Blickling - The Great War 3
Royal Navy
Herbert Pert
AB HMS Swiftsure
Name: PERT, HERBERT
Rank: Able Seaman
Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. " Swiftsure."
Age: 33 Date of Death: 12/08/1915 Service No: 199210
Additional information: Son of George and Elizabeth Pert, of Woodgate, Blickling, Aylsham. Norfolk.
Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 10. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4004769
A history of the Swiftsure and some contemporary pictures are seen here.
www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/hms_swiftsure.htm
www.worldwar1.co.uk/pre-dreadnought/hms-swiftsure.html
www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_HMS_Swiftsure.html
The Swiftsure would have been serving in the Dardanelles campaign at the time of Herbert’s death. Indeed on Naval net, the cause of death for Herbert, and four others
Is shown as “Swiftsure, battleship, gunfire support off Suvla, hit by shore gunfire, one man (also)died of wounds on 18 August” This is noted as being in the Action at Kirich Tepe, Suvla”
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1915-08Aug.htm
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has no Herbert Pert of the right age - I’m assuming that he may have been a career sailor and was possibly already abroad at the time of the census. On the 1891 Census, the 9 year old Herbert who had been born at Itteringham, was living at Low Park Gate, near Itteringham. This was the household of his parents George, (age 42, a Woodman\Labourer from Blickling), and Betsy, (age 41 and from Itteringham). Making up the household were sisters Harriet, (aged 14),Lucy, (aged 7), Deborah (aged 1) and brothers Fred, (aged 13 and a farm labourer), Arthur, (aged 11), Robert, (aged 5), and Charles, (aged 3). All the children bar Deborah have their birthplaces shown as Itteringham, while Deborah is shown as Blickling.
Army
Adrian Graves MC
Captain M G C
Name: GRAVES, ADRIAN HUBERT
Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Unit Text: 40th Bn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 22/03/1918 Awards: M C and Bar
Additional information: Son of Charles L. and Alice Graves, of Oulton Lodge, Aylsham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 10. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=636968
Norlink has a picture of a Captain A H Graves MC but with no additional information.
It would be most unlikely that there were two in the county, and the cap badge seems to be that of the Machine Gun Corps
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
There is a picture of Captain A H Graves, MC and bar here, but its chargeable so I’ve not been able to compare. Captain Graves appears on the Balliol, Oxford Roll of Honour.
The Machine Gun Companies of the the British Army were re-organised in early 1918 into Battalions and held as Divisional troops. 40th Battalion would have come into being in March 1918, just in time to face the German Spring Offensive, and was attached to the 40th Division. It was disbanded in May 1918.
Day 2- 22nd of March 1918
On the second day of the (German Spring) offensive British troops continued to fall back, losing their last footholds on the original front line. Several British and German Battalions were destroyed by huge casualties in the vicious fighting over the first two days, never to be recreated
The thick fog did not burn off until early afternoon. The second day was a collection of many separate, often isolated engagements as the Germans pressed forward and the British held their posts, often not knowing who was to either side of them due the "fog of war" . Brigades and Battalions did not count for much that day. It was a day of stubborn and often heroic actions by platoons, sections and even individuals isolated from their comrades by the fragmented nature of the battle and lack of visibility. [32]The situation had become dire for the 5th Army by this time and everywhere the retreat was turning into a rout. The biggest danger on the 22nd of March was that the two British armies might become separated. Byng was perhaps too keen to hang on to the Flesquieres salient, which his army had won at such cost, and Haig had to order him to keep in contact with Gough’s army, even if that required a bigger retreat than the fighting would otherwise justify.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_the_Somme_(1918)
Temp 2nd Lt Graves first appears in the London Gazette for the 25th August 1916. His citation reads:-
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. Under heavy fire he brought his guns into action to repel a sudden attack at close quarters. On many occasions he has shown great bravery in the attack.”
www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/29724/supplements/8460
His next appearance is on the 24th August 1917, when he is awarded the bar to his MC. The citation reads:-
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding his guns with great ability in a critical situation. Finding his objective untenable owing to heavy fire, he moved forward to the front line, where he remained in action for forty-eight hours without relief. Although wounded in two places he displayed a fine example of cheerfulness and endurance.”
The article notes that his MC was gazetted 25th August 1916)
www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/30251/supplements/8804
There is no obvious Adrian or Hubert Graves on the 1901 Census
John Goulder
Sergt Norfolk Regiment
Name: GOULDER, JOHN LEE
Rank: Serjeant Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 21/08/1915 Service No: 2179
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=693690
No match on Norlink
21st August 1915
Having lost over 200 men from the battalion shortly before this on the 12th, the battalion was to lose at least another 36 on this day.
Hubert Attoe, aged 19 of Briston, Melton Constable
Joseph Bentley
Robert Beresford, age 29, of Holt
William Bond, age 20, of West Newton, Kings Lynn
Leonard Bridges
Cecil Bullimore, age 21, of Westwick
Ernest Bussey, age 20, of Melton Constable
Sidney Carter
John A Chapman
Ernest Cramer, age 46, of East Dereham
Victor Craske
Arthur Futter, age 26, of Gorleston
John Goulder
Geoffrey Griston
Robert Halls, age 26, of Cambridge
George Harnwell, age 16, of Downham West
Frederick Heron, age 21, of Wymondham
Frank Heseltine, age 21, of Kings Lynn
William Humphrey
Frederick Kerrison, age 19, of Carleton Rode
Robert Lines
Captain Arthur Mason, age 32, of Necton Hall, Swaffham
Wallace Murrel, age 25, of Holt
Robert Nurse, age 22, of Dersingham
Walter Page, age 20, of Southtown, Great Yarmouth
William Payne, age 29, of Cromer
Roland Ringer, age 23, of West Newton
Thomas Robinson
George Rudd, age 21, of Norwich
CSM William Simpson, age 37, of North Walsham
Frederick Smith, age 22, of Kings Lynn
Frederick Spreckley, age 19, of Kings Lynn
Morris Walden
William Walker, age 24, of Roydon
Major Ernest Woodwark, age 37
Leslie Woolner, age 20, of Melton Constable
Source - Geoff’s search engine, CWGC database.
On the 1901 Census, the 17 year old John Lee Goulder is living at Pound Road, Aylsham. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 56, from Wramplingham, and a Farmer and Manure Agent), and Mary, (aged 52, from Stretford in Lancashire). Also resident are John’s brothers Clare H, (aged 9), Colin Chas, (aged 11), and sisters Frances M, (aged 12) and Sybil, (aged 19). All the children were born at Aylsham. The Goulder’s also have two live in servants.
Jack Flood
Corporal Norfolk Regiment
Name: FLOOD Initials: J H
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 29/09/1918 Service No: 19557
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. A. 5. Cemetery: UNICORN CEMETERY, VEND'HUILE
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=177477
No match on Norlink
No match on the 1901 Census
Vend'huile was very nearly reached in the Battle of Cambrai 1917. It was taken by the 27th and 30th American Divisions at the end of September 1918, and cleared by the 12th and 18th Divisions on 30 September.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=17500&...
(7th Battalion were part of 12th Division)
The 27th American Division, attacking on the left of the Thirtieth, had an especially difficult task, for the westerly bend in the canal at Vendhuile made it impossible for the British troops farther north to keep pace with the advance of the Twenty-seventh, and its left flank was exposed to cross-fire of artillery and machine guns from the ridge northeast of Vendhuile on the eastern bank of the canal.
Two regiments of the division, the 106th and 107th, had therefore to fight desperately hard to safeguard the left of the division, while the right and centre pushed on to the village of Bony. Later the British 12th and 18th Divisions forced their way across the canal to the north of the tunnel, and relieved the pressure on the left flank of the 27th American Division which had beaten off repeated and fierce German counter-attacks.
www.firstworldwar.com/source/candunord_maurice.htm
Alfred Digby
L\Cprl Beds Regiment
Name: DIGBY Initials: A W
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Bedfordshire Regiment Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Date of Death: 18/03/1918 Service No: 28171
Grave/Memorial Reference: Enclosure No.2 III. E. 6. Cemetery: BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=483161
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has 13 year old Alfred W Digby living at Able Heath, Blickling. He had been born at Aylsham and was living with his parents, James H. (aged 43, an Agricultural Labourer from Aylsham) and Fanny, (aged 43 and from Marsham). Making up the household are Alfred’s brothers, Frederick J, (aged 19 and a shoemaker), Arthur R, (aged 10), Charles W, (aged 5, the first of the children to be born at Blickling), Ernest E, (aged 2), and sisters Florence M, (aged 1) and Violet M, (aged 8)
(see brother Private Ernest Digby below)
The Battalion’s war diary has very little information for this date
16 Mar 1918 - front line trenches Battn moved to Front Line & relieved 1st Battn Essex Regt.
17 Mar 1918 Quiet. Bn Hdqrs shelled with gas.
18 Mar 1918 3. Other Ranks wounded.
19 Mar 1918 1 Other Rank wounded. 18 other ranks reinforcements
20 Mar 1918 Front line. 2 Other Ranks killed 5 O.Ranks wounded. 8 O.Ranks gassed
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/6thbtn/6thbtn1918diary.html
Charles Broom
Pvte Norfolk Regmt
Name: BROOM Initials: C C
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 02/11/1917 Service No: 23424
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIV. B. 4. Cemetery: GAZA WAR CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=649563
No match on Norlink
2nd November 1917
The first action at Gaza took place before dawn on 2 November when the 161st and 162nd Brigades of the 54th Division attacked the Turkish trench system in the sand dunes between Gaza and the sea. On this occasion it was a night attack by well prepared troops with overwhelming artillery support and armoured (six tanks). The British infantry advanced about 2 miles on a 5,000 yard front and held their gains against repeated Turkish counter-attacks. Casualty figures were heavy for both sides but this time favoured the British.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Battle_of_Gaza
The 1901 Census has a 7 year old Charles living at 17 Silvergate, Blickling. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 51 and an Agricultural Labourer, born Blickling), and Elizabeth,( aged 44, from Bobbing in Kent). The rest of the family are Hannah, aged 10, and John, aged 16 and like his father, an agricultural labourer.
Charles Buck
Pvte Essex Regiment
Name: BUCK Initials: C A
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 17/04/1917 Service No: 41526
Additional information: Son of M. Buck, of Frettenham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. G. 8. Cemetery: DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=168892
Norlink has a Private C A Buck, but with no additional information. Therefore apologies if this is not the same soldier. Cap badge looks more like the Britannia of the Norfolks, although on at least one occasion that I’m aware of drafts from the training battalion of the Norfolks ended up in the 1st Essex.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Thu., Apr 12, 1917
The Bn. marched from billets at FOSSEUX to ARRAS (abt 10 miles) and on arrival was at once ordered to proceed with the remainder of the 88th Bde to relieve the 37th Bde near MONCHY-LE-PREUX. The Bn arrived at ARRAS at 3pm and left to carry out the relief 4 miles off at 6.30pm. Owing to intense congestion on the road and other delays the relief was not completed until 3am on 13th.
Prior to leaving ARRAS orders had been issued for an attack on the German line in company with the 1st NFLD to be made on the 13th at an hour to be notified later.
The attack was to be made from an Assembly trench which was to be dug on the night of the 12/13 by 2nd Hants, 4th Worcs were in support to the attack.
Owing to the late hour at which the Brigade relief was completed & consequent impossibility of making adequate preparation for the attack the operation was postponed.
At daylight therefore on the 13th the Brigade was situated as shown in the attached map.
At 11am orders were received to make the attack at 2pm. These orders also were cancelled a few minutes before Zero.
During the night 13/14 the 2nd Hants dug the required assembly trench and operation orders were issued to the Bn. by Lt. Col. Halaham. App. B.
At 5.30am on 14th the barrage fell and the battalion left the trench & carried out the assault.
In spite of a certain weakness of the barrage the objective was gained and by 6.30am all companies had reported that they were busy digging in.
In the mean time "X" Coy detailed to form a flank guard to the thence attacking Coys had at once come in contact with the enemy.
Therefore acting under Capt. Foster's orders No. 5 Platoon got into shell holes at about 0 1b 8.1 and opened fire. No. 8 Platoon being checked by machine gun fire from ARROW COPSE No 7 was directed to outflank this copse with the result that No 8 could again get forward , capturing the 2 machine guns & driving the enemy out of the copse. The small wood at O 2a 7.5 was also in hostile occupation but was cleared by Lewis Guns & Rifle Grenades. The Company then moved forward to the N. end of the copses where all platoons came under fire from a line of hidden machine guns. The company now began to form the chain of strong points as detailed in operation orders.
From this point no further definitive news could be gathered as to the fate of this company. A few men eventually rejoined the battalion & from their statements it is certain that all Platoons their proper positions where they were at once attacked by very superior German forces & were finally overwhelmed in these positions at a time between 6.30 and 7.30 am.
The main attack by the remaining 3 Coys having reached their objective by 6.30 am started to dig in and reports were sent back to Bn. Hqrs that large forces of the enemy could be seen in the BOIS du SART & the BOIS des AUBE PINES and that all covering parties were sent forward were at once coming under heavy machine gun & rifle fire.
It became apparent rapidly to the Coy commanders that an immediate counter attack was being prepared and this also was reported to Bn. Hqrs. These reports were confirmed by two Coy commanders in person returning wounded from the main attack. [Capt Tomlinson Capt Caroline]
Steps had already been taken to get the Artillery on to the points where the enemy was reported to be massing but owing to the destruction of the wires by shell fire it was an hour before the guns opened fire.
By 7.30am the counter attack had fully developed in all its strength of at least 9 battalions. The weight of the attack seams to have come from the N. East & thus fell on "X" Coy. This Coy in spite of a stout resistance was gradually overwhelmed. Vide app. C.
From 7.30 onwards no reports, messages or wounded men arrived at Bn Hqrs or the Aid Post it is therefore apparent that "X" Coy having been overrun the hostile forces got between MONCHY & the attacking Companies of the Essex & NLFD. No men have returned from these Companies.
As soon as it became clear that MONCHY itself was being attacked patrols were put out from Hqr party to hold street barricades in MONCHY. No German succeeded in entering MONCHY. It must be remembered that during all this time the town was under an intense enemy barrage thus rendering it almost impossible to reinforce or support the two Battalions & making the work of the respective Hqrs parties extremely arduous.
Except for a certain amount of support from the 4th Worcester & 2dn Hants they fought on alone & these two battalions broke up a German attack designed not to drive them back but to retake MONCHY itself.
Appendix C. contains a copy of the Special Order issued by the G.O.C. 88th Bde.
Of the Officers who went into action the following is killed : 2/Lt. L. Cousins.
The following are wounded :- Capts R.E.G. Caroline, J. Tomlinson, Lieuts ?.W.J. Taylor
R. Eastwood. 2/Lt's H. Ockendon, S. ?. Andrew, F.W. Barker.
The following are missing :- Capt H.J.B. Foster, Lt C.R. Brown, 2/Lts A.L. Piper, S.N.R. Eyre, C.H. Feline H.R. Newth, P.W. Coombs, L.F. Portway; G.W. Turk.
Total casualties 17 officers & 644 OR. out of a strength of 31 officers & 892 O.R.
Sun., Apr 15, 1917
The remnants of the Battalion were now withdrawn & went to billets in ARRAS.
I suspect Private Buck may possibly have died from wounds received in this action.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=594...
There a number of Charles Buck’s on the 1901 Census of the right age and living in this part of Norfolk, including two at Frettenham, but none of them have a father or mother with the initial M.
Ernest Digby
Pvte Welsh Regiment
Name: DIGBY Initials: E E
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment
Unit Text: 6th Bn. Date of Death: 17/11/1917 Service No: 55582
Grave/Memorial Reference: XX. E. 20. Cemetery: POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=491408
No match on Norlink
1/6th (Glamorgan) Battalion:
August 1914 : in Swansea. Part of South Wales Brigade, which were Army Troops, unallocated to a Division.
29 October 1914 : landed at Le Havre and moved to Lines of Communication.
5 July 1915 : attached to 84th Brigade, 28th Division.
23 October 1915 : transferred to 3rd Brigade, 1st Division.
15 May 1916 : became Pioneer Bn to 1st Division with which it then remained.
The 1901 Census has 13 year old Alfred W Digby living at Able Heath, Blickling. He had been born at Aylsham and was living with his parents, James H. (aged 43, an Agricultural Labourer from Aylsham) and Fanny, (aged 43 and from Marsham). Making up the household are Alfred’s brothers, Frederick J, (aged 19 and a shoemaker), Arthur R, (aged 10), Charles W, (aged 5, the first of the children to be born at Blickling), Ernest E, (aged 2), and sisters Florence M, (aged 1) and Violet M, (aged 8)
(see brother Lance Corporal Alfred Digby above)
Albert Eastoll
Pvte Cambs Regiment
Name: EASTOLL Initials: A
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Cambridgeshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 39 Date of Death: 03/12/1916 Service No: 6810
Additional information: Son of Robert and Sarah Eastoll, of Besthorpe, Newark; husband of Alice Eastoll, of 35, Silvergate, Blickling, Aylsham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VII. D. 12. Cemetery: DUHALLOW A.D.S. CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2935950
No match on Norlink
In 1901, the only Robert & Sarah Eastoll on the Census for England & Wales are living at Silver Street, Besthorpe, Norfolk, which is some distance from Blickling. They have no Albert living with them, (or Bert\Herbert,etc) and no obvious connection with Blickling. There is no Albert or Alice on the Census.
Albert is also remembered on the Besthorpe Village Memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Besthorpe.html
Jack Foulger
Pvte Black Watch
Name: FOULGER, JACK
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 22 Date of Death: 13/10/1915 Service No: S/8580
Additional information: Son of John and Elizabeth Foulger, of "Glebe Villa", Horstead, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 78 to 83. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2942658
No match on Norlink
Article in the New York Times about the action at Loos which saw the Battalion practically wiped out on the 25th September 1915. As the battalion appears to have been withdrawn from the front-line after this, I can only assume Private Foulger died of wounds received on this day..
query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9807E...
There is only one Jack Foulger on the 1901 Census. He was 7 years old and lived at Buxton, Horstead. This was the household of his parents, John S, (aged 38 and a domestic gardener) and Elizabeth, (aged 37 and from Norwich).Also resident are Jack’s brother Ernest, (aged 3), and sister Margery M, (aged under 1) as well as Step brother Louis G L Moore, (aged 12 and born Wandsworth) and step-sister Violet G, (aged 10 and also born Wandsworth).
Jack is also remembered on the Horstead War memorial
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/2781983942/
Frederick Hancock
Pvte D L I
Either
Name: HANCOCK, FRED
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry Unit Text: 15th Bn.
Date of Death: 24/10/1918 Service No: 20/288
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 9. Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1743272
Or
Name: HANCOCK, FRED
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 11/11/1916 Service No: 9354
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 14 A and 15 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=788938
No match on Norlink
The 1901 census has an 11 year old Frederick living at Woodgate, Blickling. This was the household of his parents, James, (a 49 year old Woodman Labourer) and Fanny, (aged 45). Also living with them are Frederick’s brother Sidney, (aged 14 and a Farm Labourer) and Walter, (aged 5).
Cyril Pert
Pvte Norfolk Yeo
Name: PERT, CYRIL FREDERICK
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Yeomanry
Age: 18 Date of Death: 03/12/1915 Service No: 1450
Additional information: Son of Frederick and Amelia Pert, of 7, Blickling. Served at the Dardanelles.
Grave/Memorial Reference: North of church. Cemetery: BLICKLING (ST. ANDREW) CHURCHYARD
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802309
No match on Norlink
Cyril died in a London Military Hospital from Enteric Fever contracted in the Dardanelles and is buried in the Church Graveyard.
See here for a bit more
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/1792562213/in/set-7215...
Charles Pert
Pvte Norfolk Yeo
No match on CWGC
The family of Herbert Pert includes a Charles, who was aged 3 on the 1891 Census. There is also a Charles Peart aged 13 in the village. See the link on Cyril Pert for the interchange ability of this surname in documents relating to Blickling.
No match on Norlink
James Tortice
Pvte Rifle Bde
Name: TORTICE, JAMES
Rank: Rifleman Regiment/Service: Rifle Brigade Unit Text: 13th Bn.
Age: 34 Date of Death: 25/08/1918 Service No: B/200134
Additional information: Son of Henry and Jane Tortice, of 37, Silvergate, Blickling, Aylsham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. F. 6. Cemetery: GOMIECOURT SOUTH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=569529
The Battalion was involved in the action to take Achiet, part of the battle of Albert, between 21st to 23rd August 1918.
www.achiet-le-grand.org/august_1918.htm
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has a 16 year old James working as a Shoemaker and living at 37 Silvergate, Blickling. This was the household of his father, Henry, ( a 47 year old Shepherd from Aylsham). He is not described as a widower so I assume his wife was away on Census night. Also living there are James brother Henry, a 21 year old bricklayer, and sister May aged 24. The family does not seem to be on the 1891 Census.
Blickling - The Great War 3
Royal Navy
Herbert Pert
AB HMS Swiftsure
Name: PERT, HERBERT
Rank: Able Seaman
Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. " Swiftsure."
Age: 33 Date of Death: 12/08/1915 Service No: 199210
Additional information: Son of George and Elizabeth Pert, of Woodgate, Blickling, Aylsham. Norfolk.
Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 10. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4004769
A history of the Swiftsure and some contemporary pictures are seen here.
www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/hms_swiftsure.htm
www.worldwar1.co.uk/pre-dreadnought/hms-swiftsure.html
www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_HMS_Swiftsure.html
The Swiftsure would have been serving in the Dardanelles campaign at the time of Herbert’s death. Indeed on Naval net, the cause of death for Herbert, and four others
Is shown as “Swiftsure, battleship, gunfire support off Suvla, hit by shore gunfire, one man (also)died of wounds on 18 August” This is noted as being in the Action at Kirich Tepe, Suvla”
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1915-08Aug.htm
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has no Herbert Pert of the right age - I’m assuming that he may have been a career sailor and was possibly already abroad at the time of the census. On the 1891 Census, the 9 year old Herbert who had been born at Itteringham, was living at Low Park Gate, near Itteringham. This was the household of his parents George, (age 42, a Woodman\Labourer from Blickling), and Betsy, (age 41 and from Itteringham). Making up the household were sisters Harriet, (aged 14),Lucy, (aged 7), Deborah (aged 1) and brothers Fred, (aged 13 and a farm labourer), Arthur, (aged 11), Robert, (aged 5), and Charles, (aged 3). All the children bar Deborah have their birthplaces shown as Itteringham, while Deborah is shown as Blickling.
Army
Adrian Graves MC
Captain M G C
Name: GRAVES, ADRIAN HUBERT
Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Unit Text: 40th Bn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 22/03/1918 Awards: M C and Bar
Additional information: Son of Charles L. and Alice Graves, of Oulton Lodge, Aylsham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 10. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=636968
Norlink has a picture of a Captain A H Graves MC but with no additional information.
It would be most unlikely that there were two in the county, and the cap badge seems to be that of the Machine Gun Corps
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
There is a picture of Captain A H Graves, MC and bar here, but its chargeable so I’ve not been able to compare. Captain Graves appears on the Balliol, Oxford Roll of Honour.
The Machine Gun Companies of the the British Army were re-organised in early 1918 into Battalions and held as Divisional troops. 40th Battalion would have come into being in March 1918, just in time to face the German Spring Offensive, and was attached to the 40th Division. It was disbanded in May 1918.
Day 2- 22nd of March 1918
On the second day of the (German Spring) offensive British troops continued to fall back, losing their last footholds on the original front line. Several British and German Battalions were destroyed by huge casualties in the vicious fighting over the first two days, never to be recreated
The thick fog did not burn off until early afternoon. The second day was a collection of many separate, often isolated engagements as the Germans pressed forward and the British held their posts, often not knowing who was to either side of them due the "fog of war" . Brigades and Battalions did not count for much that day. It was a day of stubborn and often heroic actions by platoons, sections and even individuals isolated from their comrades by the fragmented nature of the battle and lack of visibility. [32]The situation had become dire for the 5th Army by this time and everywhere the retreat was turning into a rout. The biggest danger on the 22nd of March was that the two British armies might become separated. Byng was perhaps too keen to hang on to the Flesquieres salient, which his army had won at such cost, and Haig had to order him to keep in contact with Gough’s army, even if that required a bigger retreat than the fighting would otherwise justify.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_the_Somme_(1918)
Temp 2nd Lt Graves first appears in the London Gazette for the 25th August 1916. His citation reads:-
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. Under heavy fire he brought his guns into action to repel a sudden attack at close quarters. On many occasions he has shown great bravery in the attack.”
www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/29724/supplements/8460
His next appearance is on the 24th August 1917, when he is awarded the bar to his MC. The citation reads:-
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding his guns with great ability in a critical situation. Finding his objective untenable owing to heavy fire, he moved forward to the front line, where he remained in action for forty-eight hours without relief. Although wounded in two places he displayed a fine example of cheerfulness and endurance.”
The article notes that his MC was gazetted 25th August 1916)
www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/30251/supplements/8804
There is no obvious Adrian or Hubert Graves on the 1901 Census
John Goulder
Sergt Norfolk Regiment
Name: GOULDER, JOHN LEE
Rank: Serjeant Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 21/08/1915 Service No: 2179
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=693690
No match on Norlink
21st August 1915
Having lost over 200 men from the battalion shortly before this on the 12th, the battalion was to lose at least another 36 on this day.
Hubert Attoe, aged 19 of Briston, Melton Constable
Joseph Bentley
Robert Beresford, age 29, of Holt
William Bond, age 20, of West Newton, Kings Lynn
Leonard Bridges
Cecil Bullimore, age 21, of Westwick
Ernest Bussey, age 20, of Melton Constable
Sidney Carter
John A Chapman
Ernest Cramer, age 46, of East Dereham
Victor Craske
Arthur Futter, age 26, of Gorleston
John Goulder
Geoffrey Griston
Robert Halls, age 26, of Cambridge
George Harnwell, age 16, of Downham West
Frederick Heron, age 21, of Wymondham
Frank Heseltine, age 21, of Kings Lynn
William Humphrey
Frederick Kerrison, age 19, of Carleton Rode
Robert Lines
Captain Arthur Mason, age 32, of Necton Hall, Swaffham
Wallace Murrel, age 25, of Holt
Robert Nurse, age 22, of Dersingham
Walter Page, age 20, of Southtown, Great Yarmouth
William Payne, age 29, of Cromer
Roland Ringer, age 23, of West Newton
Thomas Robinson
George Rudd, age 21, of Norwich
CSM William Simpson, age 37, of North Walsham
Frederick Smith, age 22, of Kings Lynn
Frederick Spreckley, age 19, of Kings Lynn
Morris Walden
William Walker, age 24, of Roydon
Major Ernest Woodwark, age 37
Leslie Woolner, age 20, of Melton Constable
Source - Geoff’s search engine, CWGC database.
On the 1901 Census, the 17 year old John Lee Goulder is living at Pound Road, Aylsham. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 56, from Wramplingham, and a Farmer and Manure Agent), and Mary, (aged 52, from Stretford in Lancashire). Also resident are John’s brothers Clare H, (aged 9), Colin Chas, (aged 11), and sisters Frances M, (aged 12) and Sybil, (aged 19). All the children were born at Aylsham. The Goulder’s also have two live in servants.
Jack Flood
Corporal Norfolk Regiment
Name: FLOOD Initials: J H
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 29/09/1918 Service No: 19557
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. A. 5. Cemetery: UNICORN CEMETERY, VEND'HUILE
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=177477
No match on Norlink
No match on the 1901 Census
Vend'huile was very nearly reached in the Battle of Cambrai 1917. It was taken by the 27th and 30th American Divisions at the end of September 1918, and cleared by the 12th and 18th Divisions on 30 September.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=17500&...
(7th Battalion were part of 12th Division)
The 27th American Division, attacking on the left of the Thirtieth, had an especially difficult task, for the westerly bend in the canal at Vendhuile made it impossible for the British troops farther north to keep pace with the advance of the Twenty-seventh, and its left flank was exposed to cross-fire of artillery and machine guns from the ridge northeast of Vendhuile on the eastern bank of the canal.
Two regiments of the division, the 106th and 107th, had therefore to fight desperately hard to safeguard the left of the division, while the right and centre pushed on to the village of Bony. Later the British 12th and 18th Divisions forced their way across the canal to the north of the tunnel, and relieved the pressure on the left flank of the 27th American Division which had beaten off repeated and fierce German counter-attacks.
www.firstworldwar.com/source/candunord_maurice.htm
Alfred Digby
L\Cprl Beds Regiment
Name: DIGBY Initials: A W
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Bedfordshire Regiment Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Date of Death: 18/03/1918 Service No: 28171
Grave/Memorial Reference: Enclosure No.2 III. E. 6. Cemetery: BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=483161
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has 13 year old Alfred W Digby living at Able Heath, Blickling. He had been born at Aylsham and was living with his parents, James H. (aged 43, an Agricultural Labourer from Aylsham) and Fanny, (aged 43 and from Marsham). Making up the household are Alfred’s brothers, Frederick J, (aged 19 and a shoemaker), Arthur R, (aged 10), Charles W, (aged 5, the first of the children to be born at Blickling), Ernest E, (aged 2), and sisters Florence M, (aged 1) and Violet M, (aged 8)
(see brother Private Ernest Digby below)
The Battalion’s war diary has very little information for this date
16 Mar 1918 - front line trenches Battn moved to Front Line & relieved 1st Battn Essex Regt.
17 Mar 1918 Quiet. Bn Hdqrs shelled with gas.
18 Mar 1918 3. Other Ranks wounded.
19 Mar 1918 1 Other Rank wounded. 18 other ranks reinforcements
20 Mar 1918 Front line. 2 Other Ranks killed 5 O.Ranks wounded. 8 O.Ranks gassed
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/6thbtn/6thbtn1918diary.html
Charles Broom
Pvte Norfolk Regmt
Name: BROOM Initials: C C
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 02/11/1917 Service No: 23424
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIV. B. 4. Cemetery: GAZA WAR CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=649563
No match on Norlink
2nd November 1917
The first action at Gaza took place before dawn on 2 November when the 161st and 162nd Brigades of the 54th Division attacked the Turkish trench system in the sand dunes between Gaza and the sea. On this occasion it was a night attack by well prepared troops with overwhelming artillery support and armoured (six tanks). The British infantry advanced about 2 miles on a 5,000 yard front and held their gains against repeated Turkish counter-attacks. Casualty figures were heavy for both sides but this time favoured the British.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Battle_of_Gaza
The 1901 Census has a 7 year old Charles living at 17 Silvergate, Blickling. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 51 and an Agricultural Labourer, born Blickling), and Elizabeth,( aged 44, from Bobbing in Kent). The rest of the family are Hannah, aged 10, and John, aged 16 and like his father, an agricultural labourer.
Charles Buck
Pvte Essex Regiment
Name: BUCK Initials: C A
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 17/04/1917 Service No: 41526
Additional information: Son of M. Buck, of Frettenham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. G. 8. Cemetery: DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=168892
Norlink has a Private C A Buck, but with no additional information. Therefore apologies if this is not the same soldier. Cap badge looks more like the Britannia of the Norfolks, although on at least one occasion that I’m aware of drafts from the training battalion of the Norfolks ended up in the 1st Essex.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Thu., Apr 12, 1917
The Bn. marched from billets at FOSSEUX to ARRAS (abt 10 miles) and on arrival was at once ordered to proceed with the remainder of the 88th Bde to relieve the 37th Bde near MONCHY-LE-PREUX. The Bn arrived at ARRAS at 3pm and left to carry out the relief 4 miles off at 6.30pm. Owing to intense congestion on the road and other delays the relief was not completed until 3am on 13th.
Prior to leaving ARRAS orders had been issued for an attack on the German line in company with the 1st NFLD to be made on the 13th at an hour to be notified later.
The attack was to be made from an Assembly trench which was to be dug on the night of the 12/13 by 2nd Hants, 4th Worcs were in support to the attack.
Owing to the late hour at which the Brigade relief was completed & consequent impossibility of making adequate preparation for the attack the operation was postponed.
At daylight therefore on the 13th the Brigade was situated as shown in the attached map.
At 11am orders were received to make the attack at 2pm. These orders also were cancelled a few minutes before Zero.
During the night 13/14 the 2nd Hants dug the required assembly trench and operation orders were issued to the Bn. by Lt. Col. Halaham. App. B.
At 5.30am on 14th the barrage fell and the battalion left the trench & carried out the assault.
In spite of a certain weakness of the barrage the objective was gained and by 6.30am all companies had reported that they were busy digging in.
In the mean time "X" Coy detailed to form a flank guard to the thence attacking Coys had at once come in contact with the enemy.
Therefore acting under Capt. Foster's orders No. 5 Platoon got into shell holes at about 0 1b 8.1 and opened fire. No. 8 Platoon being checked by machine gun fire from ARROW COPSE No 7 was directed to outflank this copse with the result that No 8 could again get forward , capturing the 2 machine guns & driving the enemy out of the copse. The small wood at O 2a 7.5 was also in hostile occupation but was cleared by Lewis Guns & Rifle Grenades. The Company then moved forward to the N. end of the copses where all platoons came under fire from a line of hidden machine guns. The company now began to form the chain of strong points as detailed in operation orders.
From this point no further definitive news could be gathered as to the fate of this company. A few men eventually rejoined the battalion & from their statements it is certain that all Platoons their proper positions where they were at once attacked by very superior German forces & were finally overwhelmed in these positions at a time between 6.30 and 7.30 am.
The main attack by the remaining 3 Coys having reached their objective by 6.30 am started to dig in and reports were sent back to Bn. Hqrs that large forces of the enemy could be seen in the BOIS du SART & the BOIS des AUBE PINES and that all covering parties were sent forward were at once coming under heavy machine gun & rifle fire.
It became apparent rapidly to the Coy commanders that an immediate counter attack was being prepared and this also was reported to Bn. Hqrs. These reports were confirmed by two Coy commanders in person returning wounded from the main attack. [Capt Tomlinson Capt Caroline]
Steps had already been taken to get the Artillery on to the points where the enemy was reported to be massing but owing to the destruction of the wires by shell fire it was an hour before the guns opened fire.
By 7.30am the counter attack had fully developed in all its strength of at least 9 battalions. The weight of the attack seams to have come from the N. East & thus fell on "X" Coy. This Coy in spite of a stout resistance was gradually overwhelmed. Vide app. C.
From 7.30 onwards no reports, messages or wounded men arrived at Bn Hqrs or the Aid Post it is therefore apparent that "X" Coy having been overrun the hostile forces got between MONCHY & the attacking Companies of the Essex & NLFD. No men have returned from these Companies.
As soon as it became clear that MONCHY itself was being attacked patrols were put out from Hqr party to hold street barricades in MONCHY. No German succeeded in entering MONCHY. It must be remembered that during all this time the town was under an intense enemy barrage thus rendering it almost impossible to reinforce or support the two Battalions & making the work of the respective Hqrs parties extremely arduous.
Except for a certain amount of support from the 4th Worcester & 2dn Hants they fought on alone & these two battalions broke up a German attack designed not to drive them back but to retake MONCHY itself.
Appendix C. contains a copy of the Special Order issued by the G.O.C. 88th Bde.
Of the Officers who went into action the following is killed : 2/Lt. L. Cousins.
The following are wounded :- Capts R.E.G. Caroline, J. Tomlinson, Lieuts ?.W.J. Taylor
R. Eastwood. 2/Lt's H. Ockendon, S. ?. Andrew, F.W. Barker.
The following are missing :- Capt H.J.B. Foster, Lt C.R. Brown, 2/Lts A.L. Piper, S.N.R. Eyre, C.H. Feline H.R. Newth, P.W. Coombs, L.F. Portway; G.W. Turk.
Total casualties 17 officers & 644 OR. out of a strength of 31 officers & 892 O.R.
Sun., Apr 15, 1917
The remnants of the Battalion were now withdrawn & went to billets in ARRAS.
I suspect Private Buck may possibly have died from wounds received in this action.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=594...
There a number of Charles Buck’s on the 1901 Census of the right age and living in this part of Norfolk, including two at Frettenham, but none of them have a father or mother with the initial M.
Ernest Digby
Pvte Welsh Regiment
Name: DIGBY Initials: E E
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment
Unit Text: 6th Bn. Date of Death: 17/11/1917 Service No: 55582
Grave/Memorial Reference: XX. E. 20. Cemetery: POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=491408
No match on Norlink
1/6th (Glamorgan) Battalion:
August 1914 : in Swansea. Part of South Wales Brigade, which were Army Troops, unallocated to a Division.
29 October 1914 : landed at Le Havre and moved to Lines of Communication.
5 July 1915 : attached to 84th Brigade, 28th Division.
23 October 1915 : transferred to 3rd Brigade, 1st Division.
15 May 1916 : became Pioneer Bn to 1st Division with which it then remained.
The 1901 Census has 13 year old Alfred W Digby living at Able Heath, Blickling. He had been born at Aylsham and was living with his parents, James H. (aged 43, an Agricultural Labourer from Aylsham) and Fanny, (aged 43 and from Marsham). Making up the household are Alfred’s brothers, Frederick J, (aged 19 and a shoemaker), Arthur R, (aged 10), Charles W, (aged 5, the first of the children to be born at Blickling), Ernest E, (aged 2), and sisters Florence M, (aged 1) and Violet M, (aged 8)
(see brother Lance Corporal Alfred Digby above)
Albert Eastoll
Pvte Cambs Regiment
Name: EASTOLL Initials: A
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Cambridgeshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 39 Date of Death: 03/12/1916 Service No: 6810
Additional information: Son of Robert and Sarah Eastoll, of Besthorpe, Newark; husband of Alice Eastoll, of 35, Silvergate, Blickling, Aylsham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VII. D. 12. Cemetery: DUHALLOW A.D.S. CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2935950
No match on Norlink
In 1901, the only Robert & Sarah Eastoll on the Census for England & Wales are living at Silver Street, Besthorpe, Norfolk, which is some distance from Blickling. They have no Albert living with them, (or Bert\Herbert,etc) and no obvious connection with Blickling. There is no Albert or Alice on the Census.
Albert is also remembered on the Besthorpe Village Memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Besthorpe.html
Jack Foulger
Pvte Black Watch
Name: FOULGER, JACK
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Unit Text: 1st Bn. Age: 22 Date of Death: 13/10/1915 Service No: S/8580
Additional information: Son of John and Elizabeth Foulger, of "Glebe Villa", Horstead, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 78 to 83. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2942658
No match on Norlink
Article in the New York Times about the action at Loos which saw the Battalion practically wiped out on the 25th September 1915. As the battalion appears to have been withdrawn from the front-line after this, I can only assume Private Foulger died of wounds received on this day..
query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9807E...
There is only one Jack Foulger on the 1901 Census. He was 7 years old and lived at Buxton, Horstead. This was the household of his parents, John S, (aged 38 and a domestic gardener) and Elizabeth, (aged 37 and from Norwich).Also resident are Jack’s brother Ernest, (aged 3), and sister Margery M, (aged under 1) as well as Step brother Louis G L Moore, (aged 12 and born Wandsworth) and step-sister Violet G, (aged 10 and also born Wandsworth).
Jack is also remembered on the Horstead War memorial
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/2781983942/
Frederick Hancock
Pvte D L I
Either
Name: HANCOCK, FRED
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry Unit Text: 15th Bn.
Date of Death: 24/10/1918 Service No: 20/288
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 9. Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1743272
Or
Name: HANCOCK, FRED
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 11/11/1916 Service No: 9354
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 14 A and 15 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=788938
No match on Norlink
The 1901 census has an 11 year old Frederick living at Woodgate, Blickling. This was the household of his parents, James, (a 49 year old Woodman Labourer) and Fanny, (aged 45). Also living with them are Frederick’s brother Sidney, (aged 14 and a Farm Labourer) and Walter, (aged 5).
Cyril Pert
Pvte Norfolk Yeo
Name: PERT, CYRIL FREDERICK
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Yeomanry
Age: 18 Date of Death: 03/12/1915 Service No: 1450
Additional information: Son of Frederick and Amelia Pert, of 7, Blickling. Served at the Dardanelles.
Grave/Memorial Reference: North of church. Cemetery: BLICKLING (ST. ANDREW) CHURCHYARD
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802309
No match on Norlink
Cyril died in a London Military Hospital from Enteric Fever contracted in the Dardanelles and is buried in the Church Graveyard.
See here for a bit more
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/1792562213/in/set-7215...
Charles Pert
Pvte Norfolk Yeo
No match on CWGC
The family of Herbert Pert includes a Charles, who was aged 3 on the 1891 Census. There is also a Charles Peart aged 13 in the village. See the link on Cyril Pert for the interchange ability of this surname in documents relating to Blickling.
No match on Norlink
James Tortice
Pvte Rifle Bde
Name: TORTICE, JAMES
Rank: Rifleman Regiment/Service: Rifle Brigade Unit Text: 13th Bn.
Age: 34 Date of Death: 25/08/1918 Service No: B/200134
Additional information: Son of Henry and Jane Tortice, of 37, Silvergate, Blickling, Aylsham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. F. 6. Cemetery: GOMIECOURT SOUTH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=569529
The Battalion was involved in the action to take Achiet, part of the battle of Albert, between 21st to 23rd August 1918.
www.achiet-le-grand.org/august_1918.htm
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has a 16 year old James working as a Shoemaker and living at 37 Silvergate, Blickling. This was the household of his father, Henry, ( a 47 year old Shepherd from Aylsham). He is not described as a widower so I assume his wife was away on Census night. Also living there are James brother Henry, a 21 year old bricklayer, and sister May aged 24. The family does not seem to be on the 1891 Census.