

A Stoker 2nd Class with H.M.S. Aboukir. Leonard died on 22nd of September 1914 at the age of 20. 

Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 7 April 1894. Leonard was the adopted son Caroline Wright, a widow. In 1891 his family lived at 5 Burton Terrace, Whapload Road, and by 1911 they were living at 293 Whapload Road, and Leonard worked as a labourer at a mineral water manufacturer. 

Leonard was a net worker when he joined the Royal Navy, as  Stoker 2nd Class, on 4 June 1913. On 2 August 1914 he was drafted to H.M.S. Aboukir. 

A Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Eric died on 29th of May 1940 aged 20. 

Eric was born at Lowestoft on 23 July 1919, a son of Sidney William and Gladys Muriel Wright. Eric was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 7 August 1919 and his family lived at 41 Park Road which was still their home in 1921. Eric’s mother died in 1928, and his father remarried. In 1939 his family lived at 15 Reeve Street. 

A Rifleman with the 1st Bn., Edward died on 20th of April 1918 at the age of 20. 

Edward was born at Lowestoft on 4 January 1898, a son of Joseph and Margaret Eleanor Youngman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 4 February 1898, and his family lived at 41 Albert Street, Lowestoft. By 1907 his family were living at 16 Hervey Street, Lowestoft. Edward attended Hervey Street Infants School and, from 9 April 1907 to 20 December 1907, was a pupil at Saint John's School.