Ernest Albert Roope

A Lance Corporal with 2nd Bn., Ernest died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 21. 

Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 23 November 1894, a son of Joseph and Angetta Roope. In 1901 his family lived at 47 Queen's Road, Lowestoft. From 7 September 1903 Ernest attended Saint Margaret's School. In 1911 his family were still living at 47 Queen's Road and Ernest worked as a butcher's assistant. 

Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in late 1914. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, initially with the 4th Battalion, as did his brother Joseph, and had service number 2528. Ernest was posted to the 2nd Battalion, service number 43784, and served with that Battalion in France.  

On 26 September 1917 the 2nd Battalion were involved in an attack at Zonnebeke, east of Ypres. This attack was judged to be a complete success, but one officer and 36 other ranks, including Ernest, were killed. 

His brother Lewis died in 1918 whilst serving with the Royal Fusiliers and his brother Joseph was killed in an air raid in 1940.