Bungay - The Great War - Side 1

With a very big acknowledgement to the Roll of Honour site

 

The Bungay memorial is adjacent to the main road just outside St Mary's Church (now disused) and takes the form of a Celtic cross with a tapering shaft on a plinth mounted on a two-stepped base; there are 101 names for World War 1 and 37 for World War 2. It was unveiled on 13th November 1921 by E H Wightman; the architects were Messrs Alec MacDonald & Co. Details of the unveiling can be found in the East Anglian Daily Times 15th November 1921. Inside the church are two plaques: (a) a 1914/18 plaque that lists just those men from the parish of St Mary's (entries noted with "(a)" in the list below) and (b) a 1939/45 plaque listing those "associated" with Bungay detailing unit and place/date of death (details included in 2nd table below).

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN PROUD AND THANKFUL

REMEMBRANCE OF THE OFFICERS AND MEN FROM THE

PARISH OF BUNGAY WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR KING AND

COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR, 1914 - 1919.

THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/Bungay.html

 

Private A Aldridge...................................................

No details on Roll of Honour.

 

Probably

Name: ALDRIDGE, ALBERT ALFRED

Rank: Private Regiment: Suffolk Regiment,: 11th Bn.

Age: 20 Date of Death: 09/06/1917 Service No: 43413

Additional information: Son of Walter and Minnie Aldridge, of Bungay, Suffolk. Grave Reference: IV. H. 19. Cemetery: FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY, ARRAS

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=283322

 

1901 Census

 

Albert Aldridge, aged 4 was living at Stratton Lane, Stratton St Michael, with his parents Walter, (aged 29 Carter on farm) and Minnie (aged 28), as well as siblings Lily, (aged 6), and Frederick (aged 2)

 

No match on Norlink

 

The Battle Of Arras had petered out into a stalemate by the end of May. The 11th Battalion had suffered heavy casualties in earlier parts of the battle.

www.curme.co.uk/april.htm#Arras

 

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Private H Atkins

 

Possibly

Name: ATKINS Initials: H

Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 25/05/1918 Service No: 7546

Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 2. Row F. Grave 5. Cemetery: TANNAY BRITISH CEMETERY, THIENNES

 

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=68922

 

The German offensive of April 1918 pushed the front line back almost as far as St Venant in this sector and this was one of the cemeteries made for Commonwealth burials arising from fighting in the area. Tannay British Cemetery was begun in April 1918 by the 13th Field Ambulance and used until August, most of the burials being carried out by the 5th Division and 61st (South Midland) Division.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=6603&a...

 

1901 Census lists a Harry Atkins, aged 11, living at Boyscott Lane, Bungay with his parents, George, (aged 42 a Tank Waggon Driver) and Rose, (aged 42), along with siblings:-

 

Charles………….aged 13

Florrie…………..aged 7

George………….aged 4

Lucy……………aged 9

William…………aged 6

 

No match on Norlink

 

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Lt Edgar George Baldry Army Pay Department. Died 12th December 1918. Aged 41. Buried in the North-West corner of ST PETER CHURCHYARD, HEDENHAM, Norfolk (RoH)

 

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802943

 

No match on Norlink

 

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Private F Barber - no information on RoH

 

1901 Census has a F A Barber aged 5, living in the Parish of Bungay Holy Trinity, with his widowed father Isaac, (aged 28, Labourer) and siblings I W, (male, aged 7), and Lilian aged 2.

Also living with them was Isaacs 13 year old niece, Maud Knights.

 

Update March 2016 My original “guesses” as to the identity of this man can can now be discounted. A more likely match on the CWGC site is:-

BARBER, F

Rank:……………….Private

Service No:…………12899

Date of Death:……...28/03/1915

Age:…………………32

Regiment:…………..Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Bn.

Grave Reference:……B. 15.

Cemetery:

SUFFOLK CEMETERY, VIERSTRAAT

Additional Information:

Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Barber, of St. Lawrence, Bungay.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/455893/BARBER,%20F

 

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private 12899 Frederick Barber was Killed in Action on the 28th March 1915 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He was born Ilketshall, Suffolk and enlisted Ipswich.

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

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Private G Barber on RoH – no further information (checked picture - looks more like C)

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

No obvious match on CWGC or the 1901 Census.for G.

No obvious match on the 1901 Census for C.

 

Possibly

 

Name: BARBER, CHARLES

Rank: Second Hand Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Reserve Unit Text: H.M. Drifter "Violet May."

Age: 30 Date of Death: 15/02/1918 Service No: 1084/SA

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Barber; husband of Dora May Barber, of 47, London Rd., Lowestoft. Born at Lowestoft.

Grave/Memorial Reference: 14. 39. Cemetery: LOWESTOFT (BECCLES ROAD) CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=397546

 

However there are numerous Private C Barber’s on the CWGC database and a significant number have no additional info about family or residence\birth place.

 

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Private George Bedingfield 9224, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 15th April 1918. Born Bungay, enlisted King's Lynn, Norfolk. (RoH)

 

Name: BEDINGFIELD, GEORGE HENRY

Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 9th Bn.

Age: 23 Date of Death: 15/04/1918 Service No: 9224

Additional information: Son of George and Eliza Ann Bedingfield, of Three Ashes, Bungay, Suffolk.

Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. TYNE COT MEMORIAL

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=844517

 

No match on Norlink

 

George is also mentioned on the Heacham War Memorial. The RoH entry for that states he enlisted at Kings Lynn.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Heacham.html

 

The 1901 Census has a George Bedingfield, aged 5, living at Three Ash Corner, Bungay, in the household of his father, George, (age 45 and a journeyman carpenter), and Eliza, (aged 39), along with siblings Alice, (aged 11), Daniel, (aged 8), Dorothy, (aged 2), Gertrude, (aged 9), Jessie, (aged 2), Joyce, (under 1), Minnie, (aged 14) and Olive, (aged 6)

 

The 9th were moved to the Ypres salient on April 1st 1918 and moved to Dranoute on the 14th.

 

" Next day D and A companies were in front line, C in support and B in reserve. Arrangements had been made for C to counter attack if necessary but it's losses owing to the continuous heavy bombardment commencing at noon on the 15th necessitated B taking it's place as the counter attack force. At 2.30pm on the 15th the enemy advanced and by 3pm had gained a foothold in the front trenches. From these he was once again driven out by B company. Although B held the line and formed a defensive flank they were eventually themselves driven out due to their exposed position.

 

Line was then formed along the railway with the Ist Leicesters on their left at Clapham Junction. At 10.30pm they were moved back behind Mt Kemmel before being pulled out of line on the 18th.

 

This was after the 9th had been badly cut up a month before holding the massive German onslaught of the 21st March. Here they had fought a strong rearguard action before being moved out of line to for a refit in Sixte near Proven on the 26th.

 

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

 

A search engine on the CWGC web-site has 106 casualties for the 9th battalion on this day.

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(2nd) Lt Reginald Boydon Bray 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 23rd October 1918. Aged 31. Son of J. and A. Bray, of Great Yarmouth; husband of Alice Mary Bray, of 85, St. George's Rd., Great Yarmouth. Buried in HIGHLAND CEMETERY, LE CATEAU, Nord, France. Plot IV. Row D. Grave 6. (RoH)

 

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=39738

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1901 Census has Reginald , aged 13, living at 43 St Peters Road, Great Yarmouth with his parents, Jas F W, (aged 50 and a Builder), and Annie E, (aged 42,and a “Fancy Dealer”) as well as siblings Dorothy H, (under 1), Hubert E, (aged 12), Louis J (aged 15), and William H (aged 4). The Bray’s had two live in servants, Rachel Greenacre and Violet Reece.

 

Early on 23 October Haig launched a night attack with all three of his British armies, the First, Second and Fourth. This time the British advanced six miles in two days. The British were now twenty miles behind the rear line of the Hindenburg Line, and the Germans were on the back foot. They formed another new line between Valenciennes and the Sambre, but that line was penetrated on 4 November (battle of the Sambre), after which the speed of the Allied advance increased. The British advanced as far between 4-11 November as they had between 27 September and 3 November, and as the war ended the Canadians liberated Mons.

www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_selle.html

 

The 6th Division of which the 9th Norfolks were part took part in the action on the 23rd October, known as the Battle of the Selle.

 

Reginald was one of 11 9th Battalion fatalities on this day.

 

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Private Harry Percy Brighton PW 4872, 18th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 30th July 1916. Born Bungay, enlisted Bury St Edmund's. (RoH)

 

The 18th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment was a Pioneer Battalion.

www.1914-1918.net/msex.htm

 

The 1901 Census has a Harry P Brighton, aged 17 and a bricklayer, living at Castle Orchard, Bungay in the household of his parents, James, (aged 55 and a Bricklayer) and Eleanor, (aged 54) as well as siblings Arthur, (aged 21 and a bricklayer) and George, (aged 26 and a shoemaker). Also resident is James & Eleanor’s grand-daughter, Nellie, (aged 8), and a visitor, Edith Laws, (aged 26, Living of own means, and from Norwich).

 

It would make some sense that a Bricklayer in his 30’s would have been of more use in a Pioneer unit, but logic seldom has much of a role where the armed forces are concerned, in my limited experience.

 

Update March 206

 

BRIGHTON, HARRY PERCY

Rank:……………………Private

Service No:……………..PW/4872

Date of Death:………….30/07/1916

Age:……………………..32

Regiment:………………Middlesex Regiment, 18th Bn.

Panel Reference:……….Addenda Panel

Memorial:………………THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

Additional Information:

Son of James and Eleanor Brighton, of Bungay, Suffolk.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/75229071/BRIGHTON,%20...

 

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private P.W.4872 Harry Percy Brighton was Killed in Action on the 30th July 1916 whilst serving with the 18th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment). He was born Bungay, Suffolk and enlisted Bury St Edmunds. No place of residence is shown.

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

See also comment below from 2011.

 

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Leading Stoker George Butcher.K/10511, H M S. "Natal", Royal Navy. Died 30th December 1915. Aged 23. Son of George and Mary Butcher, of 1, Southend Rd., Bungay. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 11. (RoH)

 

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4003754

 

No match on Norlink

 

On the 30th December 1915 Natal was lying in the Cromarty Firth with her squadron, under the command of Captain Eric Back RN. Shortly after 3.20pm, and without warning, a series of violent explosions tore through the ship. She capsized five minutes later. The most probable explanation was that a fire had broken out, possibly due to faulty cordite, that ignited a magazine.[3] The exact number of casualties is still debated, and ranges from 390, up to 421. Some were killed in the immediate explosions, others drowned as the ship capsized, or succumbed to the freezing water of the Cromarty Firth. Most of the bodies which were recovered from the sea were interred in Rosskeen Churchyard, Invergordon. A small number of casualties were interred in the Gaelic Chapel graveyard in Cromarty.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Natal_(1905)

 

As George is commemorated on the Chatham memorial, it would appear his body was never recovered.

 

The 1901 Census has George, aged 8, living in Upper Ollands Street in the household of his parents - George, (aged 40 and a stockman on farm) and Mary, (aged 36) along with siblings Agnes, (aged 8), Annie, (aged 4), Charlotte, (aged 14), Jennie, (aged 6) “Margat Md”, (aged 3). Maud, (aged 12) and Nelson J. (aged 1). Also resident was George’s grandfather, Samuel, (a widower, aged 71 and described as an Agricultural Labourer)

 

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Lance Corporal Robert (James) Calver Private 328395, 1st (Reserve) Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died 11th December 1917. Aged 31. Buried in the far left corner of the old burial ground BUNGAY CEMETERY, Bungay, Suffolk. (RoH)

 

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=397103

 

No match on Norlink

 

There are no clear matches on the 1901 Census. There is one Robert Calver, aged 17, who was born in Norwich and who is now a Private in the Militia, in Barracks at Colchester.

A second Robert Calver is aged 16, and is a farm labourer who was born and is still resident at Ickworth in Suffolk.

 

There is then a James Calver, aged 14, who works as a Wine merchants errand boy. He was born in Bury St Edmunds, and still resident there. He lives in the household of a family with the surname Nunn, although his relation ship to the head of the household is shown as Son.

 

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Trooper Percy Chase. Private 1894, Special Cavalry Reserve, 1st King Edward's Horse. Killed in action 9th April 1918. Born and enlisted Bungay. (RoH)

 

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=729589

 

No match on Norlink

 

The Battle of the Lys (also known as the Lys Offensive, the Battle of Estaires, the Fourth Battle of Ypres and as the Batalha de La Lys in Portugal) was part of the 1918 German offensive in Flanders during the World War I (also know as the Spring Offensive), originally planned by General Ludendorff as Operation George but scaled back to become Operation Georgette, with the objective of capturing Ypres. Starting on April 9, 1918, the battle lasted until April 29.The attack was similar in planning, execution and effects, although with smaller dimensions, to the earlier Michael operation, also from the Spring Offensive

 

The front line was defended by two Portuguese divisions, with lack of men and without near half of its officers, had very low morale and were set to be replaced the day of the German attack.

The German attack was able to smash through those Portuguese divisions and emergency British troops, the 1st battalion, King Edward's Horse and the 11th Cyclist Battalion. Although they captured some land, German forces were ultimately brought to a halt by Australian, French and British divisions. By April 29 Ludendorff ceased Georgette operations.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Estaires

 

The 1901 Census has Percy Chase, aged 16 and a Corn Merchants Clerk, living a Trinity Street, Bungay in the household of his widowed mother, Sarah, (aged 60 and a Butcher) along with siblings Bell (aged 25), Bessie, (aged 27), Herbert, (aged 24 and a Butcher), Louie, (aged 19 and a Book-keeper) and Teddie, (aged 18 and a Draper’s assistant). There are also two live in servants and a boarder. Sarah and the older children come from Hanley, Staffordshire, Louie is from London, her brother Teddie was born at Mettingham in Suffolk, and only Percy was born in Bungay.

 

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Trooper Charles Chatten. Private 3742, 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars. Killed in action 13th MAy 1915. Born and resident Bungay, enlisted Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. (RoH)

 

Name: CHATTEN, CHARLES

Rank: Private Regiment: 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars

Age: 34 Date of Death: 13/05/1915 Service No: 3742

Additional information: Son of Robert and Maria Chatten, husband of Harriet Kent (formerly Chatten), of Boycott Lane, Bungay, Suffolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 5. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1606468

 

No match on Norlink

 

Charles place in the Bungay branch of the Chatten family tree can be seen here:-

www.ukchattens.net/228.htm

 

The 10th Royal Hussars returned to England from India in 1914 an were promptly sent to Ostend as part of the 6th cavalry Brigade, 3rd cavalry Division in October of that year. As well as their role of cavalry each of the three cavalry Regiments in the Brigade provided one company to fight as infantry in the trenches. During the war the Regiment fought at the second battle of Ypres and Loos in 1915, the Somme offensive in 1916, as well as fighting at Collezy and the capture of the Drocourt-Queant line in 1918.

website.lineone.net/~royal.hussar/10hwars.htm

 

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Private Alfred Clarke. Private 43467, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 15th April 1918. Born Bungay, enlisted North Walsham, Norfolk. (RoH)

 

Name: CLARKE, ALFRED ERNEST

Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 9th Bn.

Age: 25 Date of Death: 15/04/1918 Service No: 43467

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Clarke, of 29, Staithe Rd., Bungay, Suffolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1628865

 

No match on Norlink

 

SeeGeorge Bedingfield above who died on the same day.

 

On the 1901 Census a 7 year old Alfred Clarke is living at Meeting House Lane, Bungay with his parents James, (aged 49 and a Millers Carter) and Maryann (aged 47), along with siblings Charles E, (aged 9), Florence M, (aged 13), Herbert Ed., (aged 17 and a Printers Machine Minders apprentice), and Sarah E. (aged 14).

 

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Private Edwin Claree (identified by the RoH as Edwin Clare) Private 34349, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died of wounds 28th December 1916. Born Ranworth, Norfolk, enlisted Bungay. (RoH)

 

Name: CLARE, EDWIN

Rank: Private Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Bn.

Age: 40 Date of Death: 28/12/1916 Service No: 34349

Additional information: Son of Edith Alice Clare, of 37, Flixton Rd., Bungay, Suffolk. Grave Reference: VIII. C. 187. Cemetery: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=49130

 

The 1901 Census has an Edwin Clare, aged 23, single and a Maltster, living near the Broad at Ranworth. The head of the household was his 60 year old widowed mother, Elizabeth. Also resident were brothers Herbert, (aged 21 and an Agricultural Labourer) and sister Olive Elizabeth, whose profession is shown as non-resident housekeeper.

 

Update March 2016

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

SDGW records that Private 34349 Edwin Clare Died of Wounds on the 28th December 1916 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment. He was born Ranworth, Norfolk and enlisted Bungay. No place of residence is shown.

 

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Lance Corporal Thomas Clarke. 3/10311, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died in Salonika 25th February 1917. Born Bungay, enlisted Lowestoft. (RoH)

 

Name: CLARKE, THOMAS

Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: Suffolk Regiment,1st Bn.

Age: 38 Date of Death: 25/02/1917 Service No: 3/10311

Additional information: Son of George and Catherine Clarke, of Bungay; husband of Catherine Mary Clarke, of High St., Lowestoft. Served in the South African Campaign. Grave Reference: VI. D. 12. Cemetery: STRUMA MILITARY CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=333028

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1901 Census doesn’t list a single Thomas Clarke of the right age in Norfolk or Suffolk - but as CWGC notes he served in South Africa, he could still have been overseas. There is a George, (aged 42, Plumber & Painter), with a wife Catherine, (aged 38), living with their other children at 6, The Thoroughfare, Halesworth.

 

Update March 2016

 

On the 1911 census the 31 year old Thomas, a General Labourer, was recorded as the married head of the household at Chamberlins Cottages, Carlton Cole, Suffolk. He lives there with his wife of 5 years, the 24 year old Catherine May from Pulham St Mary, Norfolk. The couple have had three children so far. All then alive and living at home. They are Catherine Annie, (4) and Thomas George, (3) – both born Bungay, and Albert Edward, (1), born Lowestoft.

 

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Trooper A E Clarke No further details on RoH

 

No obvious matches on CWGC or the 1901 Census

 

No match on Norlink

 

See comment below from 2011 possibly identifying this man as a Canadian soldier.

 

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Private S W Codling No further details on RoH

 

Possibly

Name: CODLING, SIDNEY FREDERICK

Rank: Lance Serjeant Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Bn.

Age: 27 Date of Death: 30/12/1917 Service No: 320057

Additional information: Son of John and Alice Codling, of White Horse Hotel, Overstrand, Norfolk.

Memorial: CHATBY MEMORIAL

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1438479

 

The Chatby Memorial stands at the eastern end of the Alexandria (Chatby) War Memorial Cemetery and commemorates almost 1,000 Commonwealth servicemen who died during the First World War and have no other grave but the sea. Many of them were lost when hospital ships or transports were sunk in the Mediterranean, sailing to or from Alexandria. Others died of wounds or sickness while aboard such vessels and were buried at sea. More than 700 of those commemorated on the memorial died when the following vessels were topedoed or mined. Officers and men of the merchant services lost in these incidents are commemorated on appropriate memorials elsewhere:

 

HT "Aragon" - torpedoed and sunk 30 December 1917, entering the port of Alexandria, with the loss of 380 officers and men of the Commonwealth forces

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=142020...

 

Sergeant Sydney Codling can be seen here

norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The Norlink notes read

Sgt. Codling was born at Overstrand, 24th September 1892 and educated at Overstrand school. He enlisted in 1912 and was drowned after the torpedoing of H.M. Transport Aragon at Alexandria, 30th December 1917. This photograph was donated by his father.

 

The 1901 census has a Stephen Codling, aged 3, living at Betsey Bridge, Ditchingham. Stephen had been born at Ditchingham, and he was living in the household of his parents, Charles, (aged 40 and a Groom & Domestic Gardener) and Emily aged 39, along with siblings Alice, (aged 12), Dora, (aged 5), Edith, (aged 1), Ellen, (aged 9), Florence, (aged 7), George, (aged 13), Harry, (aged 4), and James (aged 11).

 

(Un)fortunately there is no Stephen Codling listed on the CWGC database.

 

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Bertie Codling. Gunner 73944, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 1st August 1917. Born and enlisted Bungay. (RoH)

 

Name: CODLING Initials: B

Rank: Gunner Regiment/Service: Royal Garrison Artillery,57th Siege Bty. Date of Death: 01/08/1917 Service No: 73944

Grave Reference: II. E. 19. Cemetery: CANADA FARM CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=435557

 

Canada Farm Cemetery took its name from a farmhouse used as a dressing station during the 1917 Allied offensive on this front. Most of the burials are of men who died at the dressing station between June and October 1917. There are now 907 First World War burials in the cemetery. www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=50400&...

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1901 Census has a Bertie S William Codling, aged 5, living at Boyscott Lane, Bungay in the household of his parents, Samuel Codling, (aged 40 and a Bricklayer), and Elizabeth, (aged 41), along with siblings Agnes E, (aged 19 and a Printer’s bookbinder), Ernest G, (aged 17, and a Domestic Gardener), Laurence May, (aged 7), Liliam M, (aged 14 and a Printers Folder), Mabel Grace, (aged 2) and Monica Mary, (aged 12).

 

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Lance Corporal Charles William Cunningham. Private 31122, 17th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). Killed in action 23rd May 1916. Born Bungay, enlisted Derby. (RoH)

 

Name: CUNNINGHAM, CHARLES WILLIAM

Rank: Private Regiment: Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment),17th Bn.

Age: 24 Date of Death: 23/05/1916 Service No: 31122

Additional information: Son of Mr. C. D. and Mrs. S. Cunningham, of 38, Lower Olland St., Bungay, Suffolk.

Grave Reference: III. F. 28. Cemetery: LE TOURET MILITARY CEMETERY, RICHEBOURG-L'AVOUE

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=261600

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 17th had only arrived in France on the 16th March.

www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm

 

A few weeks later, a fellow soldier from the Battalion would be shot at dawn. His story gives some idea of what faced these soldiers at this time.

www.derbyshirelads.uwclub.net/Men/bertie_mccubbin.htm

 

The 1901 Census has a Charles W Cunningham, aged 9, living at Neatgate Street, Bungay, in the household of his parents, Charles D, (aged 36 and a General Postman) and Susannah, (aged 40) along with brother, Arthur F, (aged 8) and sister Amy E. (aged 1) as well as widowed Grandmother Amy E Cunningham, (aged 74).

 

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Private William Davey. Private 9202, 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action 18th September 1915. Born Bungay, enlisted Sudbury.(RoH)

 

Name: DAVEY, WILLIAM

Rank: Private Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 7th Bn.

Age: 25 Date of Death: 18/09/1915 Service No: 9202

Additional information: Son of Samuel and Jessie Davey, of Bungay; husband of Sybil Hellen Davey, of 2, Clifton Villas, Waldenfield Rd., Sudbury, Suffolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: D. 8. Cemetery: GUNNERS FARM MILITARY CEMETERY

 

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=92044

 

No match on Norlink

 

William was born around 1890 in Bungay. He was the son of Samuel and Jessie Davey of Bungay. His father was employed as a hay cutter. William enlisted in Sudbury. He was married to Sybil Hellen, who after the war was living at 2 Clifton Villas, Waldingfield Road, Sudbury.

William was killed in action on 18th September 1915 aged 25 and lies buried in Gunners Farm Military Cemetery, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium.

William is also remembered on the Sudbury and Newton War Memorials.

www.sudburysuffolk.co.uk/greatwar/profile.asp?id=389

 

Gunners Farm Cemetery took its name from a farm which stood on the opposite side of the road and is an example of a regimental cemetery, many of which were made in 1914 and 1915. The cemetery was begun in July 1915 by the 9th Essex and 7th Suffolk Regiments (Rows A to C), carried on by the 9th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers (Rows D to J), and the 9th (Scottish) Division (Rows J to Q). Apart from a small number of later burials, the cemetery was completed by service battalions of the Royal West Kent and Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiments in May and June 1916.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=8801&a...

 

William was one of two fatalities for the Battalion on this day, the other being Private E A Stonham, aged 23 and from the Southampton area.

 

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Lance Corporal Clifford F Debenham. 43603, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 22nd October 1917. Born Bungay, enlisted Ditchingham, Norfolk. (RoH)

 

Name: DEBENHAM, CLIFFORD FRANK

Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 8th Bn.

Age: 25 Date of Death: 22/10/1917 Service No: 43603

Additional information: Son of Frank and Alice Maria Debenham, of 32, Wingfield St., Bungay, Suffolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1629742

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1901 Census has Clifford, (aged 8), living at South End Road Bungay in the household of his parents, Frank, (aged 36 and a Printers Clerk), and mother Alice, (aged 33) as well as sister Dora, (aged 9) and brother Stanley, (aged 10)

 

October 1917

The first three weeks of October were spent on the west bank of the Yser canal, and partly in training for the attack of October 22nd in the Poelcappelle neighbourhood. On the 8th Leiutenant -Colonel Ferguson and commanding the battalion almost continously for three years proceeded on six months special leave to England and was suceeded by Mjor E. N.Snepp. The only other notable event was on the 15th when the German bombardment was specially severe causing several causualties. One shell made a direct hit on a 'pill-box' in which was the regimental aid post. The medical officer was wounded two men were killed and one wounded. On the 20th the battalion was in Cane trench ready for the forthcoming attack"

 

It then goes on to decribe the attack which went in on around 5.50am of the 22nd. The Norfolks went first, leapt frogged by the 10th Essex. Despite the mud all the objectives were achieved.

 

"The triumphant Essex and Norfolks...........tramped back to hear the whole division ...and

General Maxse....singing their praise."

 

Losses were heavy and this was destined to be the Battalions last great action before it's dissolution. Being split up in the new year to go to the 7th and 9th Norfolks

 

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

 

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Private Frederick Thomas Debenham. Private 26017, 9th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Died of wounds 5th September 1916. Born and enlisted Bungay. Formerly 26385, Bedfordshire Regiment. (RoH)

 

Name: DEBENHAM, FREDERICK THOMAS

Rank: Private Regiment: The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 9th Bn.

Age: 26 Date of Death: 05/09/1916 Service No: 26017

Additional information: Son of Thomas Debenham, of "Gable End," Wingfield St., Bungay, Suffolk, and the late Eliza Debenham.

Grave Reference: B. 47. Cemetery: SERAIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=588183

 

No match on Norlink.

 

Update March 2016

 

Originally I had struggled to find Frederick on the 1901 census and did not have access to the 1911 Census.

 

The 1911 census has a 20 year old Frederick Debenham, born Bungay and a Printers Machine Minder, who was recorded at 6 Staithe Road, Bungay. This was the household of his parents. Thomas, aged 46 and a Printers Compositor from Bungay, and Emily, aged 41 and a Dressmaker from Bungay. Thomas and Emily have been married 15 years and have no children of their own.

 

Going back to the 1901 census, the 10 year old “Frederic” and his parents, Thomas, (36) and Emily, (31), were recorded living on Wingfield Street, Bungay. Also living with them is Fredericks older sister Ellen, aged 12 and born Bungay.

 

Finally, on the 1891 census, the 11 month old Frederick “Thos”, was recorded at a dwelling on St Marys Street, Bungay. This was the household of his birth parents, father Thomas, (26) and mother Eliza Debenham, (aged 23 and born Bungay). Their only other child is the 2 year old Ellen Agnes. The death of an Eliza Debenham, aged 23 was recorded in the Wangford District of Suffolk in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1891.

 

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Private R Dobbie - (missed by the RoH)

 

Name: DOBBIE, REGINALD HENRY VICTOR

Rank: Private Regiment: Wellington Regiment, N.Z.E.F.

Age: 27 Date of Death: 08/08/1915 Service No: 10/1470

Additional information: Son of Henry Dobbie, of Bungay, Suffolk, England.

Memorial Reference: 20. CHUNUK BAIR (NEW ZEALAND) MEMORIAL

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=679899

 

Chunuk Bair was one of the main objectives in the Battle of Sari Bair, fought 6-10 August 1915. The attack was to be carried out by two columns of the New Zealand Infantry Brigade, starting from the outposts on the shore and proceeding up the Sazli Belt Dere and the Chailak Dere. Meanwhile the New Zealand Mounted Rifles were to clear the foothills. The New Zealand Infantry reached Rhododendron Spur, where they were joined by the 10th Gurkha Rifles, from further north, and reinforced by the 8th Welsh, the 7th Gloucesters, the Auckland Mounted Rifles, and the Maori Contingent. The Wellington Infantry and some of the Gloucesters and Welsh reached the summit, and were later joined by men of the Auckland Infantry and Mounted Rifles. These troops, after repulsing incessant Turkish attacks, were reinforced by the Otago Battalion and the Wellington Mounted Rifles. The 6th Gurkhas and the 6th South Lancashire Regiment came in on the left. The 6th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment relieved the force at Chunuk Bair on the evening of 9 August, supported later by part of the 5th Wilts, but on the morning of the 10th, the position was taken by a determined and overwhelming counter-attack, carried out by a Turkish Army Corps led by Mustapha Kemal Pasha. The loss of Chunuk Bair marked the end of the effort to reach the central foothills of the peninsula and on this sector of the front, the line remained unaltered until the evacuation in December 1915. The CHUNUK BAIR (NEW ZEALAND) MEMORIAL is one of four memorials erected to commemorate New Zealand soldiers who died on the Gallipoli peninsula and whose graves are not known. This memorial relates to the Battle of Sari Bair and in other operations in this sector. It bears more than 850 names.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=76000&...

 

Reginald is also listed on the Ditchingham roll of honour

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Ditchingham.html

 

The 1901 Census has Reginald H V Dobbie, age 14 and a Telegraph Messenger, living at Common Road, Mulbarton, Norfolk. He resided in the household of his parents Henry, (aged 49 and a Nurseryman from Yorkshire) and Ellen, (aged 48, a dressmaker from Norwich), along with brothers Cecil, (aged 17 and an assistant gardener), Francis (aged 8), Geoffrey, (aged 3) and sisters Eleanor, (aged 7) and Gertrude (age 21). No two children have the same place of birth, so the family obviously moved around

 

There’s a bit more detail about Reginald on the Auckland War Memorial site.

muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/RecordDetail.a...

 

As darkness fell on the evening of 8 August, the fighting subsided and the Wellington Battalion was relieved. Out of the 760 men of the battalion who had reached the summit, 711 had become casualties.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chunuk_Bair

www.anzacsite.gov.au/1landing/nbeach4.html

www.anzacsite.gov.au/1landing/nbeach4_2.html

www.diggerhistory2.info/graveyards/pages/history/chunuk-b...

Reginald was initially only reported as wounded.

www.ozlists.com/genies/defence/ww1/rollhono/d3.htm

 

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Done