Battle of Messines

A major offensive fought on the Western Front during World War I, lasting from June 7 to June 14, 1917. British, Australian, and New Zealand troops successfully captured the German-held Messines-Wytschaete Ridge in Belgium, securing a crucial strategic advantage before the larger Battle of Passchendaele. The battle is historically famous for its meticulous planning, massive underground mine detonations and the first use of the Mark IV tank, one of which was prominently displayed outside No 1 High Street, Lowestoft.

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Edward William Wales

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Edward died on 7th of June 1917 at the age of 25. Edward was born at Lowestoft in 1891, a son of Frederick Woolnough and Emily Grace Wales. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 6 December 1891, and his family lived at 15 Clapham Road, and this was still their home in 1911 when Edward worked as a furnisher’s assistant. Battle of Messines

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. Pension Record Card, Battle of Messines

Bramwell Robert Myhill

A Lance Corporal with 1/7th Bn., Bramwell Robert Henry died on 7th of June 1917 at the age of 27.Bramwell was born at Norwich in 1890, a son of William and Elizabeth Myhill. In 1891 his family lived at 40 Essex Street, Heigham, Norwich, and by 1901 his family at 195 Heigham Grove, Norwich. In 1911 Bramwell lodged at 35 Grosvenor Road, Lowestoft, and worked as a clerk in a grocer's store. Battle of Messines

John Reed Walker

A Private with 8th Bn., John died on 7th of June 1917 at the age of 26. John was born at Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, on 31 December 1891, a son of Charles Asquith Walker and Maude Clarke Walker. By 1901 his family were living at 88 Craven Road, Leeds, and in 1911 at 36 Shakespeare Road, Rotherham, and John worked as a chemist. After the First World War his family moved to Lowestoft and lived at of 42 A High Street. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org Battle of Messines

James Edmonds

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. Battle of Messines

Ernest Dann

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Ernest died on 16th of December 1914 at the age of 40. Ernest was born at Aldeby, Norfolk, in 1874, a son of George and Eliza Dann. In 1881 his family lived at Waterheath Cottage, Aldeby, near Loddon. By 1891 his mother had died, his father remarried, and the family had moved to Lowestoft, living at Stanley Cottages, 2 Carlton Road, and Ernest was a house painter. Battle of Messines