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Ingbirchworth WW1 Roll of Honour on display in local shop (photo taken 24 August 2014) Close up of the names on the Roll of Honour (photo 6 August 2014) Links: War Memorials Archive listing War Memorials Online listing This memorial was brought to our notice by JD of the Penistone History Group. It was saved from the Methodist Chapel in Ingbirchworth which was put up for sale in 2014 by the organist and her husband and is now on display in their shop on Wellthorne Lane. There is also a WW2 Roll of Honour on display from the same source. Photographed by BP of Penistone Camera Club and by Nigel Croft Transcription by JD Names: Where further information on a name has been researched by our volunteers it will be linked here (look for the names in blue) to a page on this site or to an external site. Ernest Knowles (Supreme Sacrifice), J Edwin Liles, Lionel Burer, Wilfred Hinchliffe C Godfrey Hinchliffe (Supreme Sacrifice), Wilfred Hanson (Shell Shock), Hubert Hanson, George Town, George Woodward (Wounded), Benjamin Hargreaves, Elijah Hargreaves (Wounded), Willie Howden (Wounded), Fred Roebuck (Wounded), Tom Sykes (Prisoner of War), Fred Sykes, Austin R Graves (Wounded), Fred Scholey (Wounded), Ben Dickinson, Firth Dickinson, Swindon Hanson, Walker Haigh, James Town (Prisoner of War), Alfred Town, Alfred Gaunt, George W Beever, Albert Jackson (Supreme Sacrifice), Wm Arnold Holmes, Clifford Sykes, John Wm Marsden, Harry Sykes (Wounded), William Turner (Wounded), John Turner, Amos Scholey (Discharged), Thomas Jackson (Supreme Sacrifice), Charles Gaunt, Horace Hanson, Raymond Hanson (Gassed), Fred Jackson, Harry Lockwood, Frank Gaunt, Spencer Gaunt, John Wm Richardson, Norman Liles, Wright Hanson, Rowland Sykes, Leonard Sykes, Henry Knowles, Turner Roebuck, Hanson Roebuck, John Charlesworth, Willie Miller, Joe Sykes, Tom Scholey Arthur Fletcher (Wounded) Willis Hanson BWMP #ING01

The identity of these chaps has me a bit stumped. The cap badge is quite clear, and very similar to the previous photo I've uploaded, of the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Ox & Bucks Regt. There should be a crown (Bucks Bn.) or a crown on top of a scroll, (KRRC) at the top of the maltese cross, but I just can't make one out? Black Light Infantry buttons with the bugle on them. Black shoulder title, Territorials in appearance. No clues on the the postcard either. I'm leaning towards the Buckinghamshire Bn again...

*****************Private Bertie Cushion******************************** Possibly Name: CUSHION, BERTIE CECIL Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn. Date of Death: 19/08/1915 Service No: 1591 Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=694843 Great War Roll of Honour has this man down simply as Bertie Cushion. But could also be this individual Name: CUSHION Initials: B E Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 25/06/1915 Service No: 7271 Grave/Memorial Reference: F. 29. Cemetery: DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=441427 This individual is recorded as a Bertie E on the Great War Roll of Honour. There are no other Bertie’s listed on that document. There is a picture of a Bertie Cecil of the 4th Battalion on Norlink norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn... Additional notes read:- Born at Norwich, 13th July 1894 and educated at Quay Side School, Private Cushion enlisted in July 1911. He was killed in action at the Dardanelles, 19th August 1915 From the diary of Captain Montgomerie, of the 1st/4th Battalion. " 15th. - lt was decided that our first line should be relieved by the Essex brigade. I, from my ridge, was to give covering fire. The 1st Battalion Essex advanced well and lost few men. The other battalions, who had delayed, suffered more severely. All we could do was to keep down the fire of the snipers by shooting into the trees. Rumour has it that some of these snipers were tied to trees, with water and food within reach. Women snipers have been caught within our lines with their faces, arms, legs, and rides painted green. After dark our men began to come in. Some came in well, but there were cases where the confusion was great. The last to come in were a party of 100-150 with Captains Hughes and Fisher. These officers had behaved magnificently throughout this show and they finished by leading the men back in very good order." On the 16th both the Norfolk battalions were moved to a point near Kiretch Tepe Sirt on the ridge running north-east from SuvIa Point, where the 31st brigade was. 16th - I was relieved on the ridge by the 4th Essex early in the morning. The battalion joined up in trenches some 300 yards in rear of the ridge. We were busy digging trenches all day, and trying to collect the men to their various companies. In the late advance we had been in reserve, and three companies and one platoon had reinforced the first line, so they had become very scattered. " In the afternoon the 10th division advanced along the ridge and cleared the whole hill of the enemy. Unfortunately we were unable to hold on to the extreme east of it. It was a fine sight to watch from the valley below. user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm ***********Private Thomas S Crosskill********************************* Name: CROSSKILL Initials: T S Rank: Private Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 20th Bn. Date of Death: 23/04/1918 Service No: 57162 Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 24. Cemetery: WAILLY ORCHARD CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=35879 No match on Norlink Wailly is a village in the Department of the Pas-de-Calais about 6 kilometres south-west from Arras. The cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the Liverpool battalions of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, as a front line cemetery, screened from German observation by a high wall. It was little used in 1917, but in March-August 1918, it was considerably enlarged by the Canadian and other units defending the Third Army front. www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=3700&a... The Canadian National Archive confirms this is a Thomas Stephen Crosskill, born 23rd June 1890. His attestation papers can be seen here www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e... And www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e... They tell us that he was born London, England, and is a Shoemaker by trade. His next of kin is his mother, Elizabeth, who resides at 8 St Augustines, Norwich.. He had previously done military service with the Royal Field Artillery. He enlisted in Toronto on the 8th January 1915. His medical notes tell us that he was 5 feet 6 ½ inches, with Brown hair, Brown eyes, and a dark complexion. His religious denomination is shown as Baptist. The 11 year old Thomas “H” is recorded on the 1901 census at 10 Bull Row in the parish of St Pauls, having been born Peckham, London. This the household of his parents, Walter P. (aged 42 and a Tinsmith from Norwich), and Elizabeth, (aged 39 and from Norwich). Their other children are:- Charles P…………..aged 9.…………born Camberwell, London Daniel………………aged 4.…………born Norwich Susanna……………aged 18.………..born Norwich William…………….aged 2.…………born Norwich While there were casualties, (three wounded, 2 Sergeant, one Private) on the 21/4, the war diary of the 20th Battalion gives no indication of any further casualties on either the 22nd or 23rd. 23rd April 1918. Neuville Vitasse At 1.15 am the O.C “C” Coy on our left reported that he had been relived north of the BEAURAINS - NEUVILLE VITASSE road by the 18th Cdn Bn. And that he is now all south of the road except for one L.G post north of the north edge. MAP111 shows this alteration in his disposition. The platton relieved was employed during the remainder of the night deepening and fire-stepping the trench in M..24.b During the night, “A” Coy in the right front line set out 200 yds of single apron wire in N.19.e. Two patrols were out on each company front last, on the right both were battle patrols, on the left the first patrol was a small reconnoitring. This patrol located an enemy …..at M24.b.95.05 During the day the enemy was very quiet, very little hostile shelling. E.A flying low over our area at 2.50 pm was engaged. It is reported to have landed either in “no-mans land” or just in its own lines in front of the Bn on our left. A work party totalling 1 Officer and 35 O.R.s reported to 2nd Cdn Pioneers at 9.30 pm and worked for three hours in the INTERMEDIATE line in M.23.b, M.24.a, and M.18,c. At 10.45pm an enemy wiring party was reported at M.19.c.35.70.. This was reported to and engaged by the 4th T.M. Batty. guns at M..24.b.3.3. At 11.35pm two six or eight inch dud shells from our own batteries fell just in front of our right support coy.trench. Shorts also occurred from the 18 pdrs. about 50 yards behind our front line at N.19.c data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960728.jpg data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960729.jpg A small picture of the headstone can be seen here twgpp.org/information.php?id=1280588 *****************Private Bertie C Crosskill****************************** No match on CWGC No match on Norlink The 3 year old Bertie, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 3 Eagle Opening, Sussex Street, in the Parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his grandmother, the widow Maria Bone. Maria is employed as a “Fitter in Coal Trade”. Living with her is her widowed daughter, (and presumably Bertie’s mother), Maria, (aged 34 and a Machinist from Norwich) The Great War Roll of Honour lists a Private Bertie “G” Crosskill, 27049 Wiltshire Regiment, who died 1918. Due to a typo, the same individual turns up on the GWGC database as Name: CROSKILL, BERTIE GEORGE Rank: Private Regiment: Wiltshire Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn. Date of Death: 08/05/1918 Service No: 27049 Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 119 to 120. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=841915 The War diaries of the 2nd Wiltshires are available on line, however that for the 8th May 1918 provides no indication of why Private Crosskill not only died, but died in such a way that his body was never discovered and he had to therefore be commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Additionally, the German spring offensives had petered out by now, so its difficult to see his grave being lost as a result of subsequent fighting, leading to him being commemorated on the Memorial. I can only assume he was on attachment with another unit at the time. 8th May 1918 Le Paradis Working party under Lieut S COLLIER rejoined from WATOU. www.thewardrobe.org.uk/wardiary.php?action=date®im... The entry for the previous day reads , “All quiet, nothing to report” ***************Private Edward H Dennis********************************* Only E H Dennis in the CWGC database Name: DENNIS, EDWARD HENRY Rank: Serjeant Regiment: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) Unit Text: 2nd Bn. Age: 26 Date of Death: 01/07/1916 Service No: 8975 Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, of 90, Magpie Rd., Norwich; husband of Maria Sarah Hunt (formerly Dennis), of Railway Cottage, Ledge Fenn, Lakenheath, Suffolk. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=756620 Norlink has a picture of Sergeant Edward Henry Dennis of the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. The only additional information is that Sergeant Henry was from Norwich. norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn... The 10 year old Edward, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 67 Barn Road, in the Parish of St Benedicts. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 37 and an Auctioneer’s Porter from Norwich), and Elvina, (aged 35 and a Boot Machinist from Norwich). Their other children are:- Christiana……………….aged 8.………………born Norwich James……………………aged 14.…………….born Norwich……Shoemaker Roseanna………………..aged 6.………………born Norwich (There is a baptism record for James William. This took place on the 30th January 1887 at St James with Pockthorpe. The data of birth is stated to be 15th June 1886. The parents are recorded as James and “Elaina”Adelaide. The family reside “OTP” (Outside the Parish). The father’s occupation is listed as Labourer.) 1st July 1916 The battalion was part of the second wave as far as I can ascertain, however in many places this suffered just as badly - the first wave having been wiped out, holed up or pinched out and surrounded, the German machine gunners could concentrate on the next wave, and the untouched German artillery caused devastation in the units forming up for the next assault - there were several units almost entirely eliminated from the battle before they even crossed the original British front line, The battalion formed part of 23rd Brigade. Ovillers Here the 8th Division …was tasked with a direct assault on the village itself. In this area No Man's Land was 400 yards wide. Right from the start it was known that there would be no chance of success if the flanking Divisions did not make simultaneous progress with the 8th Division attackers. The village of Ovillers sits on the southern side of a spur of land which points towards Albert. It was thus hoped that the 25th Brigade who would be attacking the village would have some cover up until the last few hundred metres as they came over the ridge. To their right the 23rd Brigade would be very badly exposed as they made their way up Mash Valley. They would also be required to cross the widest section of no man's land on the Corps Front. To the north of the ridge 70th Brigade were required to advance across another valley - called Nab Valley at the time but later designated as Blighty Valley. It was their task to push on past the village and up as far as Mouquet Farm. Just before Zero at 07:30 hours the Division had put down a short barrage of Stokes Mortars onto the German positions giving the first wave of the assault an opportunity to get out into no man's land and closer to the German front line. Leading the 23rd Brigade out into Mash Valley, the 2nd Bn Middlesex Regiment and 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment managed to gain the German front lines and even a distance beyond, but they found themselves being fired at from three sides and their casualties soon grew to a thousand men between them - more than half their number. 70 survivors managed to hang on in the German front line for a while but soon their grenades and ammunition ran out and they were forced out of it by a counter-attack after 2 hours. . Of about 300 officers and 8000 men, the Division lost 189 officers and 4719 men dead or wounded. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058 www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_ovillers.htm According to the Devon's after action report, Lieutenant Colonel Sunderland could see very little of the action. 'At first and for some little time owing to mist and dust caused by our shell fire, it was difficult to realise what had happened … The lines appeared at first sight to be intact… Colonel Sunderland could make out rows of his men lying down. He demanded 'Why aren't they advancing?' The Adjutant, peering through his binoculars turned to the CO and replied 'They're all hit, sir!'. The survivors bunched as they advanced through the few gaps in the enemy wire and the original wave formation soon ceased to exist, and the remains of companies became mixed together, making a mass of men, among which German fire played havoc'. The German eye witness wrote: 'All along the line, men could be seen throwing up their arms and collapsing, never to move again. Badly wounded rolled about in their agony, and others, less severely injured, crawled to the nearest shell hole for shelter. The extended lines, though badly shaken and with many gaps, now came on all the faster. Instead of a leisurely walk they covered the ground in short rushes at the double..' The Devon's report recorded that 'only a very few reached the German lines alive. Some got into the German trenches, where they put up a determined fight against enormous odds and were soon killed'. The toehold that the Devons had gained could not be reinforced, as the curtain of fire that the German artillery put down in the middle of no-man's-land had halted the waves of C and D Companies. They were driven to ground by German machine gun fire. 2nd W Yorks, who moved forward behind the Devons at 0825 hours came under fire . By this time the attacking infantry had lost the barrage, which went on as planned. Consequently, only a few of C and D Companies along with A Company 2nd West Yorks reached the German line. Despite acts of heroism, determination, by 0900 hours, the attack of the 8th Division had failed along the length of it's front. At 0930 hours, Major General Hudson instructed commanders of 23 and 25 Brigades to gather their men and repeat the attack, until it was pointed out that a repeated bombardment would hit the men thought to be stranded in the enemy position. As late as 1430 hours, there were observers' reports that 'bomb fighting' was going on in the German lines. However, for those remaining out in no man's land it was fortunate that the shell holes, which had earlier hindered the movement of advancing men, now provided cover from enemy fire. The Devon's Medical Officer, in his aid post dugout in the reserve line, after the initial rush of walking wounded, had few casualties to deal with, as: 'great difficulty was found evacuating the wounded to the Regimental Aid Post. The trenches were too narrow to allow a stretcher to pass and also the trenches had been so knocked about that in many places one was exposed to hostile machine gun and shell fire' Wounded men succumbed to their wounds, who if properly treated, would have survived. Many lay in agony until, eventually the British barrage, was brought back to the enemy front line. Under its cover many men regained their frontline and more returned under the cover of darkness. www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/somme/reg_2nd_devons_1_jul.php? Lt Col E T F Sandys, CO of the 2nd Middlesex (also of the 23 Bde 8 Div) had been concerned before the battle began about uncut German wire and the enemy trenches which were still occupied despite the heavy Allied barrage in the area of Mash Valley. His battalion had 750 yards of No Man’s Land to cross and they were cut down as he had predicted. The disaster so preyed on his mind that he shot himself in September and died a few days later. (Extract from ‘When the Barrage lifts" by Gerald Glidden) www.pricewebhome.co.uk/Docs/Stone/Death_of_Sergeant_HT_St... A map of the British front line on the 1st July 1916 in this sector, and the German trenches facing them, can be seen here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_Boisselle_sector_1_July_191... The position of the lead units of the Brigade, (2nd Middlesex and 2nd Devons,) can also be seen here 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=64507 ************Private Ernest Denham************************************** Name: DENHAM, ERNEST Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 39 Date of Death: 28/10/1917 Service No: 17234 Additional information: Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Denham, of 65, Patteson Rd., Norwich; husband of Martha Sarah Ann Denham, of 14, Cross St., Sussex St., Norwich, Norfolk. Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1629786 No match on Norlink No baptism record on FreeReg The 22 year old Ernest, (born Norwich and employed as a Furniture ??? - handwriting is illegible, but the census analyser has added “Carman“ so I‘m assuming the word should be deliverer) is recorded as a boarder at 65 Patteson Road along with his wife Martha, (aged 21 and a Silk Weaver from Norwich). This is down as the household of William J Denham, (aged 45 and a Tobacco Cutter from Norwich) and his wife, Isabella, (aged 44 and from Norwich). Given the information on the CWGC database, it seems odd that Ernest and his wife Martha are described as having no other relationship than being boarders. On the 1891 Census, the 12 year old Ernest is recorded at 47 Albany Road in the Parish of St Clements. This is the household of his parents, William J and Isabella. They have other children living with them at this time:- George A.G……………….aged 17.…………….born Norwich………Clicker Emmeline S……………….aged 15.…………….born Norwich………Upholsterer Frederick.W………………..aged 14.…………….born Norwich………Cabinet Maker Going back to the 1881 census, the family can be found at 2 Britannia Terrace, in the Parish of St Clements, although then the mother’s name looks closer to Sarah then Isabella - the curse of census taker’s handwriting strikes again. Although I’ve not been able to locate the was diary for the 1st Norfolk, the diaries for the 1st Bedfords are fully on line and can be an indication of what or where the 1st Norfolks were up to, as they were in the same brigade. For the period 25th to 28th October, the 1st Bedfords held a position called “Stirling Castle”, and would support an attack on Polderhoek Chateau on the 26th. They took about working with the 1st Cheshires, another Brigade Unit. Havng suffered 103 casualties during their three days in the front line, the 1st Bedfords were relieved by the 1st Devons - the inference being that the 1st Cheshires were relieved by the 1st Norfolks. www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1917diary.html However, another source has the whole 5th Division being relieved by the 14th Division on this day. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&... *****************Private Albert Fox************************************** Probably Name: FOX, ALBERT Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: "A" Coy., 1st/4th Bn. Age: 19 Date of Death: 21/04/1917 Service No: 200949 Additional information: Son of Fred and Ellen Fox, of Norwich; husband of Mabel Longbone (formerly Fox), of 93, Aylsham Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 117. Cemetery: DEIR EL BELAH WAR CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=645596 Also 112 other possibles in the CWGC database No match on Norlink The 3 year old Albert, born Norwich, can be found on the 1901 census at 23 Newbegins Yard, St Marys Plain, in the Parish of St Marys Coslany.. This is the household of his parents, Fredk. G, (aged 34 and a Boot Finisher from Norwich) and Ellen J. (aged 32 and from Norwich). Their other children are:- Arthur……………..aged 1.………….born Norwich Ernest……………..aged 5.………….born Norwich Rosana……………aged 7.……………born Norwich There are three more children in the household, presumably Ellen’s from a previous marriage. Ellen I Perriment……..aged 15.…….born Norwich………..Tailoress Ethel Perriment………aged 11.…….born Norwich Fredk Perriment………aged 9.……..born Norwich On 28 February 1917, the cavalry of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force entered Khan Yunus, midway between the Egyptian border and Deir el Belah causing the Turks to withdraw to Gaza and Beersheba. The railway was pushed forward to Deir el Belah, which became the railhead in April 1917, and an aerodrome and camps were established there. The cemetery was begun towards the end of March and remained in use until March 1919. Most of the burials were made either from field ambulances from March to June 1917, or from the 53rd, 54th, 66th and 74th Casualty Clearing Stations, and the 69th General Hospital, from April 1917 until the Armistice with Turkey. A number of graves, the majority of which were originally at Khan Yunus, were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=71200&... On 19th April the Norfolks took part in a disastrous attempt to take Gaza. In this action casualties for the battalion were 478 (55 killed, 323 wounded and 100 missing). The battalion’s sister unit, 1/5th Norfolks, also took part in the assault and they fared even worse, suffering 643 casualties. www.oldbuckenham-pri.norfolk.procms.co.uk/pages/viewpage.... While we cannot be sure Arthur died as a result of injuries in the action at Gaza it seems more than probable that this is the case. ****************Private Robert Fuller************************************* Prime candidate Name: FULLER Initials: R Rank: Private Regiment: Gloucestershire Regiment Unit Text: 12th Bn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 20/04/1917 Service No: 22258 Additional information: Son of Samuel and Mary Ann Fuller, of 112, Aylsham Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 12. Cemetery: SUCRERIE CEMETERY, ABLAIN-ST. NAZAIRE www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=561424 Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a Robert 1901 Census likely match. Robert, aged 4, born Norwich. Recorded at 5 Hindes Yard, St Augustines. Parents are Samuel, (aged 41, Boot Finisher from Norwich), and Mary Ann, (aged 35 and from Norwich). Siblings are Arthur, (9), Charles, (u/1), Elizabeth, (8), Nellie, (3), The Gloucester Regiment Museum confirms that Private 22258 Robert Fuller was born and enlisted Norwich. His previous unit was the “Hussars of Line”, where his service number was 19928. He is recorded as Killed in action. www.glosters.org.uk/soldier/13107 From the Battalion War Dairy. 20th April. In trenches. Bois de Hirondelle In front line. Heavy Enemy Shelling. 7 O.R Killed. 15 O.R wounded. 5 O.R joined as reinforcements. **********************Private John J Fuller***************************** 5 possible matches on CWGC No match on Norlink 1901 Census possibles. John, aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 35 Magpie Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 34, Carman from Norwich) , and Ann, (aged 33, from Norwich). Siblings, Elizabeth, (13), Ernest, (0), Esther, (6), James, (10), Robert, (aged 3) and William, (8). All born Norwich. On the 1911 census there is one John James with a Norwich connection, and it seems to be the one from Magpie Road. By a process of elimination, this individual on the CWGC database is our most likely Match Name: FULLER Initials: J J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers Unit Text: 4th Bn. Date of Death: 31/08/1918 Service No: 72688 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: I. B. 32. Cemetery: H.A.C. CEMETERY, ECOUST-ST. MEIN CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=303889 The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a John J The 4th Fusiliers were part of the 3rd Division for the the whole. One of the divisional battle honours is Second Battle of Bapaume. 31 Aug-3 Sep 1918. On August 31st the 4th Battalion, who had moved up to positions south-east of Ecoust, attacked eastwards. Ten minutes before zero the assembly positions were subjected to a heavy shell and machine-gun fire, and there were many casualties ; and when our barrage began, five minutes later, it missed the chief obstacles in the way of the Royal Fusiliers' advance. As a consequence, while the battalions on both flanks advanced with little trouble, the 4th Royal Fusiliers were decisively checked by machine-gun fire from the sunken road, about 250 yards to the east. Z Company made several most gallant attempts to reach these guns, but the men were mown down, and all the officers but one became casualties. The tank which should have assisted in coping with this obstacle caught fire a few minutes before zero. Another tank broke down actually in the road, and a German officer, climbing on top of it, shot or took prisoner the whole of the crew. A machine-gun nest in the south of Ecoust also devoted too much attention to the battalion, who were completely held up. About 8 p.m. the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers cleared the sunken road under a creeping barrage, and before dawn on September 1st the 4th Royal Fusiliers had advanced 1,500 yards. At 6 p.m. on the same day, with only eight casualties, the battalion carried the line still further, clearing the sunken road midway between Longatte and Noreuil. In this operation 70 prisoners and several machine guns and trench mortars were captured. www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/h-c-herbert-charles-oneill... **************************Private A Fulcher******************************* Possibly Name: FULCHER Initials: A Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn. Date of Death: 02/11/1915 Service No: 7638 Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 17. Cemetery: KUT WAR CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=637920 Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Archie Fulcher Less likely Name: FULCHER Initials: A G H Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn. Age: 22 Date of Death: 27/09/1918 Service No: 30383 Additional information: Son of Richanda Alice Beaumont Fulcher, of I, School Rd., Runham, Vauxhall, Gt. Yarmouth, and the late Henry Thurtell Fulcher. Grave/Memorial Reference: I. N. 17. Cemetery: BASRA WAR CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=509914 Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Alfred G H. Or Name: FULCHER, ARTHUR JOHN Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn. Age: 37 Date of Death: 01/09/1915 Service No: 2243 Additional information: Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Fulcher, of Wymondham, Norfolk, husband of Laura Fulcher, of Damgate Bridge, Wymondham, Norfolk. Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=681137 No match on Norlink 1901 Census matches using search criteria Fulcher and Norwich. Arthur aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 9 Fishers Buildings, parish of St Phillips. Parents are John, (aged 36, Tailor from Rushmere, Suffolk) and Emily, (aged 36, from Norwich). Siblings are, Bertie, (8), Edith, (3), and Thomas, (4) - all born Norwich. Arthur G, aged 7, born Wymondham. Recorded at 21 Egyptian Road, Bishops Bridge Road. Parents are George, (aged 35 - Railway Plate Layer, Wymondham) and Elizabeth, (aged 35, Norwich), Siblings are Ernest, (1), Margaret, (5), and Thomas (3) - all born Wymondham. Albert aged 9, born Norwich. Recorded at 107 Dereham Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 42, Licensed Victualler from Norwich), and Hannah, (aged 41, from Norwich), Siblings are Adlaine, (14), Donald, (3), Leonard, (7), Lucy, (17) - all born Norwich. The 1911 census has only one match for an Archie Fulcher for the whole of England and Wales. This individual is shown as being born circa 1891 at St Marys, Norwich, Norfolk. His current whereabouts are not however listed. As St Marys is the neighbouring parish to St Augustines, this tends to strengthen the case for this being our man. Archie does not appear to be on either the 1901 or 1891 Census for England and Wales. From India to Mesopotamia To protect the British owned oil fields in Persia and to stop Turkish domination of the Middle East an Indian Expeditionary Force was sent to the Persian Gulf. As part of this Force the Norfolk Regiment left Belgaum for Bombay under the command of Lieu-Colonel E C Peebles and boarded HM Transport Elephanta on 6 November1914. The 2nd Norfolks arrived at Seniyeh in the Persian Gulf on 15 November 1914 and joined the 18th Brigade, which consisted of the 7th Rajput's, 110th Mahratta Light Infantry and 120th Rajputana Infantry. The 2nd Norfolks took part in several battles during the advance, finally culminating in the Battle of Ctesiphon on the 22/11/1915, when British force of 11000 defeat a Turkish force of over 18000. Battle ends with a bayonet charge across open ground. Norfolks suffer 6 officers killed 27 men killed, 225 wounded and 2 missing. However, with opposition mounting, on the 24th November 1915,the Brigade under the command of General Townshend suffering losses and sickness has to withdraw to Kut. The Norfolks form the rear guard as the Brigade withdraws. The 44 miles to Kut is covered in 36 hours. The 2nd Norfolks now comprise half their effective fighting Kut- al-mara, having been taken in July had been the Allies strong-point and medical base, so its likely that Archie died either as a result of wounds sustained in July or as a result of illness. www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm ****************Private Herbert Gooch********************************* Probably Name: GOOCH, HERBERT FRANCIS Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 29 Date of Death: 20/04/1918 Service No: 28285 Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Gooch; husband of Mrs. Gooch, of 38, Magpie Rd., Norwich. Native of Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIX. K. 4A. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=501487 During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick. www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=56500&... No match on Norlink The 12 year old Herbert F, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 60 Beaconsfield Road, in the Parish of St James. This is the household of his parents, Thomas, (aged 44 and a “Restry Cook and Cow Feetner” - Genes Re-united transcriber, or “PastryCook and Confectioner” - Moominpappa, from Great Yarmouth), and Harriet F, (aged 41 and from Ludham). Their other children are:- Annie M……………….aged 10.………….born Norwich Arthur S……………….aged 17.…………..born Norwich………Railway Telegraphist Audrey A………………aged 19.………….born Norwich Charles Ed……………..aged 14.………….born Norwich………Railway Telegraph Messenger Edward E………………aged 4.…………born Norwich Ernest………………….aged u/1.………..born Norwich Frederick J…………….aged 7.………….born Norwich George Wm……………aged 5.…………born Norwich The International Genealogical Index has further details. Herbert Francis was born the 25th July 1888 in the parish of St Peter Parmentergate. He would marry Alice Maud Armes, on the 10th November 1917 in the Parish Church of St Augustines.. His place of death is recorded as the 4th General Hospital, Carniers. www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp... Alice was born 1897 and would finally die in 1994, having been 75 years a widow. His parents were Thomas Wade Gooch and Harriet Frances Storey. www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp... The 4th Division, of which the 1st Kings Own formed part were heavily engaged in March and April 1918 in fighting off the the German Spring offensive including First Battle of Arras. 28 Mar 1918. Battle of Hazebrouck. 12-15 Apr, including the defence of the Hinges Ridge and the Nieppe Forest. Battle of Bethune. 18 Apr 1918, including the second defence of Givenchy. L\Corporal Gooch could have succumbed to wounds received in any of these actions. *******************Private Ralph V Gant******************************** Only R V Gant on the CWGC database Name: GANT, RALPH VICTOR Rank: Private Regiment: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 10th Bn. Date of Death: 21/03/1918 Service No: 34675 Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 51 and 52. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1581248 No match on Norlink A family web-site adds that he was the husband of a Glady Gant www.gant-name.org.uk/lestweforget.html The 7 year old Ralph, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 30 Old Palace Road, Norwich, in the parish of St Bartholomew. This is the household of his parents, Benjamin, (aged 42 and a house builder from Reedham), and Emma, (aged 50 and from Norwich). Their other children are:- Alice………………aged 17.……………born Norwich…….Dressmaker Benjamin………….aged 13.……………born Norwich Ethel………………aged 20.……………born Norwich…….Tailoress Frederick………….aged 19.……………born Norwich…….Carpenter The Gants also have a boarder living with them, Caroline Thompson, aged 20 and from Strumpshaw who works as a dressmaker. Given that information and checking the family web-site we can also identify that brother Frederick fell in the Great War. Name: GANT Initials: F T Rank: Rifleman Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps Unit Text: 11th Bn. Age: 35 Date of Death: 25/09/1917 Service No: R/15481 Additional information: Son of Emma and the late Benjamin Gant, of 67, West End St., Norwich, Norfolk. Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 11A. Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=508460 21st March 1918 From the diary of the 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who were in the same division. 21st March 1918. St Quentin, Soissons, Amiens. The enemy artillery had been gradually increasing in intensity all night, and at 4.30 am reached a maximum, and the battalion was ordered to stand to. The shelling was all east of the CROZAT CANAL and no shells fell near the camp. At 12.30 pm the commanding officer received a verbal order from the Divisional Headquarters to take the Battalion at once to a position of assembly on the Western outskirts of REMIGY and to proceed himself to the H.qtrs of the 10th ESSEX REGT at LY FONTAINE, where he would received further orders from the G.O.C 53rd Inf. Bde. This order was carried out at once, Companies being in the assembly area by 1.30pm. The C.O reported to the Hqts 10th Essex Regt but found no orders for him there until about 2pm when Col.Minette DSO MC DGMO turned up with orders from the Division to hold LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH LINE, on the west of LY FONTAINE. As parties of the enemy could now be seen close to the switch line on the east of LY FONTAINE, the Commanding Officer decided to send “D” Company to make good that section of the line, and for “A” and “C” companies to hold the LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH with “B” Co in Battalion reserve, ½ mile North of REMIGY. These dispositions were taken up and about 3.30 pm a message was received from Brig.Gen Higginson, DSO commanding 53rd Bde that enemy cavalry were working round our left rear from the direction of MONTESCOURT. Two platoons of “B” Co were therefore ordered to take up a line facing N.W to guard against surprise from that quarter. Battalion H.qrs were established in the North end of REMIGY. At 9.30pm an order was received from the 53rd Bde to the effect that the battalion would take up a line N and E of REMIGY to cover the retirement of units of the 53rd Bde at 10.30 pm, and that when this operation had been completed, the battalion would withdraw in rearguard formation to the West of CROZAT CANAL and rendezvous at FRIERES - FAILLOUEL, this withdrawal to commence at midnight. qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ES00819180304.pdf Update 08/01/2020 see the comments box below for more on Ralph *******************Private Arthur Grady********************************* Possibly Name: GRADY Initials: A Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 27/11/1914 Service No: 6248 Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 10. Cemetery: BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY (NORD) CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=197599 The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is an Arthur Grady, and in fact he would appear to be the only one. The same source has an Arthur B, a Corporal in the East Surrey Regiment who died in 1916, but underneath is added ALIAS Cumbers. However, on the CWGC database, there is no match under Grady, but there is an Arthur Bertie Cumbers listed. www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=757942 No match on Norlink The 17 year old Arthur, (born Norwich), is recorded at Vine Cottage, Yarmouth Road, Thorpe - next - Norwich. He is employed as a Labourer. He is shown as the son of the householder Henry Murrell, (aged 60 and a Coach-builder from Caston, Norfolk), and Susanna, (aged 62 and from East Dereham), however, presumably Henry is his step-father. By the time of the 1911 census, Arthur is recorded at Bakewell, Bailleul was occupied on 14 October 1914 by the 19th Brigade and the 4th Division. It became an important railhead, air depot and hospital centre, with the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 11th, 53rd, 1st Canadian and 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Stations quartered in it for considerable periods. www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=200004... 18/11/14 Took over trenches at KEMMEL from the French. 27/11/14 Relieved by ROYAL FUSILIERS and moved to billets at DRANOUTRE. 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t... ********************Private Fred H Hall********************************* 5 potential matches on the CWGC, none with an obvious link. No match on Norlink No obvious Fred H, Frederick H or Fredrick H Hall with a Norwich connection on the 1911 census. Possibles from the 1901census Fredrick aged 9, born Norwich, recorded at Hammonds Yards in the Parish of St Augustine. Father Arthur, (aged 41, Stone Marble Mason born Norwich) and Harriet, (aged 43, born Norwich). Also Edgar, (12), Frank (3), Gertrude (5), Jessie (7). Frederick aged 3, born Norwich, recorded at 16 Waterloo Road in the parish of Christ Church. Father George, (aged 38, Boot Riveter, born Norwich) and Rosa (aged 36, born Norwich). Also Arthur, (u/1), Ernest, (9), Ethel, (6), George, (12). Frederick aged 8, born Norwich, recorded at 63 Albany Road in the parish of Christ Church. Father Robert, (aged 42, Boot Finisher born Norwich) and Mary (aged 39 born Norwich). Also Arthur (12), Charles (1), Elizabeth (21), Flora (17), Hannah (14), Herbert (4), Robert (16), Walter (10). Great War Roll of Honour Fred H. Private11589N&D R1914 Looks like that this is a Frederick Henry who came from Chesterfield www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=878878 Frederick H Private 475135 RAMC1918 www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=288602 Still no obvious match for this man. **************Private Sidney Howard********************************* Number of potentials but no obvious match on CWGC No match on Norlink Possibles on the 1901 census Sidney, aged 5, born Norwich, recorded at 76 Calvert Street in the parish of St George of Colegate. Father John (aged 41 Brushmaker from Norwich) and Eliza (aged 40 and from Norwich). Also Alice (18) and Eliza (13). Sidney, aged 10, born Norwich, recorded at 2,Popes Building, Calvert Street on the parish of St George Colegate. Father is David, (aged 48, Coach Makers Packer from Norwich) , there is no mother shown although there is a 43 year old unmarried female visitor staying with the family on the night of the census, Christiana Lowe, a dressmaker from Norwich. Making up the rest of the family is Ernest (13) and a boarder George Lowe, (18 an a Boot maker). Possibly Name: HOWARD Initials: S Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn. Date of Death: 05/12/1917 Service No: 27344 Grave/Memorial Reference: II. C. 56. Cemetery: HONNECHY BRITISH CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=572295 The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a Sidney Honnechy was part of the battlefield of Le Cateau in August 1914, and from that time it remained in German hands until the 9th October 1918, when the 25th Division and the 6th Cavalry Brigade captured it. It had been a German Hospital centre, and from its capture until the end of October it was a British Field Ambulance centre. The village was inhabited by civilians during the whole of the War. The cemetery stands on the site of a German Cemetery begun in the Battle of Cambrai 1917 and used by German troops and then by British until the 24th October 1918. The 300 German graves were removed to another burial ground, leaving 44 British graves; and the cemetery was re-made in 1922 and 1923 by the concentration of British graves almost entirely from German Cemeteries, www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=63203&... Giving the date and the way in which the cemetery was used, Private Howard was a prisoner, possibly captured and wounded in an action that had taken place a few days earlier. Battalion War Diary Trenches 30th About 7 am a very heavy Hun barrage commenced, and at 7.40 am he attacked in Mass, in enormous numbers from GONNELIEU, which he had just previously taken about 7.35am and also from BANTEAUX. The Bosche attacked the Battalion from the right flank and the front. Our Lewis gunds did splendid work, mowing down the enemy in large numbers, but by weight of numbers he forced the Battalion to fall back on to Battalion Headquarters in BLEAK TRENCH and a strong point on our left front. The Hun succeeded in surrounding many of our men, who were thereby forced to surrender. We made a splendid fight and accounted for enormous numbers of the enemy. About 10.00am Sec.Lieut G Maddison was the only officer left, and he, along with the remaining men of the Battalion, attached himself to the 9th Fusiliers Regt. Our casualties were as follow Killed Captain + acting (M) A M Charlton M C Sec.Lieut. H E A Payne Wounded Capt F R G Haward Lieut M L Chaland M C Sec Lieut A M Brown H Kontili E C Page J I Stubbs C E Pratley A Anable Wounded and missing Lt Col H L F A Gielgud MC Capt K R Potter M C Lieut W G Collins Sec Lieut W H Parish G D Summers Missing Sec Lieut A S Goddard Sec Lieut W J Kemp was admitted to hospital suffering from shell shock.Our casualties among the rank and file were:- Killed 27 Wounded89 Missing204 Wounded and Missing 13 There is a note at the end of the page During the Hun Counter-attack, the War Diary for November was unfortunately lost* and the months diary has had to be compiled from the only information available, which was very little indeed. * for “lost” read “destroyed when the enemy attacked on Nov.30th” ***************Private Edward Halfacre********************************* There is also a full panel dedication. “Sacred to the memory of Rfm Edward C Halfacre 8th London P.O. Rifles One of our Sunday School Teachers Who passed away 21st May 1919” Edward does not appear to be commemorated on the CWGC database and I can only assume he had already been discharged from the Army when he succumbed to his wounds. But note there is Name: HALFACRE, JAMES Rank: Private Service: Army Service Corps Unit Text: Labour Coy. Age: 51 Date of Death: 03/02/1916 Service No: SS/18150 Additional information: Husband of Emily Halfacre, of 20, Bull Close Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: C. VII. 5. Cemetery: PIETA MILITARY CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=115295 No match on Norlink. The 5 year Edward C, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at Kerrisons Yard, Tombland, in the Parish of St Georges Tombland. This is the household of his parents, Edward,(aged 44 and a Coachman from Wokingham, Berkshire) and Elizabeth M A, (aged 42 and a Brushmaker from Norwich), The baptism of Edward Charly took place at St George’s Tombland on the 5th May 1895, with Theodore Parks officiating. His date of birth is listed as the 2nd April 1896, (but must surely be 1895). His parents Edward and Elizabeth May Alice were in attendance, with his fathers occupation listed as coachman. The family reside at Kerrisons Yard. Looks like James and Edward are probably cousins, as James father was also from Wokingham in Berkshire, **************Private William A Hudson******************************** Name: HUDSON, WILLIAM ALFRED Rank: Private Regiment: King's Own Scottish Borderers Unit Text: 2nd Bn. Age: 19 Date of Death: 13/09/1914 Service No: 11521 Additional information: Son of William John and Maria Hudson, of 2, Anchor Yard, St. George's, Norwich. Memorial: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=879162 No match on Norlink The 6 year old William A, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 5 Reads Court, in the Parish of St Marks, Lakenham. This is the household of his parents, William I. (aged 32 and a Bricklayers Labourer from Norwich), and Maria (aged 27 and from Norwich). Making up the household is a daughter, Ivy A. aged 2 and born Norwich. The War diaries of the 1st Battn East Surrey Regiment, who were in the same Division although different brigade, are available on line. They talk of how they and a battalion of Manchesters, (presumably the 2nd Battalion from the 14th Brigade), with the assistance of Royal Engineers, constructed rafts to cross the Aisne on the 13th, and there met up with units from the 4th Division and together advanced up the spurs towards the heights. In the entry for the 14th there is a mention of forming up with two (unnamed) battalions of the 13th Brigade who had crossed the Aisne further up by bridge. qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ES00119140907.pdf **************Private George W Howell******************************** Name: HOWELL, GEORGE WILLIAM Rank: Private Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 4th Bn. Age: 22 Date of Death: 23/04/1915 Service No: 11244 Additional information: Son of Arthur and Charlotte Howell, of 52, Esdelle St., Norwich, England. Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 18 - 24 - 26 - 30. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1593158 No match on Norlink George Williams enlistment papers can be seen here www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e... www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e... He was born 22/03/1893 and gives his birthplace as Norwich, England. It looks like his occupation is plowman, although given the handwriting it could equally be plummer. He was 5 feet 4 inches with blue eyes and brown hair. His next of kin was his mother , Charlotte Howell, then of 63 Esdelle Street. He had previously served in the 36th Regiment of Militia. He enlisted on the 22nd September 1914. George W is on the 1901 census for England and Wales. Aged 8 and born Norwich, he is recorded at 63 Esdelle Street, in the parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his parents, Arthur, (aged 31, and a Stone Mason from Norwich), and Charlotte, (aged 36 and from Wellingham (?), Norfolk). Their other children are:- Arthur……………………..aged 9.……………..born Norwich Lottie M…………………..aged 6.……………..born Norwich Mabel K…………………..aged 1.……………..born Norwich Reginald J…………………aged 3.…………….born Norwich Extract from the War Diary. 23rd April VLAMERTINGHE 12.30 am the Battalion moved off, crossed No.4 Pontoon bridge of the YSER canal at 4.10 a.m. 4.30 am Battalion halted at a farmhouse 1200 yards west of PICKLEN were the enemy were entrenched. We commenced to advance towards ridge at 5.25 am, B COY leading and occupying a portion of 150 yards frontage. The other Coys followed. Artillery and Machine Gun fire of the enemy very heavy. Entrenched at 400 yards from enemy. Lieut-Col Birchall took command of C Coy when Coy Commander was wounded. 7 pm Lieut-Col Birchall killed. 9pm Battalion came out of action relieved by East Yorks. Adjutant killed, 2nd in command wounded, 16 other casualties amongst Officers, other ranks 487. The Battalion congregated at Transport Lines B.29.B and remained there during the night. Major Ballantine in Command. data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001077583.jpg data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001077584.jpg *******************Private John Hardy********************************** Possibly Name: HARDY, JOHN Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd/4th Bn. Age: 45 Date of Death: 21/02/1916 Service No: 2166 Additional information: Husband of Mary Helen Hardy, of 39, St. George's St., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: DD. 95. Cemetery: AYLESBURY CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=343756 No match on Norlink The 29 year old John, (born Norwich and employed as a Shoe Maker), is recorded on the 1901 census as the Head of household at 6 Angel Yard in the Parish of St Martin at Oak. His wife, Mary, is aged 24 and from Norwich. Their children then are:- Alice………………aged 1.…………..born Norwich John……………….aged 5.…………..born Norwich Rosa……………….aged 2.…………..born Norwich On the 1891 census the 19 year old John is recorded in Colchester Barracks, as a private soldier in the 2nd Norfolk Regiment. On the 1881 census the 9 year old John is recorded at 7 Reeves Yard in the Parish of St Marys Coslany. This is the household of his parents Robert and Maria and is one of seven children. 2/4th Battalion Formed in Norwich in September 1914 as a Second Line Battalion. Disbanded in UK in June 1918. www.1914-1918.net/norfolks.htm **************Private Ernest C Jolly************************************* 4 potential matches on CWGC, no obvious candidates No match on Norlink There is a baptism record for an Ernest Jolly which took place on the 22nd March 1899 at St Peter Parmentergate. Ernest was born 30th December 1881. His father is listed as William, a Brush Maker. The family reside at Kings Street. No mothers name is recorded. There are no obvious Ernest C’s on the 1911 Census for England and Wales and there are no Ernest C’s on the Great War Roll of Honour, which leads me to wonder if this is actually Ernest G. Name: JOLLY, ERNEST GEORGE Rank: Private Regiment: King's Own Scottish Borderers Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn. Date of Death: 19/04/1917 Service No: 201807 Grave/Memorial Reference: Panels 23 and 24. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1645813 However, while there are two potential matches for an Ernest Jolly on the 1901 census with a Norwich connection, one is ruled out by a different initial, while the other is recorded at 5 Globe Place in the Parish of St Bartholomew. He is aged 5, born Norwich, and is the step-son of the head of the household, Charles, (aged 45 and a House Painter, shown as a British Subject born India). His wife, Ernest’s mother is Rosetta, (aged 35 and born Norwich). As well as Ernest, she has brought another son Percy, (aged 9), with her. .Meanwhile the Harper’s have a daughter of their own, Alice L. aged 1. The individual baptised at St Peter Parmentergate in 1899 does not appear on the 1891, 1901 or 1911 censuses. *******************Private Arthur Lane*********************************** Too many possible, no obvious candidates No match on Norlink No obvious match on the 1901 or 1911 census for England and Wales. ************Private Edward H Loombe********************************** No matches at all for the surname Loombe on the CWGC database No match on Norlink The 1911 census has an Albert Edward, born Norwich\Kent(?) circa 1893 and still recorded in Norwich, The 7 year Albert, (born Norwich) is recorded on the 1901 census at 24 Silver Street in the Parish of St James, Pockthorpe. This is the household of his parents, Robert W (aged 46, and a Labourer in an Electrical Works from Norwich) and Caroline, (aged 45 and from Norwich). Their other children are:- Alice N……………aged 17.………..born Norwich……………Woollen Jacket Member Bessie L……………aged 15.……….born Norwich…………….Yarn Packer Ethel M……………aged 10.……….born Norwich Leah M…………….aged 19.……….born Norwch…………….Crepe Worker Robert M…………..aged 12.………born Norwich However, there is an Albert Edward Loombe recorded as the Landlord of the Magpie Public House, Magpie Road, from 1934 to 1940. www.norfolkpubs.co.uk/norwich/mnorwich/nchmagp.htm I then started looking at other sources for similar sounding surnames. The Great War Roll of Honour lists a Private Edward Loome, 43262 Norfolk Regiment who died in 1916. This leads us to this gentleman Name: LOOME, EDWARD HENRY Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 35 Date of Death: 04/09/1916 Service No: 43262 Additional information: Son of Edward Mark and Harriett Loome; husband of Susanah Ruth Loome, of 10, Esdelle St., St. Augustines, Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=801343 The battalion attack was on Falfemont Farm. The attack was held up and casualties were being caused by bombing and small arms fire before they eventually took the objective only to come under friendly artillery fire that caused serious casualties. According to the Regimental casualty book 56 all ranks were killed, 219 wounded and 94 missing, believed killed, a total of 369. The battalion was relieved the next day. 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t... (Private Cannell who is also commemorated on this Roll of Honour died in the same action) The 1901 census has the 19 year old Edward H, born Norwich, single and employed as a journeyman baker, recorded at 12 Esdelle Street in the parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his parents, Edward M, (aged 46 and a Brewery Cooper from London), and Harriet, (aged 46 and from Barton Mills, Suffolk). Their other children are: Ethel M……………aged 14.………………born Norwich……………..Tailoress Frederick G………..aged 7.………………..born Norwich Maud L……………aged 12.……………….born Norwich Sydney F…………..aged 16.………………bprn Norwich……………Journeyman Baker Although I do not have detailed access to the 1911 census, there is a Ruth Susannah, born Circa 1882, Ryland South (?) Great Yarmouth.who lives in the same Norwich household as an Edward Henry who is aged 29 and was born Norwich.. By a process of trial and error !, we can also establish that living in the same household is Lily Ethel Maud Loome, (born circa 1906, St Augustines, Norwich), May Ruth Loome, (born circa 1908 St Augustines, Norwich), and Rosa Harriett Loome, (born circa 1910, St Augustines, Norwich). The balance of evidence so far is that the name carved on the St Augustines Roll of Honour was incorrect, and one wonders if it caused concern and distress at the time. **************Private Albert J Lundy************************************* Only one A J Lundy on the CWGC database Name: LUNDY, ALBERT JAMES Rank: Private Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 19/09/1914 Service No: 1263 Memorial: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL CWGC

Roll of Honour site www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Brancaster.html The Memorial is in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin Church, Brancaster at the junction of Broad Lane and the A149 www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/brancaster/brancaster.htm William James Billing……………….................(RoH) Private 23490. 7th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 12 October 1916. Born Brancaster Staithe. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. (Also commemorated on the Burnham Deepdale Roll of Honour) CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=768673 No match on Norlink The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 13 year old William, (born Brancaster), and residing at the White Horse Inn, Brancaster. This was the household of his parents, Frank, (aged 40 and a Painter and Publican from Brancaster), and Susan, (aged 44 and also from Brancaster). Their other children are:- Florence………aged 9 Horace………aged 11 Mabel………..aged 8 Maud…………aged 14 12th October 1916 Nearer to Gueudecourt, 12th Div attacked Hilt Trench with the Newfoundland Regt. The Newfies were attached from 29th Div. They continued the advance to Grease Trench but were forced to withdraw at 5.30pm. They held onto the captured section of Hilt Trench and bombed some way along it before erecting a barricade. Meanwhile 7th Suffolks and 7th Norfolks (35 Bde, 12th Div) were halted by uncut wire in front of Bayonet Trench. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p... John Henry Britton……………………….....................(RoH) Private 22213. 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 27 July 1916. Born Brancaster. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=765008 No match on Norlink The most likely match on the 1901 Census has been transcribed as a 15 year old John “Harry” from Brancaster. However the usual appalling Census taker’s handwriting, and some heavy crossing outs on the line above, could just as equally mean that the middle name could be Henry. This is re-inforced by his father being called Henry, making it more likely to be a family name.. John H. is employed as a page boy. He is recorded at Main Road, Brancaster, at the residence of his parents. These are Henry, (aged 41 and an Agricultural labourer from Titchwell), and Agnes, (aged 41 and from Brancaster). They have another son, Robert William, (aged 11 and from Brancaster). Making up the household is a lodger, a 51 year old James White from Brancaster, who works as a hawker. There is also a 9 year old John, living at Mill Road, Brancaster. His father is John,, (aged 44 and an Agricultural Labourer from Thornham), and his mother is Alice, (aged 44 and from Ledgeford (?), Norfolk). They also have a son Walter, (aged 7), and a daughter Alice, (aged 5) 27th July 1916 From the War diary of the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment OPERATION ORDER NO.6 1/BEDFORDSHIRE Rgt. REF. Sheet LONGUEVAL 27th July. 1916 1. The 15th Infantry Bde. will attack the village of LONGUEVAL on 27th inst. 2. The attack will be preceded by a bombardment of 2 hours commencing at 2 hours before zero, i.e. at 5.10 A.M. 3. (a) At ZERO i.e. 7.10 A.M. 2 Coys 1/NORFOLK RGT. will advance from their line of assembly to the first objective. (b) The Guns will then lift onto the 2nd line of barrage. (c) A & B Coys will occupy the trenches vacated by two coys 1/NORFOLKS at this time. 4. (a) At 8.10 a.m. 2 coys 1/NORFOLKS will advance to 2nd objective (b) remaining 2 coys 1/NORFOLKS will move up into trenches vacated by 2 assaulting coys of 1/NORFOLKS (c) A.& B. Coys will move into the Trenches vacated by last 2 coys 1/NORFOLKS (d) C. & D. Coys will occupt original line of assembly. (e) At 8.40 A.M. Guns will lift onto final objective. 5. (a) At 8.40 A.M. A. & B. Coys. will attack the final objective. (b) The Guns will lift onto a line [blank] to [blank] & will stay on this line 6. A.Coy. will be responsible for that part of the objective lying to the right of the road running N.-S. through LONGUEVAL.. B.Coy. to the left of this road. (b) A.Coy. is responsible for the ORCHARD & for the strong post at [blank]. Special attention should also be paid to the right flank. (c) B.Coy. is responsible for the strong point at [blank] 7. When the final objective is captured, it will be consolidated AT ONCE & held at all costs. 8. Green flares will be lit at 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. & on reaching the final objective. 9. Bn. H.Q. is in old German 2nd line at S.17.d.5/9. 10. Aid Post is in dug out in old German 2nd Line. formerly occupied by H.Q. 1/NORFOLK Rgt. 11. All other instructions have been issued verbally. REPORT ON OPERATIONS 26/28 JULY 1/BEDFORDSHIRE Rgt 26.7.'16 11.15.P.M. The Battalion left its Bivouac POMMIERS REDOUBT and marched to Brigade Advanced H.Q. Here owing to very heavy Barrage & poison Gas shells in the Valley the Battalion halted for two hours. The Barrage was still intense but a fresh wind made advance possible & only two cases of gas poisoning have been reported. Shell fire was moderately severe in the valley and increased as the old German Second line Trenches were approached. 27.7.'16 [Capt. PARKER wounded] 3.50 A.M. Battn arrived in position of assembly in German 2nd Line Trenches and improved cover 5.30 A.M. Operation Orders received & communicated to Company Commanders. 7.0 A.M. A & B Coys in accordance with orders, left to take up their position in Reserve trenches at LONGUEVAL. 7.40 A.M. Report received from O.C. 1/NORFOLKS that owing to heavy shell fire, he required assistance 8.20 A.M. OC 1/BEDFORDSHIRE Rgt arrived at H.Q. 1/NORFOLK Rgt in LONGUEVAL having arranged for A & B Coys to assault the second line in conjunction with NORFOLKS & for C & D Coys to pass through & take third line. O.C. 16/ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Rgt was requested to occupy front line trenches when these were vacated by C & D Coys. A & B Coys had at 7.30 A.M. occupied first line at 'E' & reserve trenches at 'B'. 9.00 A.M. C Coy arrived at E D Coy arrived at B and A Coy pushed across towards German Redoubt at F where the two leading NORFOLK Coys were being held up [100 prisoners surrendered here] Lt. FYSON with his platoon attacked house at G and took 32 prisoners. 9.5 A.M. C Coy advanced across PRINCES Street but were held up by Machine Gun fire from House at Cross Roads (I). This house was taken by a party of NORFOLK bombers. At the same time, two platoons of A Coy reached position marked H & K near FLERS Road where they were in touch in [sic] the ROYAL FUSILIERS on their right. A German counterattack was met with LEWIS Gun & Rifle fire, the estimated Enemy Casualties being 50. Several small posts were observed on the Ridge, apparently protected by wire. 9.30 A.M. C Coy crossed PRINCES STREET and took up a position parallel with NORTH Street joining up the two leading NORFOLK coys. They were unable to progress further owing to heavy Machine Gun fire from DUKE Street. They consolidated their position. 1 Officer & 30 men went forward from B Coy at C to reinforce a Coy of NORFOLKS at A. This coy was held up by Machine Gun fire from direction of DUKE Street & was unable to advance. STOKES Mortar Battery was asked to cooperate, but did not come into action. Later, heavy Artillery was asked to bombard this post. While awaiting this & the opportunity to advance, B & D Coys endeavoured to improve their cover under a hurricane bombardment. Casualties in these two B Coy 2 Officers 54 O.R. out of 5 Officers & 166 O.R. D Coy 2 Officers 106 O.R. out of 5 Officers & 176 O.R. 6.30 P.M. ROYAL FUSILIERS on right, owing to heavy shell fire, retired and out line at K & H was slightly withdrawn to cover exposed flank. 7.0 P.M. B Coy received orders to retire to German Second Line trenches, leaving one platoon to hold line at A. A similar order was sent to D Coy but did not reach there and a second order was sent at 8.0 P.M. 9.0 P.M. C Coy tried to establish itself on East side of NORTH ST. but had to withdraw. They consolidated in touch with NORFOLKS & the SOUTH STAFFORDS of 2nd Division 28.7.'16 6 A.M. 1/D.C.L.I. & 1/E.SURREYS arrived & took over the line & the Battalion withdrew to POMMIERS Redoubt. The total casualties were 9 Officers 303 O.R. out of 23 Officers 807 O.R. 15th Infy. Bde. 1st Bedfords The Brigadier-General Commanding wishes to express to all ranks of the Brigade his great admiration at the magnificent manner in which they captured the Village of LONGUEVAL yesterday. To the 1st NORFOLK Regiment and the 1st BEDFORDSHIRE Regiment and some of the 16th ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Regiment, who were able to get into the enemy with the bayonet, he offers his heartiest congratulations. He knows it is what they have been waiting and wishing for many months. The 1st CHESHIRE Regiment made a most gallant and determined effort to reach their objective and failed through no fault of their own. The way in which the Troops behaved under the subsequent heavy bombardment was worthy of the best traditions of the British Army The Brigade captured 4 Officers and 159 other ranks 28/7/1916 www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbtn/1stbtn1916appendices.html See also Walter Fiddaman of the 1st Norfolk’s who died the same day. David Fernie………………...............................(RoH) RoH site has no further information Possibles D Fernie Quebec Regiment www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1592131 David Fernie 3rd Dragoon Guards aged 25 02/06/1915 Family Son of William and Cecilia Fernie, of 21, Montgomery St., Kinross. www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1612219 D Fernie Gunner HMS Pelican 25/03/1917 aged 37 Husband of Maria Fernie, of 46, The Chase, Clapham Common, London. www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=361558 David Fernie Argyll&Sutherland Highlanders (8th) 30/07/1917 aged 28 Son of Mrs. J. Fernie, of Post Office Buildings, Main St., Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, and the late John Fernie. www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=620619 David Fernie Royal Engineers 05/04/1918 aged 33 Husband of Issabella Fernie, of 3, Arrabella St., Hartlepool www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=354623 David S Fernie 1st Gordon Highlanders 25/09/1915 www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1612220 No match on Norlink The 1901 Census lists a 30 year old David Stevenson Fernie, (Born Scotland), living at the Golf Club House, where he was employed as Steward. Living with him is his 32 year old wife Jane, also from Scotland. No children are listed. There are many references in Golf web-sites to a Willie Fernie, the golf professional at Troon, who through-out the 1880’s seems to have been regarded as one of the best golfers in the world. If David was a relation, then his capture by the newly opened Brancaster course must have been quite a feather in the club committees cap. The Gordon Highlanders man seems our most likely bet. Big attack on 25th by 3rd and 14th Divisions, with Royal Scots Fusiliers, and 1st, 4th Gordons with 2nd Royal Scots; 2nd South Lancashire Regt, and Royal Irish Rifles involved. This attack was repulsed by the enemy whose trenches and wire were not affected by the heavy bombardment, the wire could not be cut by our cutters, very heavy casualties suffered. www.thegordonhighlanders.co.uk/Pages/Diary 1915.htm Walter William Fiddaman………......................(RoH) (Fiddament on SDGW). Private 13944 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died Thursday 27 July 1916. Age 20. Born Brancaster. Enlisted Norwich. Brother of Alice L. Fiddaman, of Manor House, Holme, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Commemorated: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=751690 The most likely match on the 1901 Census for England and Wales is a 5 year old William Fiddaman, (born Brancaster), who is recorded at “Marsh Side” Brancaster. This is the residence of his widower father, the 40 year old Thomas, an Agricultural Labourer from Brancaster. Thomas’s other children are:- Gertrude…………………..aged 1 Henry……………………..aged 9 Herbert……………………aged 7 Joseph…………………….aged 12 Lillian……………………..aged 16 Margaret…………………..aged 3 Sarah………………………aged 6 (NB there is also a Walter Edmund, Son of Walter Edmund and Jane J. Fiddaman www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=608656 Walter Edmund is with the Suffolk Regiment, and on the 1901 Census can be found at 103 Harland Street, Ipswich along with his parents Walter E, and Jane J, and their other children of which there are several, but no Alice at that time.) No match on Norlink See details recorded against John Britton who also died on the 27th July 1916 while serving with the 1st Norfolks. Bede Guthrie…………….................................(RoH) Lance Corporal 267227. 1st/5th Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 16 August 1917. Age 21. Born King's Lynn. Enlisted North Walsham. Son of William and Ellen Guthrie, of Southwoods, Brancaster Staithe, King's Lynn. Commemorated: TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium Panel 72 to 75. Also commemorated on the Burnham Deepdale memorial, along with his brother Harold. CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=837894 No match on Norlink The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a Bede S, aged 5, (born Northmarston, Buckinghamshire), and now resident at Frieth, Hambleden, Bucks. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 33 and a School master from Durham), and Ellen, (aged 35 and a School Mistress from Filey, Yorks). They also have another son, Harold N.D, aged 7. Bede is remembered on the Gloucester Regiment Memorial docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:xK_1AzYMGBQJ:www.g... Thursday 16th August 1917 - Day 17 Rainfall Nil The phase of the battle known as The Battle of Langemarck commenced today and lasted until the 18th. Zero Hour was 4.45 am. 48th Division 145 Bde 48th Div also attacked with just one brigade. 1/4th Bn, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry attacked on the left, 1/1st Bn, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in the centre and on the right was 1/5th Bn, Gloucestershire Regt. 1/4th Royal Berkshire Regt was in reserve. The Glosters advanced along the St. Julien-Winnipeg Road, taking Border House and the Gun Pits before being held up by fire from Janet Farm. While they were halted the Germans launched a counter attack which the Glosters beat back before renewing the attack to clear the last houses in St. Julien. This done the battalion dug in under fire from Maison du Hibou and Hillock Farm. The farm was taken by 1/1st, Oxs & Bucks and a line was established. On the left 1/4th, Oxs & Bucks was halted in front of Maison du Hibou. A counter attack on the Gun Pits was beaten off at 7.30 pm and another from Triangle Farm at 9 pm. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&... Harold Guthrie (on memorial but missed from RoH website) Name: GUTHRIE, HAROLD NOEL DARLING Rank: Serjeant Regiment: Royal Fusiliers, 7th Bn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 16/04/1917 Service No: 2363 Additional information: Son of William and Ellen Guthrie, of Brancaster Staithe, King's Lynn. Grave/Memorial Reference: I. O. 17. Cemetery: BAILLEUL ROAD EAST CEMETERY, ST. LAURENT-BLANGY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=312698 No match on Norlink The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a Harold N D , aged 7, (born Northmarston, Buckinghamshire), and now resident at Frieth, Hambleden, Bucks. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 33 and a School master from Durham), and Ellen, (aged 35 and a School Mistress from Filey, Yorks). They also have another son, Bede S, aged 5. (see his entry below) I couldn’t find anything specific to this date, but the extract from the Battalion War Diary below shows they were in the front line and taking casualties. 18th April 1917 Part of 190 Bde of the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, they were in the front line trenches at Bailleul near Arras, preparing for the RND attack on Gavrelle a few days later. On 18 April from 4pm to 7pm they reported "Communications impossible with front line during the day. Enemy artillery extremely heavy and active. B[attalion] HQ heavily shelled. About 50 5.9-inch fell in the vicinity; no casualties. Retaliation given by our heavies." 8.30pm "Shelling still heavy. B Coy proceed to relieve D Coy, & A to relieve C Coy. ...Relief completed by 2am. ...Estimated casualties during period in the line 85 ORs." 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=73645 Herbert William Harrell……………………………….............................(RoH) Petty Officer Stoker 287426. H.M.S. "Cressy", Royal Navy. Died Tuesday 22 September 1914. Age 36. Son of William and Jane Harrell, of Stanhoe, Norfolk; husband of Anna Maria Harrell, of London St., Brancaster, Norfolk. Commemorated: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent, United Kingdom. Panel 4. (Special note: In the early hours of the morning of 22 September 1914, HMS Cressy along with HMS Aboukir & HMS Hogue were sunk by torpedoes from a U-boat under the command of Otto Weddigen, in the North Sea.) CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3049166 No match on Norlink There is no obvious match on the 1901 Census for England and Wales - the two Herbert’s Harrell’s of approximately the right age have different parent first names. However, given his age, Herbert may have already been serving in the Royal Navy and so could have been at sea at the time of the census. Strangely neither of those two turn up on the 1891 census, and there is still no obvious match for our man. Petty Officer Harrell was a casualty of the early success that German U-Boats enjoyed against dated British warships in the North Sea. “U9 sinks HMS Aboukir, Hogue and Cressy. The patrol by these elderly ships was much criticised, they were too old and slow with inexperienced crews to put up a decent fight against modern German surface ships. Although the submarine threat at the time was not considered, even by critics of the patrol, the fact that the three ships didn't zigzag was criticised by the board of inquiry, a practice that was widely ignored at the time and even by some ships after the loss of the three cruisers.” www.worldwar1.co.uk/cressy.htm Andrew Manzie King………………………………...............................(RoH) Private 41643. 1st Bn., Essex Regiment. Formerly 3428 Norfolk Regiment. Died Wednesday 15 August 1917. Lived Brancaster. Enlisted East Dereham. Buried: BERLIN SOUTH-WESTERN CEMETERY, Berlin, Brandenburg, Germany. Ref. VII. L. 3. CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=895665 The 1901 Census for England and Wales has a 7 year old Andrew, (born Scotland), living at the Golf Links, Brancaster. This is the residence of his parents, Tom, (aged 35, born Scotland, and a Golf Club maker), and Annie, (aged 30 and also from Scotland). They have another son, Tom, (aged 2, born Scotland), and a daughter, Agnes, (aged under 1 and born Brancaster). A Burnham Deepdale man, Herbert Hubbard also died whilst with the 1st Essex. In Herbert’s case this was during the abortive build-up to an attack on the 13th April 1917, which was subsequently postponed to the 14th. Forewarned, the German’s were well prepared when the attack when ahead on the 14th. Of course this may be a co-incidence - but given his place of burial, Andrew was certainly a PoW at the time. In the attack that followed on the next day, (14/04/1917), 17 officers and 644 other ranks were either killed, wounded or went missing. Later it was established that 203 soldiers were made prisoners of war, most of them were wounded and 16 of them died in captivity in Germany. 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...8&hl=monchy No match on Norlink George Lake………………………………............................................(RoH) RoH has no further information No match on Norlink CWGC - there are ten possible matches with age shown as unknown and no next of kin details. The most likely match on the 1901 census is an 8 year old George, (born Thornham), recorded at Main Road, Brancaster. This is the household of his parents, Abram Lake, (aged 34 and a Farm labourer from Thornham), and Gertrude, (aged 29 and from Brancaster). They also have a daughter, Lottie, (aged 7, born Thornham) Cyril Thompson-Large MM………………………………..................(RoH) RoH has no further information Updated August 2017 The 1911 Census of England and Wales has a 19 year old Cyril Thompson Large, a Farm Labourer born Brancaster and single, who was recorded living at a dwelling on The Street, Brancaster. This was the household of his grandparents, John Thompson Large, (aged 67, a Farm Labourer, born Brancaster) and Elizabeth Large, (62, born Bagthorpe, Norfolk). The couple have been married 43 years and have had 9 children, of which 8 were then still alive. Living with them is one of their married daughters, “Francis” Jane Atkins, (aged 37, born Brancaster). Francis states she has been married 10 years and has had 7 children, all then still alive, but only one is possibly with her. This is a 3 year old Tom Atkins, born Bermondsey, London. However on the 1901 census the 9 year old Cyril Thompson Large was recorded as the son of John and Elizabeth Thompson Large. I suspect the relationship shown on the 1911 census is more likely as this was completed by the householder rather than a census taker. There is no likely match for a birth Cyril Thompson Large registered in the Docking District of Norfolk, (which included Brancaster), although there is a Cyril Alexander Large recorded in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1891. There is a similar absence of Cyril Thompson’s. No match on Picture Norfolk There is one possible - and if he’s not the same person, then intriguing that he’s not commemorated at Brancaster. However, no Military Medal, and as he’s in the Navy I don’t believe that decoration was awarded to that branch. Name: LARGE, CHARLES A. E. Rank: …………………Leading Seaman Regiment:…………… Royal Navy Unit Text: ……………H.M.C.S. "Niobe" (late H.M.S. "Danae") Age: …………………27 Date of Death: ……..24/12/1919 Service No: ………..J/3485(CH) Additional information: Son of James and Gertrude Grace Large, of Brancester, Norfolk, England; husband of Mary E. Large, of 22, Westside Cottages, Cambridge Rd., Walthamstow, London, England. Grave/Memorial Reference: P. Naval. S. Q. Cemetery: HALIFAX (ST. JOHN'S) CEMETERY www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2755049 That individual was born Brancaster on the 31st July 1892 according to his entry in the National Archive Catalogue. Otherwise - there are 79 individuals with the surname Large on the CWGC database for WW1 - not one of which is recorded as having the Military Medal. discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6855704 There is oneother possible - there are no Thompson-Large’s on the CWGC census Name: THOMPSON, C A Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Age: 27 Date of Death: 23/02/1919 Service No: 13583 Awards: M M Additional information: Son of Mrs. C. Fullick, of 26, Princes Rd., West Ealing. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Screen Wall. H. O. 21. Cemetery: SOUTH EALING CEMETERY www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=388931 His Medal Index Card lists him as Cyril A Thompson. discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5253579 On the 1911 Census of England and Wales there is a 41 year old Caroline Fullick, born Brancaster, Norfolk, a married woman recorded living at 42 Glenfield Road, Ealing, Middlesex. She lives there with her husband of 8 years, the 49 year old George Fullick, a Telephone Wireman for the N.T.Co, who was born Headley, Hampshire. The couple have had 4 children of which 3 were then still alive. However, there is no obvious marriage of a George Fullick to a Caroline in England and Wales. But there is one appearance of a Caroline Large, born Brancaster circa 1870, when, aged 1, she was recorded living at Meales House, Brancaster on the 1871 Census of England and Wales. This was the household of her parents, John Thompson Large, (aged 26, an Agricultural Labourer, born Brancaster), and “Emma”, (aged 24, born Creake, Norfolk). On subsequent censuses she is recorded as Thompson:- 1881 – aged 12. at home with John & Elizabeth 1901 – aged 31, single, live in Domestic Cook at 1 Springfield Road, North Wimbledon, Surrey. Robert Edmund Loynes………………………………..........................(RoH) Fitter Staff Serjeant 137760. 258th Siege Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action Thursday 6 June 1918. Age 36. Born Holt. Lived King's Lynn. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Robert John and Ann Loynes. Buried: CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. VIII. M. 32. On memorial as R.Edmund Loynes CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=586466 Fitter Sergeant Loynes can be seen on Norlink here norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn... The accompanying notes are:- Staff Sergeant Loynes was born in Holt on 6th October 1881. Educated at Holt and Brancaster, he enlisted on 3rd September 1914. He was killed in action in France on 6th June 1918 He can also be found on the Holt War memorials. Herbert Rowland Martin………………………………............................(RoH) Private 16175. 12th Bn., East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action Friday 15 September 1916. Age 35. Born Brancaster. Enlisted Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey. Son of Robert Thomas and Anne Martin, of Brancaster Staithe, King's Lynn. Buried: BULLS ROAD CEMETERY, FLERS, Somme, France. Ref. III. C. 5. (Also commemorated on the Burnham Deepdale Roll of Honour as Herbert Martins) There is no Herbert Martins recorded on the CWGC database, and no-one with the surname Martins who died on the 15/09/1916. What there is, is:- Name: MARTIN, HERBERT ROWLAND Rank: Private Regiment: East Surrey Regiment, 12th Bn. Age: 35 Date of Death: 15/09/1916 Service No: 16175 Additional information: Son of Robert Thomas and Anne Martin, of Brancaster Staithe, King's Lynn. Grave/Memorial Reference: III. C. 5. Cemetery: BULLS ROAD CEMETERY, FLERS www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=193882 No match on Norlink No obvious match on the 1901 Census for Martin or Martins Friday 15th September 1916. Day 77 The week-long Battle of Flers-Courcelette began. It heralded the dawn of modern warfare because on this day the British introduced to the battlefield a brand new weapon known as the tank. 41st Div was in action in Flers itself. It attacked from north of Delville Wood with 124 Bde on the right and 122 Bde on the left. The attack commenced at 6.20am. 122 Bde attacked with 15th Bn, Hampshire Regt and 18th Bn, King’s Royal Rifle Corps in front and 11th Bn, Royal West Kents with 12th Bn East Surrey Regt in support. They too the Switch Line by 6.4 and advanced to Flers Trench. No less than seven tanks supported the assault of 41st Div. D15 was knocked out at the Switch Line, D14 ditched south of the village while D18 was hit in front of Flers Trench but was able to withdraw. At 8.20am D16 entered Flers followed by the men of 122 Bde. D6, D9 and D17 worked along the east of the village smashing strongpoints and MG positions built into the ruins. By 10am the Germans had evacuated the village. There was much confusion amongst the British troops too and it took until 1am to round up groups of stragglers and consolidate on the positions called Box& Cox and the Hog’s Head. Of the four tanks that entered Flers, only D16 made it back unscathed. D6 advanced as far as the outskirts of Guedecourt where it caught fire. D9 was put out of action at Glebe Street and D17 was hit by shellfire east of Flers. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p... Charles William Bertie Matsell………….......................(RoH) Private 203493. 9th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds Tuesday 20 November 1917. enlisted King's Lynn. Buried: FIFTEEN RAVINE BRITISH CEMETERY, VILLERS-PLOUICH, Nord, France. Ref. II. H. 10 On memorial as C W Bertie Matsell CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=239726 No match on Norlink The 8 year old Charles, (born Burnham), is recorded on the 1901 Census at “The China Shop”, Burnham Westgate. This is the household of his parents, John E. (aged 44 and a Licensed Hawker from Burnham) and Emma J, (aged 42 and from Burnham). Their other children are:- Edith…………………….aged 10 Harold …………………..aged 5 Hilda E………………….aged 7 Mary……………………..aged 15.……Apprentice Dressmaker Thomas………………….aged 12 Violet……………………aged 3 The Divisional History for the 20th November 1917 reads Battle of CambraI. 16th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade on left, 18th passed through -- broke both systems of Hindenburg Line,capturing Ribecourt and Premy Chapel Ridge -- first company into Marcoing, over 1,100 prisoners and 23 guns. All objectives gained with few casualties. www.gutenberg.org/files/20115/20115-h/20115-h.htm 9th Norfolks were in the 71st Brigade. In a history of the 6th division itself, there is a bit more detail. Two battalions of tanks, each of thirty-six tanks, were allotted to the Division. "B" Battalion (Lt.-Col. E. D. Bryce, D.S.O.) operated with the 16th Infantry Brigade, and "H" Battalion (Lt.-Col. Hon. C. Willoughby) with the 71st Infantry Brigade. The 18th Infantry Brigade advanced without tanks. The only points which caused anxiety, provided that the tanks functioned satisfactorily, were Couillet Wood on the right of the 16th Infantry Brigade front, in which tanks could not operate, and Ribécourt Village on the left of the 71st Infantry Brigade front. The former was successfully cleared by the Buffs, and the latter gallantly captured by the 9th Norfolk Regiment; the 11th Essex clearing and securing it for the advance of the 18th Infantry Brigade, while the 71st Infantry Brigade attacked the second objective. The (p. 039) 18th Infantry Brigade pushed through the 71st Infantry Brigade and secured Premy Chapel Ridge in good time, and rendered great assistance to the 51st Division on our left, who were held up at Flesquières by guns in the valley picking off the tanks one by one as they breasted the ridge. The West Yorks and the 2nd D.L.I. each charged over the Premy Ridge spur and captured a battery at the point of the bayonet. At 3.15 p.m. the cavalry, who would have been of the greatest assistance in capturing the enemy guns holding up the 51st Division, reported that they could not advance owing to snipers in Ribécourt. The village had been in our possession since 10 a.m., and the 18th Infantry Brigade had passed through it at 11.30, and were now two miles beyond it. However, the cavalry pushed through patrols before nightfall to Nine Wood. A company of the 9th Suffolk Regiment successfully carried out its mission of advancing without artillery or tank support, and capturing the bridge at Marcoing. The Division had a most successful day, with very light casualties (about 650), capturing 28 officers and 1,227 other ranks prisoners, 23 guns, and between 40 and 50 machine-guns and many trench-mortars, and receiving the congratulations of the Corps Commander. Everything had gone like clockwork: the artillery had pushed forward to advanced positions to cover the new front before darkness came on; the machine-guns, under Major Muller, D.M.G.O., were likewise established in their new forward positions, thanks to careful arrangements and the use of pack animals; and the 11th Leicesters, under Major Radford, were repairing and clearing the roads before the third objective had been secured. The tanks, which had made surprise possible, were most gallantly handled, and all arrangements most carefully thought out by Col. A. Courage, D.S.O. www.gutenberg.org/files/20115/20115-h/20115-h.htm John William Nudds………….........................................(RoH) Private 25730. 1st Bn., East Surrey Regiment. Formerly 11937 Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 6 May 1917. Born Burnham, Westgate, Norfolk. Lived King's Lynn. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6. CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=779777 No match on Norlink The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 1 year old John, born Brancaster Staithe and now living at Fish Hill, Bull Street, Holt. This is the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 38 and a shoemaker from Burnham Market), and Harriet, (aged 33 and from South Creake). They have another son, Thomas, aged 7 and born Burnham Market. One of the Battle Honours of the 5th Division, (which included the East Surreys), was Third Battle of the Scarpe. 3-4 May 1917, including the capture of Fresnoy Ernest Petchey………………………........................(RoH) Private 30001. 7th Bn., Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 15 March 1917. Age 30. Born and lived Brancaster. Enlisted King's Lynn. Son of Edward and Harriette Petchey; husband of Ethel Georgina Petchey, of London St., Brancaster, Norfolk. Buried: ACHIET-LE-GRAND COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. III. J. 19. CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=295563 No match on Norlink Ernest doesn’t appear to be recorded on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 Census for England and Wales. The 4 year old Ernest is on the 1891 Census. Having been born at Brancaster, he is now recorded at the Main Street, Brancaster. This is the household of his parents, Edward James, (aged 44 and a Wheelwright & Carpenter from Brancaster), and Harriet, (aged ??, from Burnham Woodgate). Their other children are Mabel, Edith, Edward and Herbert. Unfortunately all the ages have been heavily scored through. Edward appears to be employed as a Labourer, although given the poor handwriting, it could equally be Lobster ! Extract from the battalion war diaries 15-3-17 8 AM - 12 Noon C Company ordered to attack the Bihucourt line. A Company to act as immediate support. C Company attacked the Bihucourt line, on opening of the attack a very heavy machine gun fire developed from ACHIET le PETIT and the BIHUCOURT trench heavy shelling also took place. The advance under such conditions became impossible and C company dug in about 200 yards down the hill. A company did not advance. 1 PM - 5 PM The position was held without change. 6 PM Under cover of darkness C Company was withdrawn. A Company held the original line on the sunken road. B Company were in support. D & C companies in reserve 12 mid night This order was maintained throughout the day. www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/7thbn/7thbtn1917diary.html The Battalion’s casualty return for the month includes:- 30001 Pte.Petchey, E[rnest] C Coy 15-3-17 (killed). www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/7thbn/7thbtn1917diary.html

11th Bn KRRC in the Ypres Salient 1917.

Alfred B Bales……………………………….......49 Canadian Batt Name: BALES Initials: A B Rank: Private Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) Unit Text: 49th Bn. Date of Death: 07/04/1916 Service No: 436662 Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 22. Cemetery: MENIN ROAD SOUTH MILITARY CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=95745 There is a picture of Private Alfred Benjamin Bales on Norlink norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn... The accompanying notes read Private Bales was born at Norwich, 21st October 1892 and was educated at the Model and Municipal Secondary School. He enlisted in December 1914 and was killed in action at Ypres, 7th April 1916. The 8 year Alfred appears on the 1901 Census at 19 Magdalen Street in the Parish of St Clements. This is the household of his parents, Ernest William, (aged 37 and a Saddle & Harness Maker and Leather Dealer from Norwich), and Anna Maria, (aged 39 and from Morwich). Their other children are:- Anna Maud……………aged 12.………………born Norwich Ernest William…………aged 11.………………born Norwich Alfred Benjamin was baptised at St Clements on the 22nd December 1899. His birth date is simply given as 1882. Parents are Ernest William, a Saddler and Anna Maria. The family are living at Magdalen Street. Alfred also appears on the NORWICH CATHEDRAL - BOYS MODEL SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/NorwichBoysModelSchool.html The enlistment papers for Private Alfred Benjamin Bales can be seen on line here:- www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e... www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e... They confirm he was born Norwich, but gives date of birth as the 18th October 1892. He gives his next of kin as E Wm Bales residing at 17 Magdalen Street. He was single and gave his occupation as farmer, (plus an undecipherable word). He had no previous military experience. At the time of his medical examination on the 25th January 1915 he was 22 years and three months, stood 5 foot 7 inches tall, with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion. It was the 31st Battalion that was the Albert Regiment. The 49th was the Edmonton Regiment. The battalion has no Battle Honours relating to the period of Alfred’s death. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_infantry_battalions_in_the_... The 49th was in action at the St Eloi craters at this time, in one of the many pointless actions of the war based on the poor quality of the Army high command. From Chapter 5 of the Nicholson Matrix, there is a description of the action, though no specific reference to the 49th but there is to the 31st . Throughout 4 and 5 April the whole of the Canadian front line came under almost continual bombardment. The intensity of the German fire was described by a British artillery officer who had been in the Ypres Salient for the past year as far greater than any he had hitherto experienced.39 Both battalion sectors were hard hit, and 200 yards of trench in the 27th Battalion’s area were completely demolished. The destruction of the sandbag parapet in one of the 31st Battalion’s trenches exposed the Canadians to enfilade machine-gun fire from position 85 as well as to sniping from the German lines, only 150 yards away. Although each man dug his own slit trench in the mud, casualties mounted rapidly. By noon on the 4th every second man in one of the 27th’s forward companies had been hit. The battalion commander, Lt.-Col. I. R. Snider, was forced to thin out his front line, leaving in front of the craters only bombing parties supplied by battalions of the 5th Brigade and four Lewis gun detachments from the 5th Brigade Machine Gun Company. He had no contact with the 31st Battalion on his left. On the evening of 5 April small parties from the 28th Battalion were sent out to station themselves in the four big craters and act as snipers and observers until these could be trenched and garrisoned. There is doubt that the positions which they occupied were actually the designated craters. Later that same night the 29th Battalion began relieving the badly depleted forward companies of the 27th Battalion.40 This relief dragged out interminably. The incoming troops, burdened with extra equipment, had to struggle forward in a long line through the mud and congestion of the same narrow communication trench that was being used by pioneers moving up to work on the craters and by other parties coming to the rear, many of them wounded. The exchange was still in progress when at 3:30 a.m. on the 6th, following an intense barrage, the Germans attacked with two battalions* astride the road which ran from St. Eloi south-eastward to Warneton and before its destruction had passed between the sites of the 3rd and 4th craters. Effective resistance was impossible. West of the road the two relieving companies were not yet in position, having failed to find the positions manned by the 5th Brigade. They could do little more than deflect the tide of the German attack eastward, where it quickly wiped out the machine-gun posts and flowed through the resulting gap in front of the central craters. The eastern wing of the assault was held up momentarily by crossfire from the 31st Battalion’s machine-guns, which also repelled attacks against Craters 6 and 7 and the line to the east. Artillery fire on the enemy’s lines of approach by all available British field guns failed to stop the attackers, some of whom got through by splitting into small groups. The Germans quickly secured Craters 2 and 3 and from these points of vantage soon spread into Craters 4 and 5. In less than three hours the enemy had regained all the ground taken from him between 27 March and 3 April. 41 The Canadians launched local counter-attacks with the minimum of delay. The only feasible way to regain the craters seemed to be by bombing, but the element of surprise was missing and the efforts accomplished nothing. On the right bombers of the 27th and 29th Battalions attempting to reoccupy Craters 2 and 3 were caught in the mire and shot down before they could get close enough to fling their grenades. On the left Brig.-Gen. Ketchen ordered the 31st Battalion, reinforced with a detachment from the 28th, to retake Craters 4 and 5. But their unfamiliarity with the ground and the complete absence of recognizable landmarks caused the attackers to repeat the mistake made by British troops ten days earlier. Forced to make their approach from the side, they lost direction and occupied Craters 6 and 7, reporting that they had regained 4 and 5. German shellfire during the remainder of 6 April and on succeeding days isolated the two craters that the Canadians were holding, so that no reconnoitring officer could reach them in daylight. Because of bad weather no air photograph of the positions was taken from the 8th until the 16th. The mistake was to persist throughout that entire period.†42 The occupants of the two craters could see on their right the high edge of what they believed to be Crater 3 (The Mound), but which was in reality No. 5. On the night of 6-7 April the 28th Battalion sent out 75 bombers, supported by two companies, to regain this objective. Enemy shellfire and heavy rain held them up. Losing their way in the darkness they occupied a group of craters north of No. 4, and there captured several small German patrols. They had failed to attain their objective, or even identify it correctly. During the night the 4th Canadian Brigade (Brig.-Gen. R. Rennie) relieved the 6th Brigade, which had suffered 617 casualties in its four days of fighting.43 For the next week confusion was to persist with respect to the exact positions held by the Canadians. cefresearch.com/matrix/Nicholson/Transcription/ Background to the creation of the battalion is here www.lermuseum.org/ler/rh/ch1_page05.html The same source has no mention of the 49th being involved in the St Eloi action www.lermuseum.org/ler/rh/ch2_page03.html Mack Billin,……………………………..............14th Essex Regiment Name: BILLIN, MACK Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 13th Bn. Date of Death: 13/11/1916 Service No: 28341 Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 10 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=768669 (Note - different Battalion) No match on Norlink The 6 year old Mack is recorded at 10 New Yard in the Parish of St Pauls. This is the household of his parents, Mark, (aged 36 and a Shoemaker from Norwich), ans Alice, (aged 29 and from Norwich). Their other children are:- Alice…………………….aged 8.………………….born Norwich Herbert………………….aged 5.………………….born Norwich Lily………………………aged 7 months…………born Norwich Walter……………………aged 7 months…………born Norwich Monday 13th November 1916. Day 136 The Battle of the Ancre, the final battle of the Somme Campaign began today. 13th Essex (Part of 6 Brigade) - Redan Ridge 2nd Div attacked Redan Ridge north of Beaumont Hamel with 6 Bde on the left and 5 Bde on the right. 99 Bde was in reserve. 5 Bde formed up in No Man’s Land and, staying close to the creeping barrage, took the German front line with little difficulty. 2nd Bn, Highland Light Infantry and 24th Royal Fusiliers pressed on to Beaumont Trench. The Fusiliers blocked the trench because 6 Bde’s advance had fallen behind. They fought off some German bombing attacks. 6 Bde had real problems. Fog and mud slowed the advance as did fire from the Quadrilateral. Added to which the German wire was intact. Troops from the brigade’s four battalions entered the German trenches where they were pinned down by MG fire. By 7.30 am only 5 Bde was ready to move on to the second objective, Frankfurt Trench. Only a few men reached this objective and soon withdrew. Also at 7.30am 99 Bde began to move forward to support the attack but orders for an advance by the brigade were cancelled and 2nd Div began to consolidate on it’s captured trenches. 6 Bde was withdrawn to re-org. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p... 14th (Reserve) Battalion Formed at Brentwood in September 1915 from depot companies of 13th Bn. Moved to Northampton in January 1916 and went on in the May to Aldershot. 1 September 1916 : converted into 98th Training Reserve Battalion of 23rd Reserve Brigade at Aldershot. www.1914-1918.net/essex.htm I suspect therefore Private Billin fell in the company of many from the 13th Essex, rather than the 14th Essex as shown on the church roll of honour as that unit never made it to france and had already effectively ceased to exist. William Chilvers………………………………...1st Norfolks Name: CHILVERS, WILLIAM Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 37 Date of Death: 31/07/1916 Service No: 3/10187 Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Chilvers, of Garden House, Newton, St. Faith's, Norwich; husband of Anna Elizabeth Gray (formerly Chilvers), of 12, Thoroughfare Yard, Magdalen St., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=760002 No match on Norlink No obvious match on the 1911 or 1901 census However on the 1911 census there is a William born circa 1857 in Norwich now recorded in St Faiths district. On the 1891 census that William is living at 52 Albany Road in the Parish of St Clements and is a Brush Finisher by trade. His wife is Amelia, aged 33 and a General Shop-keeper from Norwich. The eldest of their children is our man, “Willy”, aged 12 and born Norwich. Their other children are:- Maud…………….aged 9.………………born Norwich George…………..aged 8.……………….born Norwich May……………aged 6.…………………born Norwich Amelia…………aged 3.…………………born Norwich Henry…………..aged 1.…………………born Norwich. The Chilvers also have a lodger living with them, Harriet Harwood, (aged 25 and a Boot Machinist from Norwich), and her one year old daughter, Rosa. On the 1901 census the family have moved to 69 Spencer Street in the Parish of St James with Pockthorpe. “Willie” has moved out, not surprisingly really as the family has grown to include Nellie………….aged 9.…………………born Norwich Laura………….aged 7.………………….born Norwich Fred……………aged 6.…………………born Norwich Edith V…………aged u/1.………………born Norwich I initially found a baptismal record for a William Chilvers, but in the light of the above this is possibly the right person, its just that the dates don’t tie up. A William Chilvers, son of a William (Brush Finisher by occupation) and Amelia, took place at St Stephens, Norwich on 27th January 1879, and his birth date was given as 11th August 1877, which does not marry up to any of the other dates above. The family were living at Butcher’s Court, St Stephens. I believe William’s brother Henry is recorded on the St Faiths War Memorial, which ties in with the family location in 1911 www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/2871580378/ The 1st Norfolks were relieving a fellow Brigade Unit, the 1st Bedfords, on the day that Private Chilvers died. 31st July 1916 OPERATION ORDERS NO.7 1/BEDFORDSHIRE RGT. Ref. Sheet LONGUEVAL 31st July 1916 1. The Battn. will be relieved at dark by 1/NORFOLK Rgt. 2. On Relief Battn. will withdraw to area East of Church, where they will get into SLIT Trenches they dug on arrival in LONGUEVAL last night. 3. O.C. Coys. will report their arrival in this area to Battn. H.Q. 4. O.C. Coys. will send one guide each to Bn.H.Q. at once to guide NORFOLK coys up. 5. Later (about 11 p.m.) the 1/CHESHIRE RGT. will arrive in the area. 6. On arrival of 1/CHESHIRE Rgt, coys will withdraw independently to POMMIERS Redoubt, without being relieved. 7. O.C. Coys. will report the final departure of their coys to Bn.H.Q. Report on Operations 30 July - 1st August 1916. REF. Sheet LONGUEVAL 1/BEDFORDSHIRE RGT 30.7.'16 6.45 P.M. Orders received to reinforce in LONGUEVAL 2/K.O.S.B. holding Line. 1/R.W.Kents in support. Leading platoon moved off at 6.53 p.m. and reached LONGUEVAL at 7.45 p.m. relieving 1/R.W.KENTS 10.12 p.m. O.C. 2/K.O.S.B. reported that his men were retiring from Line S.11.d.9/5 to S.11.c.5/8. A & C Coys were directed to proceed with guides of K.O.S.B. to hold & consolidate this line. B & D Coys were directed to hold line S.11.d.9/5 to S.17.b.0/9. It was proposed to withdraw K.O.S.B. into reserve at dawn. 11.45 p.m. Message received by O.C. K.O.S.B. that GORDONS 51st DIVISION were in Sunken Road & that K.O.S.B. were to bomb towards them. 31.7.'16 12.10 A.M. Enemy started intense bombardment 12.45 A.M. Orderly returned from A & C Coys & reported K.O.S.B. Guides could not show them the way up to front line. O.C. A & C Coys were instructed to establish themselves on the Line B.C.D.E. (S.11.d.4/8 to S.11.c.5.5) & to send out patrols to ascertain if any K.O.S.B. were holding forward line. 2.30 A.M. All Coys reported heavy casualties [2 officers Killed & several wounded]. B & D Coys reported themselves to be in position as ordered from S.11.d.5/5 to S.11.b.0/9. Two wounded prisoners were taken by 'A' Coy. Reinforcements had been asked for at 10.54 A.M. O.C. D Coy reported that he had been able to get in touch with Division on right. O.C. C Coy reported that owing to mist darkness & shell fire it was impossible to recognise the line B.C.D.E, that he was in touch with K.O.S.B. & would establish himself in the forward position at dawn. Telephone communication established between Bn. H.Q. & front line 6.25 A.M. Order received from Bde to relieve K.O.S.B. who were to move into reserve. O.C. C.Coy. reported by Telephone that his patrols were unable to get forward. Two Machine Guns enfilading NORTH STREET & heavy sniping from his front. Companies were now as follows: - D.Coy from PICCADILLY to NORTH ST. on DUKE ST. B.Coy. continuing this line into DELVILLE WOOD. A.Coy. crossroads NORTH ST./FLERS RD. to ORCHARD. C.Coy. in support of A.Coy. with refused flank about S.11.d.8/3 & two platoons North of FLERS Rd. about S.11.d.4/4. C.Coy. were still endeavouring to gain touch with 2nd Divn. The position taken up could be seen from the opposite ridge & any movement attracted heavy shell fire. There was also considerable sniping from the direction of FLERS Rd. 6.0. P.M. 1/NORFOLK RGT. arrived and relieved 2/K.O.S.B. and the forward BEDF. coys, who were moved back to reserve position E. of Church. 10.30 P.M. 1/CHESHIRE RGT. arrived & relief of 1/BEDF. R. was completed by Midnight. 1/BEDF. R. returned to POMMIERS REDOUBT. 11 P.M. A patrol from C.Coy. trying to get into touch with 2nd Division approached the German line in NORTH of DELVILLE WOOD & attracted a big burst of fire. Source www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1916appendices.html William John Chilvers………………………… .1st Rifle Brigade Name: CHILVERS Initials: W J Rank: Rifleman Regiment/Service: Rifle Brigade Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 29/03/1918 Service No: S/37032 Grave/Memorial Reference: I. J. 17. Cemetery: POINT-DU-JOUR MILITARY CEMETERY, ATHIES CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=257132 The index to the Great War Roll of Honour confirms that Rifleman Chilvers was a William J. No match on Norlink There is a William John born circa 1899 in Norwich and now recorded in the district of Forehoe on the 1911 census, but otherwise there are plenty of William’s from Norwich and of the right sort of age. This individual, aged 2, is recorded at 99, Norfolk Street, in the Parish of St Stephens. This is the household of his parents, John Rackham, (aged 50 and a Gardener from Morton, Norfolk), and Anna Chilvers, (aged 23 and from Norwich) Divisional Battle Honour First Battle of Arras. 28 Mar 1918 At 3am on Thursday 28 March the early morning stillness was shattered by the chaotic din of a terrific German bombardment. Shortly after 7am German infantry attacked. Unaided by fog and, in places, going forward in mass formations, they met with devastating fire from British artillery and well-sited machine guns. South of the Scarpe German infiltrations via communication trenches forced 3rd and 15th Divisions back from their front lines by 8.30am; gradual withdrawals were made to the rear of the Battle Zone; despite great pressure no effective breakthroughs were made. The greatest German efforts were made north of the Scarpe: attacking across difficult ground enemy infantry successfully progressed up the valley between 4th and 56th Division positions forcing British fighting withdrawals to the Battle Zone; despite repeated attacks the line held. www.cwgc.org/spring1918/content.asp?menuid=34&submenu... Charles Goulder………………………………....1st Norfolks Name: GOULDER, CHARLES Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 35 Date of Death: 27/07/1916 Service No: 3/8037 Additional information: Son of Henry and Sophia Goulder, of 49, Fishergate St., Norwich; husband of Sarah Goulder, of I, Tiger Yard, Fishergate St., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=786634 No match on Norlink The 23 year old Charles , a Shoe Finisher from Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 Census at 49 Fishergate Street in the Parish of St Edmund. This is the household of his Step-father, William Eames, a 63 year old Tailor and Licensed Victualler from Bedford, and mother, Sophia Eames, (aged 53 and a Publican from Norwich). Making up the household is Charles brother John H Y Goulder, aged 26, and like his brother, a shoe finisher from Norwich. Charles isn’t obviously on the 1891 Census., but on the 1881 one the “40” year old Sophia Goulder is a widow, living at what looks like Little Bull Close in the Parish of St Paul, with no occupation, and head of a household of 8, of which Charles is the youngest. Sophia also seems to be absent from the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1891 census, both as a Goulder and as an Eames. Charles was baptised in the church of St Simon and St Jude on the 5th February 1878. His birth date was shown as the 26th December 1877. His father is listed as John Henry, a Labourer, and his mother is Sophia. They are listed simply as residing in the Parish of St Pauls. Note none of these dates and ages from the Census & Baptismal record tie in with him being 35 in 1916, so I guessed he must have lied about his age. Thursday 27th July 1916. Day 27 Delville Wood At 7.10am after a one hour barrage on Delville Wood the 1st Bn, KRRC and 23rd Bn, Royal Fusiliers of 99 Bde, 2nd Div began their advance from the south. By 9am they had occupied a line 50 yards from the northern edge of the wood. At 9.30am a German attack forced back the right side of the line slightly so that it ran just east of King St. In conjunction with 2nd Div, 1st Norfolk Regt and 1st Bedfordshire Regt of 15 Bde, 5th Div attacked the west end of the wood and Longueval village. The Bedfords linked up with 2nd Div in the northern end of the wood. Longueval was occupied almost as far as Duke Street That night 17th Middlesex and 2nd South Staffords (6 Bde) relieved 99 Bde. 95 Bde relieved 15 Bde. Source forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p... REPORT ON OPERATIONS 26/28 JULY 1/BEDFORDSHIRE Rgt 26.7.'16 11.15.P.M. The Battalion left its Bivouac POMMIERS REDOUBT and marched to Brigade Advanced H.Q. Here owing to very heavy Barrage & poison Gas shells in the Valley the Battalion halted for two hours. The Barrage was still intense but a fresh wind made advance possible & only two cases of gas poisoning have been reported. Shell fire was moderately severe in the valley and increased as the old German Second line Trenches were approached. 27.7.'16 [Capt. PARKER wounded] 3.50 A.M. Battn arrived in position of assembly in German 2nd Line Trenches and improved cover 5.30 A.M. Operation Orders received & communicated to Company Commanders. 7.0 A.M. A & B Coys in accordance with orders, left to take up their position in Reserve trenches at LONGUEVAL. 7.40 A.M. Report received from O.C. 1/NORFOLKS that owing to heavy shell fire, he required assistance 8.20 A.M. OC 1/BEDFORDSHIRE Rgt arrived at H.Q. 1/NORFOLK Rgt in LONGUEVAL having arranged for A & B Coys to assault the second line in conjunction with NORFOLKS & for C & D Coys to pass through & take third line. O.C. 16/ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Rgt was requested to occupy front line trenches when these were vacated by C & D Coys. A & B Coys had at 7.30 A.M. occupied first line at 'E' & reserve trenches at 'B'. 9.00 A.M. C Coy arrived at E D Coy arrived at B and A Coy pushed across towards German Redoubt at F where the two leading NORFOLK Coys were being held up [100 prisoners surrendered here] Lt. FYSON with his platoon attacked house at G and took 32 prisoners. 9.5 A.M. C Coy advanced across PRINCES Street but were held up by Machine Gun fire from House at Cross Roads (I). This house was taken by a party of NORFOLK bombers. At the same time, two platoons of A Coy reached position marked H & K near FLERS Road where they were in touch in [sic] the ROYAL FUSILIERS on their right. A German counterattack was met with LEWIS Gun & Rifle fire, the estimated Enemy Casualties being 50. Several small posts were observed on the Ridge, apparently protected by wire. 9.30 A.M. C Coy crossed PRINCES STREET and took up a position parallel with NORTH Street joining up the two leading NORFOLK coys. They were unable to progress further owing to heavy Machine Gun fire from DUKE Street. They consolidated their position. 1 Officer & 30 men went forward from B Coy at C to reinforce a Coy of NORFOLKS at A. This coy was held up by Machine Gun fire from direction of DUKE Street & was unable to advance. STOKES Mortar Battery was asked to cooperate, but did not come into action. Later, heavy Artillery was asked to bombard this post. While awaiting this & the opportunity to advance, B & D Coys endeavoured to improve their cover under a hurricane bombardment. 6.30 P.M. ROYAL FUSILIERS on right, owing to heavy shell fire, retired and out line at K & H was slightly withdrawn to cover exposed flank. 7.0 P.M. B Coy received orders to retire to German Second Line trenches, leaving one platoon to hold line at A. A similar order was sent to D Coy but did not reach there and a second order was sent at 8.0 P.M. 9.0 P.M. C Coy tried to establish itself on East side of NORTH ST. but had to withdraw. They consolidated in touch with NORFOLKS & the SOUTH STAFFORDS of 2nd Division 28.7.'16 6 A.M. 1/D.C.L.I. & 1/E.SURREYS arrived & took over the line & the Battalion withdrew to POMMIERS Redoubt. 15th Infy. Bde. 1st Bedfords The Brigadier-General Commanding wishes to express to all ranks of the Brigade his great admiration at the magnificent manner in which they captured the Village of LONGUEVAL yesterday. To the 1st NORFOLK Regiment and the 1st BEDFORDSHIRE Regiment and some of the 16th ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Regiment, who were able to get into the enemy with the bayonet, he offers his heartiest congratulations. He knows it is what they have been waiting and wishing for many months. The 1st CHESHIRE Regiment made a most gallant and determined effort to reach their objective and failed through no fault of their own. The way in which the Troops behaved under the subsequent heavy bombardment was worthy of the best traditions of the British Army The Brigade captured 4 Officers and 159 other ranks 28/7/1916 Source www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1916appendices.html Walter Green………………………………........1st Norfolks Name: GREEN, WALTER Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: "B" Coy. 2nd Bn. Age: 33 Date of Death: 09/12/1915 Service No: 3/10638 Additional information: Son of Osborne Green, of Norwich; husband of Alice Maud Campbell (formerly Green), of 6, Peacock St., Norwich. Memorial: DOIRAN MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1649433 Note - different Battalion. No match on Norlink The 18 year old Walter, a Printers Labourer from Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 76 Silver Street, in the Parish of St James, Pockthorpe. This is the household of his brother-in-law, Jacob Sexton, (aged 31 and a Boot & Shoe Maker from Norwich.), and presumably his sister, Jacob’s wife, Rose Sexton, (aged 28 and from Norwich).. As well as four Sexton children, the household also contains Rose and Walter’s brother, Robert, (aged 21 and a Builder’s labourer from Norwich), and their father, Osborn Green, a 57 year old widowed Gas Works Labourer from Norwich. On the 1891 census, the 47 year “Osborne” was already a Widower, although described there as an Engine Driver at a Gas Works. The address is difficult to decipher, but looks like 8, Harwardson’s Yard, in the Parish of St Paul. Walter appears to have been baptised in the church of St James with Pockthorpe on the 15th March 1885. His birth date is given as 23rd July 1882. His parents are shown as “Osmond” and Martha. The father’s occupation is shown as Labourer. The family live at “Stewardsons” Yard. Note to self - I’m sure I’ve seen something like Hawardsons Yard down Magdalen Street - go and check. Not quite sure how Private Green ended up being commemorated on the Doiran. His unit was besieged in Kut in Iraq at this time if he was a 2nd Battalion man, or in the trenches on the Somme if he was a 1st Battalion man. Ernest Grimwood………………………………..7th Norfolks Name: GRIMWOOD, ERNEST JAMES Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn. Age: 18 Date of Death: 12/08/1916 Service No: 9675 Additional information: Son of Mrs. Annie Grimwood, of 5, Thoroughfare Yard, Magdalen St., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=787840 Brother of Robert below No match on Norlink The 2 year old Ernest is recorded on the 1901 census at 15 Handford Cut, Ipswich. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 31 and a Boot Machinist from Ipswich), and Annie, (aged 28 and from Ipswich). Their other children are:- Annie…………………….aged 4.……………….born Ipswich Horace…………………aged 7.…………………born Ipswich Robert…………………..aged 6.…………………born Ipswich William…………………aged 9.…………………born Ipswich Neither Ernest or Robert appear to be on the 1911 Census. Saturday 12th August 1916. Day 43 7th Norfolk Regt and 9th Essex Regt captured Skyline Trench. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p... (It must subsequently have been re-taken by the Germans. As the Oxs and Bucks Light Infantry seem to have sustained heavy casualties “taking” Skyline trench on the 14th and holding it against the subsequent counter-attacks until relieved. The 1st/1st Bucks Regiment also seemes to have been engaged in an attack to take the Skyline Trench on the 14/15th August) Robert Grimwood……………………………….8th Norfolks Name: GRIMWOOD, ROBERT Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn. Age: 20 Date of Death: 19/07/1916 Service No: 16154 Additional information: Son of Mrs Annie Grimwood, of 5, Thoroughfare Yard, Magdalen St., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=787844 Brother of Ernest above No match on Norlink See Ernest above for census details Wednesday 19th July 1916. Day 19 Delville Wood Fighting continued in Delville Wood all day. 53 Bde (18th Div) had been sent to reinforce 9th Div. 8th Norfolks attacked from south west of Longueval at 7am and occupied the southern part of Delville Wood. The 10th Essex, 6th Royal Berkshire Regt and 8th Suffolks were sent to the attack with little success. Source forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058 6th Royal Berkshire War Diary for the day 3.30AM - Bn arrived at S22d Valley. CO rejoined with orders which were read and explained. Bn ready to move off at 4AM. 5.14 - Norfolks report Zero time to be 6.15AM. 5.40 - Norfolks commence to move off towards LONGUEVAL which was over a mile off. Enemy shell road to LONGUEVAL with field guns. Long halts cause delay and congestion in road. 7.5 - No 13 Platoon D Coy Berks moves off as leading platoon of the Bn. Enemy shelling road heavily with guns of all calibre. Many casualties from shell fire. Norfolks not yet attacked though barrage lifted. 9.0 - Entrance to village reached. 9.49 - B9 stating Barrage will lift at 11AM received. 10.50 - BM12 " " " " 11AM by 50 yards a minute received. 11.40 - Norfolks report S portion of wood clear. Battn starts to move on to wood. 11.55 - Bn in position in S portion of wood and in touch with Essex on right but very weak owing to heavy losses from shell fire. MG opened fire on to the leading platoons of D Coy from the NW corner of the Southern half of wood. This gun had not been reported by Norfolks. NOON - CO arranged for rebombardment to start at 1pm for 30 minutes and for assault to take place after. 1pm - Heavies falling short among our own men. Shrapnel bursting short. 1.30pm - Barrage lifted. It was impossible to tell that a bombardment was on as the rate of fire was so slow and Coys had to be informed that it was time to attack. Germans brought heavy barrage on PRINCES ST line and opened with MGs on advancing troops. D Coy unable to advance owing to MG from a house somewhere on their left. C & B advanced about 150yds but suffered heavy casualties and were finally forced to drop back to the lines PRINCES ST where they started to dig in. 1.50 - Owing to heavy fire on working parties AC & B Coys forced to retire to original line - about 80 yds S of PRINCES ST. 2.15 - Coys ordered to consolidate on the line they hold. Bde calls for situation - reported verbally see back of message B729. 2,36 - Situation explained to Suffolks and Stokes Gun asked for but not received. 3.5 - Situation explained to Bde. MGs sent into the line proposed to hold. 4 guns under 2Lt Gilbert. 3.37 - Situation sent to Bde - work of consolidation of the line 120yds S of PRINCES ST complete. Efforts being made to deepen the line 40yds S of PRINCES ST. 4.10 - Preparations complete for further effort to advance on our left but owing to inability to get in touch with Suffolks on left advance was impossible. Reported to Brigade. 4.45 - Our heavies dropping short and causing casualties among our own men. Reported to Brigade. 5.30 - Situation reported to Brigade. 6.45 - Casualties reported to Brigade. 8.40 - Situation reported to Brigade. 9.40 - 2Lt GC Hollis arrived with details of arrangements for attack by RW Fus at dawn - circulated to other Battns for information. 9.50 - German counter attacked on left edge of wood and in the village - rifle and machine gun fire for ten minutes - attack apparently driven off. 10.40 - Details of new attack received from Bde. 10.45 - Details of change in dispositions received from Norfolks and arrangements made to comply with this. 10.50 - BM45 received from Bde and timed at 8.45pm. As Norfolks message was later and after conference with Essex it was decided to act on the Norfolks information. Wires to Brigade all broken. 11.50 - Heavy shelling by Germans. Source www.thewardrobe.org.uk/wardiary.php Jack Grigglestone……………………………….1st Norfolks Name: GRIGGLESTONE Initials: J Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 20/12/1914 Service No: 6361 Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 4. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=907979 No match on Norlink There is a 17 year old John Grigglestone on the 1901 census, who is listed at 7, Fishergate in the Parish of St Edmunds. John’s occupation is shown as “Soldier”. This is the household of his widowed mother, Mary Ann, (aged 38 and a Dressmaker from Norwich). Making up the household is her other son, William, aged 14 and a Boot Finisher from Yarmouth. There is also a 7 year old John, born Ballater, Scotland, who is listed at 49, Peacock Street, in the Parish of St Paul. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 45 and a Cabinet Makers Clerk, from Berr in Ireland), and Isabella, (aged 37 and from Fuchibridge in Scotland). Their other children are:- Geoffrey……………………aged 1.……………………born Norwich Henry P…………………….aged 10.…………………born Tricomalee, Ceylon Isabella……………………..aged 3.…………………..born Norwich William…………………….aged 5.…………………..born Ballater, Scotland On the 1911 census, the individual who was a soldier now appears to be listed as a “Jack”. There is no trace of the younger John. Battalion War Diary 17/12/14-28/12/14 Relieved DCLI at MESSINES. Very bad, wet approach 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t... *There is no reference to any casualties during this period. While fellow Brigade unit the 1st Cheshire’s records no action, there is this in the War diary of the 1st Bedfords, another Brigade Unit. 20 Dec 1914 Heavy bombardment of enemy's trenches, to cooperate with attack from other parts of our line, during yesterday, & to a lesser extent today. Enemy did not respond with much rifle fire, but shelled our trenches. About 12 yards of our front trench blown in by heavy explosive shell, & machine gun damaged. 2 men killed, 2 wounded by 'snipers'. Source: www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1914diary.html William G Guyton………………………………3rd Lincs Name: GUYTON, WILLIAM GEORGE Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Lincolnshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 24 Date of Death: 22/10/1915 Service No: 15599 Grave/Memorial Reference: I. 9. Cemetery: DIVISIONAL CEMETERY CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=93259 Note - different Battalion No match on Norlink The 1911 census has a William Guyton, born circa 1891 in Norwich and still resident there.. However, this individual doesn’t appear to be on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 census for England & Wales., and he was probably just to young to have made the 1891 census. Bit of background on the family name can be found here guyton.co.uk/Page_8.html Robert Hawes……………………………….......Royal Engineers Most likely Name: HAWES Initials: R P Rank: Pioneer Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers Unit Text: 126th Field Coy. Date of Death: 17/09/1916 Service No: 84676 Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. D. 61. Cemetery: HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=271203 The Great War Roll of Honour confirms that Pioneer Hawes is a Robert P. There are several possible Robert’s with a Norwich connection on both the 1901 and 1911 census, but none are down as a Robert P. and there is nothing currently in the most likely searches of the Baptismal records - (baptised Norwich, date range 1881 - 1901, surname Hawes). No match on Norlink The 126th Field Company were attached to the 21st Division and supported the brigades of that Division in the attacks and counter-attacks at Fler-Courcelette during the period 15th - 22nd July. Source www.reubique.com/126fc.htm www.firstworldwar.com/battles/flers.htm www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_flers_courcelette.html Alfred Walter Jay……………………………….Australian Infantry Force Name: JAY, ALFRED WALTER Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Unit Text: 50th Bn. Age: 23 Date of Death: 26/09/1917 Service No: 3421 Additional information: Son of Walter and Eliza Jay, of 8, Peacock St., Norwich, England. Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 7 - 17 - 23 - 25 - 27 - 29 - 31. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=924472 No match on Norlink The 8 year old Alfred, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 46 Peacock Street, in the Parish of St Saviours. This is the household of his parents, Walter, (aged 37 and a Bricklayers Labourer from Norwich), and Eliza, (aged 30 and from Norwich). Alfred was baptised in St Clements on the 18th September 1892. His parents were listed as Walter, a labourer by trade, and Eliza. No date of birth is listed. The family were living at Peacock Street. The Army Records can be seen on line at the Australian National Archive naa12.naa.gov.au/NameSearch/Interface/ItemDetail.aspx?Bar... naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/Imagine.asp?B=7372245 Alfred Walter Jay, a seamen by trade, enlisted at Adelaide, South Australia on the 26th January 1917 as part of the ninth re-enforcements of the 50th Battalion. He gave his age as 25th, his birthplace as Norwich in the UK, and his next of kin as his mother, Eliza Jay, of no 8, Peacock Street, Norwich. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 150lbs, with brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion. His distinctive marks include tattoo’s on both upper arms. He embarked at Adelaide on the 10th February 1917, on HMAT “Seeang Bee”, arriving at Devonport on the 2nd May. The same day he “marched in from Australia” to the 13th Training Battalion at Codford . By the 6th August he was dispatched to France for his final training. On the 7th September he was marched out to his unit, who record him as being taken on strength on the 10th. On the 26th he is recorded as being killed in action. His records note that he was buried half a mile west of Westhoek - (the grave must have been destroyed in subsequent fighting as he is now commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial. In his will, in which he bequeaths everything to his mother, he lists his Australian bank account, so it doesn’t look as if he was a seaman stranded in Australia. The records include a receipt signed by Eliza Jay for his personal effects. Early in 1917, the battalion participated in the advance that followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and attacked at Noreuil on 2 April. For his actions at Noreuil Private Joergen Jensen was awarded the Victoria Cross. Later that year, the focus of AIF operations moved to the Ypres sector in Belgium. There the battalion was involved in the battle of Messines between 7 and 12 June and the battle of Polygon Wood on 26 September. Another winter of trench routine followed. Source : www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11237.asp 50th Battalion War Diary One of the appendices of the War Diary for September 1917 is the Commanding Officer’s report on the Battalions actions from 22nd to 27th September on ridge S E of Zonnebecke. On the 22nd Sept the Bn was billeted in Canal area. Prior to moving forward packs and all baggage were dumped, all ranks being then ready to move wearing “Fighting Order”. From the Canal area, routes forward to YPRES and WESTHOEK were reconnoitred by Officers and N.C.O’s of all Coys. A red stripe was painted on the back of Steel Helmet for 50th Bn, attacking Red Line and Blue for 49th and 51st Bn attacking Blue Line. The Bn move to YPRES on the 23rd September 1917. Two bombs, extra 100 rounds S.A.A & 4 sandbags per man, also 80 picks and 80 shovels were issued to each company. At 6.30 pm the Bn left for WESTHOEK & relieved the 52nd Bn, relief being completed by 10.20 pm, the 52nd Bn moving forward & taking over front Line. On 24th Sept. routes from WESTHOEK to Front Line were reconnoitred by all officers, number of NCO, scouts and runners. Ground to be captured was well looked over & valuable information given by 52nd Bn officers. On 25th Sept, Orders for attack were issued. Bn was given a 540 yard Frontage and had to attack to a depth of 750 yards. Task being to capture first objective, “RED LINE”, 49th & 51st Bn. then moving through to their Objective, “BLUE LINE”, 300 yards in advance of RED LINE. Attack was carried out on four lines, each Coy in 100 YDS frontage. Order of battle being from right to left, - “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” Coys. Total number taking part in attack being 19(?) officers, 530 Other Ranks. An extra water bottle and two days preserved rations were issued at 9 p.m on 25th Sept. Casualties to midnight on 25th Sept. 14 O.R. killed, 1 Off 15 O.R wounded. 26th September 1917. Bn left WESTHOEK 1 am moving by platoons in single file 100 Yds interval between Platoons to front line and were formed up on tape ready to attack by 4.30 am. Zero was at 5.50 am. To this time there were no casualties. Moving to position of assembly and forming on the tape were well done. Bn had a good start for the attack. On advancing under barrage troops in a few instances moved to close and casualties were sustained a few also being by short shooting of some batteries. Barrage generally was very good. Troops gained objective at 6.50 am, very few casualties to this time had been caused. With a few exceptions no general resistance was met with. Germans surrendering very freely, one party of enemy only holding a group of four concrete dugouts causing most trouble, but were cleared up by previously detailed mopping-up party. 2 M.G’s, 3M.T.M’s & 15 enemy being captured from these dugouts. Mopping up did not cause much trouble, dugouts and all other likely places were bombed. Mopping up platoons of all Coys reported mopping up completed & rejoined their Coys about 10 minutes after objective had been reached. Direction was easily maintained, connecting files between Head of Column being of assistance beside direction being maintained from left Flank. 4th Bde. The Bn.guiding section was also of assistance. Consolidation was not difficult, digging was easy though wet & not much trouble was caused by enemy shelling., M.G’s or snipers. The Bn dug in by establishing a series of posts which were afterwards connected up making an almost a continuous trench of an average depth of 6ft, sandbags being used for making fire steps. Strong posts were constructed one on each flank, Left flank being covered by 3 Vickers, 2 T.M’s, Right Flank by 1 T.M. Retaliation on front line was not heavy until about a hour & a half after zero hour when RED LINE and area behind was fired on continuously by 5.9’s and 4.8’s and indirect M G fire. Snipers & M G fire by this time Had become very consistent, and were causing a great deal of trouble to Front Line and Support Line. As this Bn was holding RED LINE nothing very definite can be said, although counter-attacks were made on both flanks and S.O.S signals being sent up. Our artillery response was almost immediate. Although effect of M.G. barrage could not be observed the barrage was very thick, well maintained, and sounded good. All communications from front line to rear were done by runner, it being not practicable to use & maintain telephonic communication. Visual work was attempted but owing to no suitable cover it was impossible to work through from front line. Communication to aeroplane from front line was done by lighting RED FLARES 20 minutes after objective had been gained. From Battalion H.Qrs to Bde the communication was mostly maintained by telephone, runners being used on special occasions. Two messages were dispatched from same place & time to same destination, one by pigeon and one by telephone. Phone message arrived two minutes before pigeon. This was the only message sent by pigeon. R.A.P was established really too far away from the objective but owing to lack of suitable accomodation this was unavoidable, consequently long carries were necessary making evacuation of wounded slow & giving much extra work to Regimental StretcherBearers. It is thought than an improvement in the medical arrangements would have been an addition of bearers from a Field Ambulance. The Battalion was relieved by Coys from Battalions of 49th and 51st on the morning of 27th September 1917, relief being completed by 5.50 am. The 50th Bn then moved to old front line, being relieved from there by 46th Bn at 10 pm on 27th Sept.1917. Counter attack was attempted at 6.45 pm on this night. Attack was evidently made on a broad frontage, S.O.S signals going up from our two flanks. No S.O.S was fired from the Bde frontage and enemy was not seen on our front. Our artillery S.O.S barrage was most intense and presumably attack did not develop but was dispersed by artillery. Total Casualties from operations 4 Officers 174 Other ranks Killed 35 Other Ranks Wounded 4 Officers 139 Other Ranks. Source: www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/AWM4/23/AWM4-23-67-15.pdf Wednesday 26th September 1917 - Day 52 Rainfall 0.5mm Today marks the start of the Battle for Polygon Wood, lasting until 3rd October. Zero Hour was 5.50 am. 4th Australian Div The Australians attacked at 6.45 am almost an hour after Zero Hour. Whether this was planned or not I don’t know. 13 Bde 13 Bde attacked with the 50th Bn, supported by 49th and 51st Bns. On their way to the Green Line the 50th captured 2 machine guns and 19 prisoners. They then advanced to the Blue Line . 51st Bn moved up and captured the Brick Yard in Zonnebeke, in touch with 3rd Div. At 4 pm and 6 pm , German troops massing for a counterattack were dispersed with artillery. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&... www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8080/showPerson?pid=152718 William Henry Jewson (Major)…………………4th Norfolks Name: JEWSON, WILLIAM HENRY Rank: Major Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 4th Bn. Age: 42 Date of Death: 19/04/1917 Additional information: Son of George and Mary Jewson, of Tower House, Bracondale, Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Panels 12 to 15. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1645790 There is a picture of Major Jewson on Norlink norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn... The accompanying notes read:- Major Jewson was the eldest son of Alderman George Jewson of Norwich. He was killed in action 18th April 1917 (Note - this date is different to CWGC by a day) The 1911 census has a Henry Jewson, born Tombland Norwich and recorded in Norwich, born circa 1876. The same individual doesn’t appear to be on the 1901 or 1891 or 1881 census. On the 1901 census his parents are listed at 10 Cotman Road, Thorpe St Andrews. His father George is a timber merchant from Hertfordshire, his mother Mary. J from Norwich. The Jewsons have these children living with them:- Dorothea………………..aged 16.………………..born Norwich John C…………………..aged 11.………………..born Norwich Kathleen S T……………aged 13.………………..born Norwich As well as two live in servants. Which raises the question of where was Henry. If he was at boarding school, was it outside England and Wales, and why send a child away at the age of 4/5. If the Jewson’s had their children public school educated, why was John at home. Oh the joys of the internet - some of the missing period is accounted for by the Roll of Honour site for the former pupils of The Leys School, Cambridge. Jewson was born in 1876. Son of George and Mary Jewson, of Tower House, Bracondale, Norwich. He came to The Leys in 1891 at the age of 15 and went into School House. On leaving school, Jewson worked for the family timber business in Norwich and was well known for his religious and philanthropic commitments. He founded and led a Boys Brigade Company and held a commission in the Territorial Army. At the outbreak of war, Jewson re-joined the Norfolk Regiment, serving with distinction in the Dardanelles, Egypt and Palestine. He was killed in action during the Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917. He was aged 42 and had reached the rank of Major. Source: www.roll-of-honour.com/Cambridgeshire/CambridgeLeysSchool... The history of the 1/4th and 1/5th Territorial Battalions in the Great War is so closely connected that it is possible and desirable to avoid repetition by dealing with both in the same section. They were together in the same brigade during the whole of the operations in which they took part in Gallipoli, Egypt, and Palestine, and even for a few days were amalgamated in a composite battalion. The order for mobilization reached both battalions on the evening of August 4, 1914, a few hours before the formal declaration of war. Next morning the 1/4th Battalion assembled at the Drill Hall in Chapel Field, Norwich, and was billeted in the City of Norwich Schools on the Newmarket Road.On August 11th, the 1/4th Battalion left by special train for Ingatestone in Essex. Listed amongst its officers at the time of mobilisation was Captain W H Jewson. Source: user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm 19th April 1917 During the 2nd Battle of Gaza, Facing the Tank Redoubt was the 161st Brigade of the 54th Division. To their right were the two Australian battalions (1st and 3rd) of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade who had dismounted about 4,000 yards from their objective. As the infantry went in to attack at 7.30am they were joined by a single tank called "The Nutty" which attracted a lot of shell fire. The tank followed a wayward path towards the redoubt on the summit of a knoll where it was fired on point blank by four field guns until it was stopped and set alight in the middle of the position. The infantry and the 1st Camel Battalion, having suffered heavy casualties on their approach, now made a bayonet charge against the trenches. About 30 "Camels" and 20 of the British infantry (soldiers of the 5th (territorial Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment) reached the redoubt, then occupied by around 600 Turks who immediately broke and fled towards their second line of defences to the rear. The British and Australians held on unsupported for about two hours by which time most had been wounded. With no reinforcements at hand and a Turkish counter-attack imminent, the survivors endeavoured to escape back to their own lines. To the right (west) of Tank Redoubt, the 3rd Camel Battalion, advancing in the gap between two redoubts, actually made the furthest advance of the battle, crossing the Gaza-Beersheba Road and occupying a pair of low hills (dubbed "Jack" and "Jill"). As the advances on their flanks faltered, the "Camels" were forced to retreat to avoid being isolated. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza More than a thousand one hundred of the men of the 54th posted killed wounded or missing were from the two Norfolk regiment battalions, equating to 75% of their strength. Eastern Daily Press "Sunday" section May 5, 2007 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza John King……………………………….............1st Lincs Name: KING, JOHN Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Lincolnshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 19 Date of Death: 09/06/1918 Service No: 51970 Additional information: Son of E. Charles and Matilda King, of 11, Long's Yard, Fishergate, Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: XVII. F. 17. Cemetery: TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4026031 The first rest camps for Commonwealth forces were established near Terlincthun in August 1914 and during the whole of the First World War, Boulogne and Wimereux housed numerous hospitals and other medical establishments. The cemetery at Terlincthun was begun in June 1918 when the space available for service burials in the civil cemeteries of Boulogne and Wimereux was exhausted. It was used chiefly for burials from the base hospitals, but Plot IV Row C contains the graves of 46 RAF personnel killed at Marquise in September 1918 in a bombing raid by German aircraft. In July 1920, the cemetery contained more than 3,300 burials, but for many years Terlincthun remained an 'open' cemetery and graves continued to be brought into it from isolated sites and other burials grounds throughout France where maintenance could not be assured. CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=202753... No match on Norlink The 1 year old John, born Wroxham, is recorded on the 1901 census at 5, Baileys Yard, Norwich, in the Parish of St Pauls. This is the household of his parents, Edward Chas, (aged 27 and a basket maker from Limpenhoe, Norfolk), and Matilda, (aged 22 and from Stalham). The Kings also have a daughter, Annie Lama, aged 3 and born Belaugh. The 1st Lincs were part of the 21st Division. According to the Regimental Warpath web-site, the Division includes amongst its battle honours Battle of the Aisne. 27 May-7 Jun 1918, including the attack on Bligny and Bois des Buttes. www.warpath.orbat.com/divs/21_div.htm The German attack succeeded in pushing the Allies across the Aisne and down as far as the Marne at Chateau Thierry, capturing the towns of Soissons and La Fere-en-Tardenois as they did so. www.1914-1918.net/bat24.htm Absolutely fascinating thread here about the battle, although 1st Lincs only get mentioned in passing 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44335 By late May the battalion was holding positions in the Romigny sector when it was warned at 8:00pm on the 26th to expect a German assault the following morning. For the next three days the 1st Lincolns withheld repeated attacks by large numbers of German troops. When the battalion was ordered to fall back on the 29th at 7:00pm only 8 officers and 42 men remained unwounded and with the battalion Source: www.21stdivision1914-18.org/georgewilliamboyall.htm Arthur Leeste……………………………….......2/4th Norfolks No surname Leeste or Leest or Leste on the CWGC database No Leeste on the Great War Roll of Honour No match on Norlink No match for this surname on the 1901 or 1911 census or common variants. There is a surname Least, but they seem to live almost entirely in the North East. 2/4th Battalion Formed in Norwich in September 1914 as a Second Line Battalion. Disbanded in UK in June 1918. www.1914-1918.net/norfolks.htm

Circa 1920. Part of the honour roll survives in the former rectory (now used for Church administration) at Gosford.

From the collection of Bendigo Military Museum. Conditions of Use: All rights reserved. Please refer to source page for full media reuse details.

Photo of the D Company, 2nd Bn. The Royal King's Rifle Corps winners of the 3rd prize, Evelyn Wood Competition 1925 & 1926, the photo has been stuck on a cardboard backing and was to large to scan so I took a photo of it, it's a great group photo of the Battalion taken in 1926.

A two-minute silence is held to mark the anniversary of the end of WWI.

Robert Kitchener Downs

Apparently part of being an unkillable death machine requires having a manly 'stache.

The village of Hooge is about two miles east of Ypres. The front line was here in 1914 and there was fierce fighting in the area over the next three years, during which the village was totally destroyed. Hooge crater can still be seen, and there is an excellent museum here too

Y Pln B Coy KRRC at Mena Cairo after Sidi Resegh Libya Auks Offensive Nov 41

The Duke of Connaught inspecting troops, France, during World War I. HRH Arthur the Duke of Connaught (1850-1942) is walking along a line of troops during an inspection. Other senior officers walk on his right. The troops are a battalion of the King's Royal Rifle Corps. During World War I, this regiment had 22 battalions in action, mostly at the Western Front. The Duke of Connaught was the seventh child of Queen Victoria and had served as Governor-General of Canada from 1910-1916. From 1916 he was in the military and often represented the Royal Family in this type of official capacity. [Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. Duke of Connaught in France. Inspecting a Battalion of King's Royal Rifles.'] digital.nls.uk/74548870

MRS. MARY COUCHMAN, twenty-four-year-old warden in a small Kentish village, sat smoking a cigarette in the wardens' post. She was resting between warnings. Suddenly the sirens sounded again. She saw her little boy, with two friends, playing some distance away. The cigarette still in her hand, Mrs. Couchman ran out of the post. Bombs began ...continue reading →

Eustace George Walter BOURKE Rank: Captain Date of Death: 16/06/1915 Age: 27 Regiment/Service: (Adjt.) 9th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps Grave Reference: Enclosure No.2 V. B. 30. Cemetery: BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY Additional Information: Son of Walter Longley Bourke (now 8th Earl of Mayo) and the late Ethel Kathleen Jane Freeman his wife, of Monycrower, Maidenhead, Berks. www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/483057/BOURKE,%20EUST... THE LONDON GAZETTE, FEBRUARY 5, 1909 War Office, Whitehall, . 5th February, 1909. The undermentioned Gentlemen Cadets, from the Royal Military College, to be Second Lieutenants. Dated 6th February, 1909 :— The King's Royal Rifle Corps Eustace George Walter Bourke, in succession to Lieutenant L. G. Moore, seconded. www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28221/pages/949/page.pdf Capt Eustace George Walter Bourke, ADC to the Governor General of South Africa (b. 24 Jun 1888; killed in action in France 16 Jun 1915) www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/index405.htm Mayo Peace Park www.mayopeacepark.ie/the_wall/wall1.html

Canadians identify with the First World War - it's part of our identity. But with the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge approaching, many no longer know the details of this devastating war.

Looking at local and family history, war memorials Covering Birmingham, Solihull, West Midlands and Warwickshire including churches and old photograph

Evelyn Maxwell Webb was born in London in December 1896, the only son of Walter and Annie Georgina Webb of Malquoits in Ewhurst, Surrey. He was educated at Eton before attending Sandhurst and gaining a commission in the King's Royal Rifle Corps on 11th November 1914. Evelyn went to France to join the 3rd Battalion on 26th January 1915, and was wounded in action near Ypres on 25th May 1915. Following treatment and convalescence in England he returned to France to join the 2nd Battalion in April 1916. The battalion moved south to join the Battle of the Somme in the first weeks of July 1916, first entering the front lines on the 18th. On the night of 23rd July 1916 the 2nd Bn KRRC attacked the German Switch Line in front of Martinpuch (the same line that had been attacked by Capt G B Parnell and the men of 1st Bn Queens on the 15th July, see www.flickr.com/photos/andybailey/13668579334/). Capt Webb was one of he men killed in the action, his body was not recovered after the action. He is commemorated on the Ewhurst War Memorial, Surrey. For more information see www.ewhurstfallen.co.uk/men-research/webb/webb.htm

Apparently part of being an unkillable death machine requires having a manly 'stache.