Private Alfred John Blazeby, Suffolk Regiment 1918
In
Loving Memory
Of
SARAH ANN
The beloved wife of
WILLIAM BLAZEBY
Who died Jan.1st. 1917
Aged 71 years.
Also of
WILLIAM
Husband of the above
Who died Nov. 1st 1925
Aged 79 years
Also of
ALFRED JOHN
Suffolk Regiment
Dearly loved son of th(e above).
Killed in France 2????
Aged 36 years.
That soldier is most likely to be:-
BLAZEBY, ALFRED JOHN
Rank:………………......Private
Service No:………….291042
Date of Death:……..27/03/1918
Regiment:………….....7th Bn, Suffolk Regiment.
Memorial:…………......Pozieres Memorial
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/853075/blazeby,-alfre...
Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private Alfred John Blazeby was Killed in Action on the 27th March 1918 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He was born and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.
The Medal Index Card for Private 291042 Alfred J. Blazeby, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/2/182687
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D1368821
His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army service records were stored.
The International Red Cross do not appear to have received a missing person inquiry.
No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image archive.
There is no obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.
The relevant Memorial Panel can be seen here:-
www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=160818...
1881 Census of England and Wales
The 3 month old Alfred J. Blazeby, born Norwich, was recorded at one of the dwellings in Green Yard, Pockthorpe, Norwich. This was the household of his parents William, (aged 35, a Cooper, born Norwich) and Sarah, (aged 36, born Norwich). As well as Williams’ step-daughter, (and presumably Sarah’s daughter), Alice M Percy, (aged 15, a Silk Factory Worker, born Norwich), the other children of this marriage who were living with them are:-
Frances R(?)………aged 10……born Norwich
William F…………aged 8……...born Norwich
Florence E………...aged 6……..born Norwich
Edith S……………aged 4………born Norwich
Beatrice C(?)……..aged 2………born Norwich
Next comes the tricky part. The baptism of an Alfred John Blazeby, born 26th December 1880, took place at St James with Pockthorpe, Norwich on the 20th March 1881. Parents were William, a Cooper, and Sarah Ann. The family lived at Green Yard, Barrack Street, which was actually outside the Parish Boundary.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818c67ee93790eca3cf176...
But the baptism of an Alfred John Blazeby born 7th March 1882 took place in the same church, with the same parents on the 3rd December 1882. The family were now living at Bakers Yard, Barrack Street, but were still living outside the Parish.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818c680e93790eca3cf1bf...
Given the high rates of infant mortality, it was not uncommon for names to be recycled, particularly if they were traditional family names. However this can be a nightmare for genealogists. What at first appears to be nothing more than an age quirk between two censuses actually masks a family tragedy – something reflected in the 1911 census for William and Sarah – see below.
The death of an Alfred John Blazeby, aged under 1, was recorded in the Norwich District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1881.
1891 Census of England and Wales
The Blazeby family were now recorded living at 6 Black Horse Street, Heigham, Norwich. As well as father William, (45, Cooper) and mother Sarah A., (47, now shown as born Eaton, Norfolk), children still single and living at home are Frank W., (17, Moulder), Florence E., (16, Machinist), Edith S., (14, General Servant – Daygirl), Beatrice C., (12), Alfred J., (9), Ellen M., (7) and Harry, (5) – all born Norwich.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The family now appear to have a few doors up the street to number 11. The scan of the original census is very faint, but interpreting what little I can see in line with the previous two censuses we have parents William, (55, Cooper) and Sarah A, (56, back to born Norwich), as well as unmarried children Beatrice, (22, Tailoress), Alfred, (19, ????? presser?), Nellie, (17, Tailoress) and Harry, (15, Ironmoulder?).
1906 – Marriage?......................
The marriage of an Alfred John Blazeby to a Caroline Beatrice Brown was recorded in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1906 in the Norwich District.
1911 Census of England and Wales
There is only one Alfred Blazeby with a Norwich connection and of anything like the right age on this census. This is the 29 year old married man, a Machine Operator in a Boot Factory, born Norwich, who was recorded living at 21 Marlborough Road, Norwich. This was the household of his widowed father-in-law, Samuel Browne, (aged 71, a retired Gumshoe Maker and Old Age Pensioner, born Norwich). Living with Alfred is his wife of 4 years, Beatrice, (aged 30, born Norwich). The couple have had three children, but sadly only one was still alive. This was almost certainly the 2 year old Beatrice Blazeby, born Norwich, who is shown on the census return as the grand-daughter of Samuel Browne.
The 1911 census return was the first intended to be completed by a member of the householder. In the case of Alfreds’ parents, its father William who has completed the form, but in every instance, including his signature on the declaration, he has spelt the family surname as “Blazby”. He was still living at 11 Blackhorse Street, Norwich. Then aged 65, he was till working as a Cooper in the “Brewry” trade. He and Sarah Ann, (66), have been married 40 years and have had 15 children, of which 7 were then still alive. Their 24 year old son Henry, a Boot & Shoe Operator, was still living with them.
Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely additional matches for children of Alfred and Beatrice. However checking out the name of the administrator of the estate of Beatrice I found the birth of an Alfred G Blazeby, mothers maiden name Browne, was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Norwich in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1915.
On the day
On the morning of 24 March the Division arrived in the area of Senlis, Warloy and Bouzincourt. A tiring and confusing day was to follow. That afternoon, 36 and 37 Brigades moved forward to the line Montauban-Bazentin le Grand, on the old 1916 Somme battlefield. But events were moving fast as the enemy's offensive pressed forward. 35 Brigade after much marching took up a position covering Albert. 37 Brigade, in the area of Ovillers, covered the withdrawal of 47th (London) Division and then itself withdrew to Aveluy and by 4.30am on 26 March 36 Brigade had also taken up a position west of the Ancre. There were no prepared trenches or wire defences and natural lines, such as the railway embankment north of Albert, were taken up to await the expected German attack. There was no touch with other Divisions to the right but contact was made with 2nd Division on the left.
Soon after midday on 26 March, Germans were seen advancing down the slopes into the Ancre valley. They were also seen in large numbers to the south of Albert moving on Meaulte and Dernancourt and by 7pm Albert itself was full of them. The 7/Suffolks had to withdraw through the ruined town to west of the railway line. On the northern side too, it seemed that the Division was in great danger of being outflanked, for enemy had got to Grandcourt and Beaumont Hamel. All units came under increasing pressure as the enemy pressed on. Many enemy attacks were repelled with heavy casualties, although the Division suffered 1634 casualties in halting their advance.
On the 26th March 1918 the 7th Suffolks were defending the Albert bridgehead, back to positions they had constructed 2 years previously. The force of the German onslaught (The Kaiserschlact) meant they had their backs to the wall, with very little equipment, no artillery support, no bombs, rifle grenade, trench mortars or even sufficient shovels. They were along the railway line, the left company resting on the Albert railway station, the right about 300 yards south of the Albert-Amiens road. Several attacks were beaten off but at 10.20pm the Germans attacked in strength. Attack and counter attack ensued, but the Suffolk had to pull back 300 yards, but managed at last to stabilise this position. One platoon was reduced to 3 men. Short of food and water they were relieved just before dawn on the 28th.
In the three days 26-28th, they had suffered 256 casualties. Of these 73 were killed on the 27th, with only 10 of them having identified graves.
badwellash.onesuffolk.net/badwell-ash-history/world-war-o...
Postscript
It may be a co-incidence but the death of a Caroline B Blazeby, aged 83, was recorded in the Norwich District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1964.
The 1964 Probate Calendar records that a Caroline Beatrice Blazeby of 128 Spencer Street, Norwich, a widow, died 2 March 1964. Administration of her estate was granted at the Norwich Court on the 18 March to Alfred George Blazeby, a gas board official. Her estate was valued at £246.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar#calendar
Private Alfred John Blazeby, Suffolk Regiment 1918
In
Loving Memory
Of
SARAH ANN
The beloved wife of
WILLIAM BLAZEBY
Who died Jan.1st. 1917
Aged 71 years.
Also of
WILLIAM
Husband of the above
Who died Nov. 1st 1925
Aged 79 years
Also of
ALFRED JOHN
Suffolk Regiment
Dearly loved son of th(e above).
Killed in France 2????
Aged 36 years.
That soldier is most likely to be:-
BLAZEBY, ALFRED JOHN
Rank:………………......Private
Service No:………….291042
Date of Death:……..27/03/1918
Regiment:………….....7th Bn, Suffolk Regiment.
Memorial:…………......Pozieres Memorial
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/853075/blazeby,-alfre...
Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private Alfred John Blazeby was Killed in Action on the 27th March 1918 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He was born and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.
The Medal Index Card for Private 291042 Alfred J. Blazeby, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/2/182687
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D1368821
His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army service records were stored.
The International Red Cross do not appear to have received a missing person inquiry.
No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image archive.
There is no obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.
The relevant Memorial Panel can be seen here:-
www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=160818...
1881 Census of England and Wales
The 3 month old Alfred J. Blazeby, born Norwich, was recorded at one of the dwellings in Green Yard, Pockthorpe, Norwich. This was the household of his parents William, (aged 35, a Cooper, born Norwich) and Sarah, (aged 36, born Norwich). As well as Williams’ step-daughter, (and presumably Sarah’s daughter), Alice M Percy, (aged 15, a Silk Factory Worker, born Norwich), the other children of this marriage who were living with them are:-
Frances R(?)………aged 10……born Norwich
William F…………aged 8……...born Norwich
Florence E………...aged 6……..born Norwich
Edith S……………aged 4………born Norwich
Beatrice C(?)……..aged 2………born Norwich
Next comes the tricky part. The baptism of an Alfred John Blazeby, born 26th December 1880, took place at St James with Pockthorpe, Norwich on the 20th March 1881. Parents were William, a Cooper, and Sarah Ann. The family lived at Green Yard, Barrack Street, which was actually outside the Parish Boundary.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818c67ee93790eca3cf176...
But the baptism of an Alfred John Blazeby born 7th March 1882 took place in the same church, with the same parents on the 3rd December 1882. The family were now living at Bakers Yard, Barrack Street, but were still living outside the Parish.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818c680e93790eca3cf1bf...
Given the high rates of infant mortality, it was not uncommon for names to be recycled, particularly if they were traditional family names. However this can be a nightmare for genealogists. What at first appears to be nothing more than an age quirk between two censuses actually masks a family tragedy – something reflected in the 1911 census for William and Sarah – see below.
The death of an Alfred John Blazeby, aged under 1, was recorded in the Norwich District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1881.
1891 Census of England and Wales
The Blazeby family were now recorded living at 6 Black Horse Street, Heigham, Norwich. As well as father William, (45, Cooper) and mother Sarah A., (47, now shown as born Eaton, Norfolk), children still single and living at home are Frank W., (17, Moulder), Florence E., (16, Machinist), Edith S., (14, General Servant – Daygirl), Beatrice C., (12), Alfred J., (9), Ellen M., (7) and Harry, (5) – all born Norwich.
1901 Census of England and Wales
The family now appear to have a few doors up the street to number 11. The scan of the original census is very faint, but interpreting what little I can see in line with the previous two censuses we have parents William, (55, Cooper) and Sarah A, (56, back to born Norwich), as well as unmarried children Beatrice, (22, Tailoress), Alfred, (19, ????? presser?), Nellie, (17, Tailoress) and Harry, (15, Ironmoulder?).
1906 – Marriage?......................
The marriage of an Alfred John Blazeby to a Caroline Beatrice Brown was recorded in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1906 in the Norwich District.
1911 Census of England and Wales
There is only one Alfred Blazeby with a Norwich connection and of anything like the right age on this census. This is the 29 year old married man, a Machine Operator in a Boot Factory, born Norwich, who was recorded living at 21 Marlborough Road, Norwich. This was the household of his widowed father-in-law, Samuel Browne, (aged 71, a retired Gumshoe Maker and Old Age Pensioner, born Norwich). Living with Alfred is his wife of 4 years, Beatrice, (aged 30, born Norwich). The couple have had three children, but sadly only one was still alive. This was almost certainly the 2 year old Beatrice Blazeby, born Norwich, who is shown on the census return as the grand-daughter of Samuel Browne.
The 1911 census return was the first intended to be completed by a member of the householder. In the case of Alfreds’ parents, its father William who has completed the form, but in every instance, including his signature on the declaration, he has spelt the family surname as “Blazby”. He was still living at 11 Blackhorse Street, Norwich. Then aged 65, he was till working as a Cooper in the “Brewry” trade. He and Sarah Ann, (66), have been married 40 years and have had 15 children, of which 7 were then still alive. Their 24 year old son Henry, a Boot & Shoe Operator, was still living with them.
Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely additional matches for children of Alfred and Beatrice. However checking out the name of the administrator of the estate of Beatrice I found the birth of an Alfred G Blazeby, mothers maiden name Browne, was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Norwich in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1915.
On the day
On the morning of 24 March the Division arrived in the area of Senlis, Warloy and Bouzincourt. A tiring and confusing day was to follow. That afternoon, 36 and 37 Brigades moved forward to the line Montauban-Bazentin le Grand, on the old 1916 Somme battlefield. But events were moving fast as the enemy's offensive pressed forward. 35 Brigade after much marching took up a position covering Albert. 37 Brigade, in the area of Ovillers, covered the withdrawal of 47th (London) Division and then itself withdrew to Aveluy and by 4.30am on 26 March 36 Brigade had also taken up a position west of the Ancre. There were no prepared trenches or wire defences and natural lines, such as the railway embankment north of Albert, were taken up to await the expected German attack. There was no touch with other Divisions to the right but contact was made with 2nd Division on the left.
Soon after midday on 26 March, Germans were seen advancing down the slopes into the Ancre valley. They were also seen in large numbers to the south of Albert moving on Meaulte and Dernancourt and by 7pm Albert itself was full of them. The 7/Suffolks had to withdraw through the ruined town to west of the railway line. On the northern side too, it seemed that the Division was in great danger of being outflanked, for enemy had got to Grandcourt and Beaumont Hamel. All units came under increasing pressure as the enemy pressed on. Many enemy attacks were repelled with heavy casualties, although the Division suffered 1634 casualties in halting their advance.
On the 26th March 1918 the 7th Suffolks were defending the Albert bridgehead, back to positions they had constructed 2 years previously. The force of the German onslaught (The Kaiserschlact) meant they had their backs to the wall, with very little equipment, no artillery support, no bombs, rifle grenade, trench mortars or even sufficient shovels. They were along the railway line, the left company resting on the Albert railway station, the right about 300 yards south of the Albert-Amiens road. Several attacks were beaten off but at 10.20pm the Germans attacked in strength. Attack and counter attack ensued, but the Suffolk had to pull back 300 yards, but managed at last to stabilise this position. One platoon was reduced to 3 men. Short of food and water they were relieved just before dawn on the 28th.
In the three days 26-28th, they had suffered 256 casualties. Of these 73 were killed on the 27th, with only 10 of them having identified graves.
badwellash.onesuffolk.net/badwell-ash-history/world-war-o...
Postscript
It may be a co-incidence but the death of a Caroline B Blazeby, aged 83, was recorded in the Norwich District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1964.
The 1964 Probate Calendar records that a Caroline Beatrice Blazeby of 128 Spencer Street, Norwich, a widow, died 2 March 1964. Administration of her estate was granted at the Norwich Court on the 18 March to Alfred George Blazeby, a gas board official. Her estate was valued at £246.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar#calendar