Castle Acre - 1914 - 1918 Sillis to Wright
William R Sillis………………………………......................(RoH)
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
CWGC had a Harry Sillis from Great Massingham, but the family details don’t tie in with the census (see below). At least one assumes this is the individual however.
www.breckland-rollofhonour.org.uk/castle_acre.html
Less likely
Name: SILLIS Initials: V A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 17/06/1916 Service No: G/1542 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 35. Cemetery: BERKS CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=107092
(Genes Re-united shows this as Victor Albert)
No match on Norlink
On the 1901 Census, the 6 year old William, (born Castle Acre), can be found at Pales Green Cottage, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 30 and an Agricultural Labourer from Westacre), and Sarah, (aged 32 and from Castle Acre). Their other children are:-
Agnes…………….aged 3.…………….born Castle Acre
Frederick………aged 4.………………born Castle Acre
Albert Edward Skeet………………………....................(RoH)
Lance Corporal 8096. 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died in Mesopotamia on 11th May 1916. Born Castle Acre. Enlisted Swaffham. Buried: Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Ref. VI. A. 7.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=630209
No match on Picture Norfolk
See comment below, (added 14/01/2025)
Frederick Skeet…………………………...........................(RoH)
Private 17195. 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died in Mesopotamia on 20th May 1916. Born Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Ref. VIII. H. 14.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=630210
No match on Picture Norfolk
See comment below, (added 14/01/2025)
Henry William Skipper…………………………….................RoH
Private 16528. 2nd/5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 21st March 1918. Aged 19. Born and lived Castle Acre. Son of Mr. William Skipper, of Low Cottage, Castle Acre, King's Lynn. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Grevillers British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. XI. A. 9.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=291064
No match on Norlink
The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 2 year old William Skipper, (born Castle Acre), who is recorded at Pales Green Cottage, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 34 and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Castle Acre), and Susannah, (aged 30 and from Castle Acre). Their other children are:-
Adelaide………………………..aged 9
Eva………………………………..aged 13
Gertrude………………………..aged 11
Gladys……………………………aged 5
Olga……………………………….aged 4
Phoebe…………………………..aged 7
This was the first day of the German Spring Offensive, and the 2/5ths were involved in the Battle of St. Quentin. 21-23 Mar 1918 as part of 59th Division.
The momentous German counter-offensive known as 'Operation Michael' - the so-called 'Kaiser's Battle' - was launched along a 50-mile front at dawn on 21st March 1918. A massive preliminary bombardment (from 0505h in the northern sector, 0440h elsewhere) preceded the onslaught of massed infantry led by storm troops.
The fighting in the Bullecourt Salient was probably more severe than at any other part of the front. The casualties of the 59th Division were heavier than any other British division that day
www.wiseacres.org.uk/ww1/21mar18.htm
Robert Skipper………………………………..............................RoH
Private 20732. 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Formerly 19194 Norfolk Regiment. Died at Sea on 11th August 1915. Born Castle Acre. Lived Downham Market. Enlisted Felixtowe. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=683275
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census transcription on the Genes Reunited site doesn’t have a Robert Skipper that matches any of the details listed.
A passage from the History of Norfolk Regiment tells the story: Colonel Tonge refers to the loss of 300 men, the best draft that ever left Felixstowe. These men volunteered to join the Essex Regiment and appear to have constituted the drafts of June 23 and July 24 1915. They were part of the reinforcements carried by the transport "Royal Edward" which was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea on August 14th 1915. She sank two and a half minutes after the torpedo struck her. Of the 1,400 men she carried only 600 were saved, and the drowned included all but 18 of the 300 Norfolk men. The men who had had a route march just before leaving Alexandria, were waiting on deck for foot inspection at about 9.20 am. Their lifebelts were down below, and when the ship was unexpectedly struck most of them ran below to fetch the belts. Owing to the ship's sudden heeling over and sinking, these never got up again. Those who escaped were picked up by a hospital ship which responded to the s.o.s. signal. To partly replace this sad loss, another draft of 150 men to the Essex Regiment was dispatched on September 29, 1915. Addenda 1994 From: "Men of Gallipoli"(David & Charles,1988) by kind permission of the publishers. One of the features of the Cape Helles monument is the rows of names of men drowned in the torpedoing of the Royal Edward,which sank in the Eastern Mediterranean on 13th August with a loss of over 850 lives.A.T.Fraser in the Border Regiment,was in a deckchair on the afterdeck starboard side when suddenly dozens of men ran past him from port to starboard. The explosion came before he had time to ask what was the matter."The ship had no escort and we had not been ordered to have our life-belts with us.The hundreds on deck ran below to get their life-belts and hundreds below would have met them on their way up.I shared a cabin accessible from the deck I was on and I raced there to get my life-belt and ran to my life-boat station which was on the star- board side.As the men arrived they fell in two ranks. Already the ship was listing and this prevented our boats from being lowered,so we were ordered to jump for it.I saw no panic,but of course one could imagine what was happening on the inside stairs. I swam away from the ship and turned to see the funnels leaning towards me.When they reached the sea,all the soot was belched out,there was a loud whoosh and the ship sank. No explosion,no surge.So I was alone.The little waves were such that in the trough you saw nothing,on the crest you saw a few yards.The water was warm.I wondered if there were sharks". Fraser found some wood to rest on and he was joined by a seaman,an older man who had twice previously been torpedoed.This brought the young Scot confidence.An up turned Royal Edward lifeboat was to provide 17 of the survivors with a little more security though in what Fraser calls half-hourly recurring turbulence,the boat turned over,offering them conventional but completely waterlogged accommodation every alternate half hour but at least providing them with something to do.There was no singing and little conversation. The first ship that passed hailed the scattered men and promised to signal for help. It could not stop as it had high explosives for Lemnos.Some of the men became depressed and showed unwillingness to clamber back in the life boat when it overturned, but on each occasion all were persuaded. Finally the hospital ship SOUDAIN arrived to pick them up in her life-boats,and at 2 o'clock Fraser was safely aboard her after just under five hours in the sea. He remembers that"a large number of men lost their false teeth as we were constantly sick in the sea- and these men were sent back to England.We the younger ones, were clothed and kitted and on another ship three days later for Gallipoli
www.geocities.com/heartland/acres/5564/royaledward.html
Thomas Skipper………………………………...........................RoH
Private 23112. 7th Battalion Border Regiment. Formerly 18767 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 27th June 1916. Born and lived Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Husband of Florence Skipper of Fuller's Yard, Castle Acre, Swaffham, Norfolk. Buried: Citadel New Military Cemetery, Fricourt, Somme, France. Ref. IV. F. 6.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=546797
No match on Norlink
The 1911 Census transcription has a Thomas, aged 25, born Castle Acre and still living in the District. There is also a 23 year old Florie, born Castle Acre and resident there, who could be the wife referred to above - unfortunately I only have a high-level information subscription.
CITADEL NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, FRICOURT
The great majority of the burials were carried out from field ambulances before the Battles of the Somme.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=60900&...
There is a family website with a picture of Thomas and possibly his wife.
privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~alan/family/X-ThomasSkipper.html
Other detail given are that he was born March 1883 and married Florence Green in 1909. They had one daughter, Emma, born 1911.
privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~alan/family/T-Skipper-Lift.html
Arthur J Stapleton……………………………….......................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
There are two potential matches on the 1901 Census, although none with an obvious direct link to Castle Acre. There is a 2 year old born and living at Burnham Thorpe living with his grandfather, who I’ve come across while researching the Burnham Deepdale memorial. There is then a 4 year old born and resident Whissonett, who is the son of a James - possibly a hint to that second initial.
On the 1911 census the Burnham Thorpe individual is recorded in the district of Docking, while the Whissonett individual is recorded in the district of Mitford which covers the village of Whissonett.
Ernest Stapleton………………………………...........................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has Ernest, aged 12,and already employed as a General Labourer, born West Acre, recorded at Pales Green Cottages, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 47 and a General Labourer Jobbing from Castle Acre), and Ruth, (aged 48 and from Castle Acre.) Their other children are:-
Agnes………………..aged 16.………..born West Acre……..Daily Domestic
Albert…………………aged 17.………..born West Acre……..General Labourer Jobbing
Ellen………………….aged 1.………….born Castle Acre
James………………..aged 10.……….born West Acre
Rebecca…………….aged 5.………….born Castle Acre
A family web site has also identified an Ernest Edward, born 1892 Castle Acre, to a George & Louisa Stapleton.
albert-browne.me.uk/genealogy/familygroup.php?familyID=F1...
(The same site shows George as John’s older brother. One of the younger brothers, born 1874 is an Ernest William Stapleton, so its very much a family name.)
James Stapleton………………………………...........................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
See Ernest above for family details
Charles Turner………………………………..............................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
There are 21 Charles Turner’s on the 1901 Census with a Norfolk connection, but none obviously with any Castle Acre connection.
(George) William Ward………………………………..............................RoH
Private 61409. 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Formerly 16100 Royal West Kent Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 23rd April 1917. Aged 30. Born Castle Acre. Lived and enlisted Darlington. Son of Mrs. H. Mobbs, of Dyke Hills, Castle Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Commemorated: Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=775977
No match on Norlink
Also commemorated in the church yard
The 13 year old William, (born Castle Acre), is recorded on the 1901 census at Fullers Yard, Castle Acre. The head of the household is his mother, a Hannah Ward, who is described as 37 and single, working as a field worker. As well as William, who is already an agricultural labourer, there is another son Dennis. Dennis was also born Castle Acre, is aged 15 and is also an Agricultural Labourer.
On the 1891 census, William is recorded again at Fullers Yard, (which is listed as of Drury Lane).
From the personal diary of Alfred Mills of the 10th Royal Fusiliers
Monday 23 April Gavrelle
Second Battle of the Scarpe. The 10th Battalion attacked at 4:45am and took the German second line without much difficulty, but further advance was held up by machine gun fire and snipers until the 13th Battalion came up on the left flank. the advance was resumed; but the 10th Battalion lost touch with the right and left units later on. At 9:30am, the 10th, now consisting of 3 officers and 50 other ranks, had occupied Cuba Trench, and the 13th battalion came up again about half and hour later. But the 63rd Brigade on the right were not found again until 9:55pm. The 10th Battalion had advanced up to the road running due south of Gavrelle and established a line not far from the north-western slopes of Greenland Hill.
(Update March 2018 - this link now appears to be broken and the resource doesn't appear to be anywhere else on the internet).
William Wicks………………………………...............................RoH
RoH believes it is probably: Private 5970. 1st/8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 18th September 1916. Aged 23. Born West Walton, Norfolk. Lived King’s Lynn. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Tom and Sarah Wicks, of Tilney All Saints, King's Lynn. Buried: Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, Somme, France. Ref. I. F. 34.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=525452
No match on Norlink
However it is actually
Name: WICKS, WILLIAM DIXON
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Unit Text: 42nd Sqdn.
Age: 29 Date of Death: 11/12/1918
Additional information: Son of Frederick Wicks, of Quebec Farm, East Dereham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. A. 22. Cemetery: VALENCIENNES (ST. ROCH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=578012
William Dixon Wicks, (aged 11, born Castle Acre) can be found on the 1901 census
at Pales Green Cottages, Castle Acre. This is the household of his widower father, Frederick, (aged 61 and a Farmer and Drover from Castle Acre). Also living with them is William’s sister, Eva Florence, (aged 12 and also from Castle Acre) The Wick’s lived a door turn from the Stapleton’s, who sacrificed two sons, (q.v)
Flight Internationals edition of the 31st October 1918 lists a flight cadet W D Dixon who has been granted a temporary commission as a 2nd Lieutenant (Observer Officer) with effect from the 14th October 1918.
www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1918/1918%20-%201235...
In the same magazines 2nd January 1919 edition, the Roll of Honour, contains two names on the list published December 27th who are shown as killed, (rather than died, or died from injuries). As William was an observer, I suspected the other individual, 2nd Lt G R Wheeler, was his pilot and they died in a plane crash, however George Ray Wheeler served with a different unit, died the 26/11 and was buried in Ismalia, so back to the drawing board.
www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1919/1919%20-%200021...
A further google search produced a chronological list of RAF officers who died post-war to 1928, and that has William listed alongside an S S Owen who died the same day.
www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313&highli...
Details for that individual:-
Name: OWEN, SIDNEY SMITH
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment) Unit Text: Depot Bn. Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 42nd Sqdn.
Age: 27 Date of Death: 11/12/1918
Additional information: Son of James Leitch Owen and Sarah Jane Owen, of 20, Merton Grove, Bootle, Liverpool, England.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. A. 21. Cemetery: VALENCIENNES (ST. ROCH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=577792
However, details of the crash continue to elude me.
Herbert Williamson………………………………...................................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
CWGC choices are
Rifleman, age unknown, 13th Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps, died 16/11/16
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=822347
Rifle Herbert Stanley, age unknown, 1/18th Battalion London Regiment (London Irish Rifles), died 03/10/16.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=822348
All the others have family details firmly tieing them to other places.
No match on Norlink
The 6 year old Herbert, born Castle Acre, can be found on the 1901 census at Post Office Street, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 47 and a Agricultural Labourer from Castle Acre), and Eliza, (aged 44 and from Castle Acre). Their other children are:-
George……………aged 11.…………….born Castle Acre
John……………….aged 15.……………..born Castle Acre…..Ordinary Agricultural Labourer
Mary……………….aged 9.………………born Castle Acre
William Willgress………………………………..................................RoH
Private 14634. 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 13th October 1915. Aged 20. Born Castle Acre. Enlisted Lowestoft. Son of Mrs. A. E. Willgress, of Pales Green, Castle Acre, King's Lynn. Enlisted 1914. Buried: Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Ref. I. C. 5.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=552392
No match on Norlink
There is no obvious match for William on the Genes Reunited transcription of the 1901 Census for England & Wales. He does appear on the 1911, aged 15, born Castle Acre and now resident in the District of Smallburgh, (which is to the east of Norwich). This is also an Alice Eliza, aged 47, born Castle Acre and now resident in the district of Smallbugh, but no other Willgresses in that District. Alice doesn’t appear to be on the 1901, 1891 or 1881 censuses.
The Somme was a "quiet" sector in 1915. The activity, especially in 18th Divisions area, was typified by the exploding of mines under both sides trenches, with the subsequent capture or holding of the rims of the craters created by the explosions. Many mines were exploded during those 6 months in various parts of the line around Fricourt, Mametz and Carnoy. Whilst small raids would have been mounted by both sides, the trenches were in general far enough apart to leave the war to the artillery and the Royal Engineers miners. As I mentioned a major German raid occured in late 1915, which was stated in the 54th Brigade history as the first major raid of its type in the sector.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=797...
Thomas Elias Wright……………………………….............................RoH
Private 16704. 35th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly 17208 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 30th November 1917. Aged 26. Born and lived Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Zaccheaus and Jennie Wright, of Harrison's New Row, St. German's, King's Lynn. Commemorated: Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. Panel 12 and 13.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1758085
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has the 9 year old Thomas, (born Tilney), living at 11 Common End, Fulmodestone. The was the household of his parents, Zaccheus, a 45 year old Shepherd on a Farm, from Grimston, and Jennie, (aged 35 and from St German, Norfolk). Their other children are:-
Ethel…………aged 2.………….born Dalling
Gladys……..aged 7.………….born Cawston
Herbert…….aged 16.……….born Bewsey……Agricultural Labourer
Hilda…………aged 14.……….born Bewsey
Lizzie……….aged 5.………….born Cawston
Castle Acre - 1914 - 1918 Sillis to Wright
William R Sillis………………………………......................(RoH)
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
CWGC had a Harry Sillis from Great Massingham, but the family details don’t tie in with the census (see below). At least one assumes this is the individual however.
www.breckland-rollofhonour.org.uk/castle_acre.html
Less likely
Name: SILLIS Initials: V A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 17/06/1916 Service No: G/1542 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 35. Cemetery: BERKS CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=107092
(Genes Re-united shows this as Victor Albert)
No match on Norlink
On the 1901 Census, the 6 year old William, (born Castle Acre), can be found at Pales Green Cottage, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 30 and an Agricultural Labourer from Westacre), and Sarah, (aged 32 and from Castle Acre). Their other children are:-
Agnes…………….aged 3.…………….born Castle Acre
Frederick………aged 4.………………born Castle Acre
Albert Edward Skeet………………………....................(RoH)
Lance Corporal 8096. 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died in Mesopotamia on 11th May 1916. Born Castle Acre. Enlisted Swaffham. Buried: Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Ref. VI. A. 7.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=630209
No match on Picture Norfolk
See comment below, (added 14/01/2025)
Frederick Skeet…………………………...........................(RoH)
Private 17195. 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died in Mesopotamia on 20th May 1916. Born Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Ref. VIII. H. 14.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=630210
No match on Picture Norfolk
See comment below, (added 14/01/2025)
Henry William Skipper…………………………….................RoH
Private 16528. 2nd/5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 21st March 1918. Aged 19. Born and lived Castle Acre. Son of Mr. William Skipper, of Low Cottage, Castle Acre, King's Lynn. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Grevillers British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. XI. A. 9.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=291064
No match on Norlink
The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 2 year old William Skipper, (born Castle Acre), who is recorded at Pales Green Cottage, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 34 and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Castle Acre), and Susannah, (aged 30 and from Castle Acre). Their other children are:-
Adelaide………………………..aged 9
Eva………………………………..aged 13
Gertrude………………………..aged 11
Gladys……………………………aged 5
Olga……………………………….aged 4
Phoebe…………………………..aged 7
This was the first day of the German Spring Offensive, and the 2/5ths were involved in the Battle of St. Quentin. 21-23 Mar 1918 as part of 59th Division.
The momentous German counter-offensive known as 'Operation Michael' - the so-called 'Kaiser's Battle' - was launched along a 50-mile front at dawn on 21st March 1918. A massive preliminary bombardment (from 0505h in the northern sector, 0440h elsewhere) preceded the onslaught of massed infantry led by storm troops.
The fighting in the Bullecourt Salient was probably more severe than at any other part of the front. The casualties of the 59th Division were heavier than any other British division that day
www.wiseacres.org.uk/ww1/21mar18.htm
Robert Skipper………………………………..............................RoH
Private 20732. 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Formerly 19194 Norfolk Regiment. Died at Sea on 11th August 1915. Born Castle Acre. Lived Downham Market. Enlisted Felixtowe. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=683275
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census transcription on the Genes Reunited site doesn’t have a Robert Skipper that matches any of the details listed.
A passage from the History of Norfolk Regiment tells the story: Colonel Tonge refers to the loss of 300 men, the best draft that ever left Felixstowe. These men volunteered to join the Essex Regiment and appear to have constituted the drafts of June 23 and July 24 1915. They were part of the reinforcements carried by the transport "Royal Edward" which was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea on August 14th 1915. She sank two and a half minutes after the torpedo struck her. Of the 1,400 men she carried only 600 were saved, and the drowned included all but 18 of the 300 Norfolk men. The men who had had a route march just before leaving Alexandria, were waiting on deck for foot inspection at about 9.20 am. Their lifebelts were down below, and when the ship was unexpectedly struck most of them ran below to fetch the belts. Owing to the ship's sudden heeling over and sinking, these never got up again. Those who escaped were picked up by a hospital ship which responded to the s.o.s. signal. To partly replace this sad loss, another draft of 150 men to the Essex Regiment was dispatched on September 29, 1915. Addenda 1994 From: "Men of Gallipoli"(David & Charles,1988) by kind permission of the publishers. One of the features of the Cape Helles monument is the rows of names of men drowned in the torpedoing of the Royal Edward,which sank in the Eastern Mediterranean on 13th August with a loss of over 850 lives.A.T.Fraser in the Border Regiment,was in a deckchair on the afterdeck starboard side when suddenly dozens of men ran past him from port to starboard. The explosion came before he had time to ask what was the matter."The ship had no escort and we had not been ordered to have our life-belts with us.The hundreds on deck ran below to get their life-belts and hundreds below would have met them on their way up.I shared a cabin accessible from the deck I was on and I raced there to get my life-belt and ran to my life-boat station which was on the star- board side.As the men arrived they fell in two ranks. Already the ship was listing and this prevented our boats from being lowered,so we were ordered to jump for it.I saw no panic,but of course one could imagine what was happening on the inside stairs. I swam away from the ship and turned to see the funnels leaning towards me.When they reached the sea,all the soot was belched out,there was a loud whoosh and the ship sank. No explosion,no surge.So I was alone.The little waves were such that in the trough you saw nothing,on the crest you saw a few yards.The water was warm.I wondered if there were sharks". Fraser found some wood to rest on and he was joined by a seaman,an older man who had twice previously been torpedoed.This brought the young Scot confidence.An up turned Royal Edward lifeboat was to provide 17 of the survivors with a little more security though in what Fraser calls half-hourly recurring turbulence,the boat turned over,offering them conventional but completely waterlogged accommodation every alternate half hour but at least providing them with something to do.There was no singing and little conversation. The first ship that passed hailed the scattered men and promised to signal for help. It could not stop as it had high explosives for Lemnos.Some of the men became depressed and showed unwillingness to clamber back in the life boat when it overturned, but on each occasion all were persuaded. Finally the hospital ship SOUDAIN arrived to pick them up in her life-boats,and at 2 o'clock Fraser was safely aboard her after just under five hours in the sea. He remembers that"a large number of men lost their false teeth as we were constantly sick in the sea- and these men were sent back to England.We the younger ones, were clothed and kitted and on another ship three days later for Gallipoli
www.geocities.com/heartland/acres/5564/royaledward.html
Thomas Skipper………………………………...........................RoH
Private 23112. 7th Battalion Border Regiment. Formerly 18767 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 27th June 1916. Born and lived Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Husband of Florence Skipper of Fuller's Yard, Castle Acre, Swaffham, Norfolk. Buried: Citadel New Military Cemetery, Fricourt, Somme, France. Ref. IV. F. 6.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=546797
No match on Norlink
The 1911 Census transcription has a Thomas, aged 25, born Castle Acre and still living in the District. There is also a 23 year old Florie, born Castle Acre and resident there, who could be the wife referred to above - unfortunately I only have a high-level information subscription.
CITADEL NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, FRICOURT
The great majority of the burials were carried out from field ambulances before the Battles of the Somme.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=60900&...
There is a family website with a picture of Thomas and possibly his wife.
privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~alan/family/X-ThomasSkipper.html
Other detail given are that he was born March 1883 and married Florence Green in 1909. They had one daughter, Emma, born 1911.
privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~alan/family/T-Skipper-Lift.html
Arthur J Stapleton……………………………….......................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
There are two potential matches on the 1901 Census, although none with an obvious direct link to Castle Acre. There is a 2 year old born and living at Burnham Thorpe living with his grandfather, who I’ve come across while researching the Burnham Deepdale memorial. There is then a 4 year old born and resident Whissonett, who is the son of a James - possibly a hint to that second initial.
On the 1911 census the Burnham Thorpe individual is recorded in the district of Docking, while the Whissonett individual is recorded in the district of Mitford which covers the village of Whissonett.
Ernest Stapleton………………………………...........................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has Ernest, aged 12,and already employed as a General Labourer, born West Acre, recorded at Pales Green Cottages, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 47 and a General Labourer Jobbing from Castle Acre), and Ruth, (aged 48 and from Castle Acre.) Their other children are:-
Agnes………………..aged 16.………..born West Acre……..Daily Domestic
Albert…………………aged 17.………..born West Acre……..General Labourer Jobbing
Ellen………………….aged 1.………….born Castle Acre
James………………..aged 10.……….born West Acre
Rebecca…………….aged 5.………….born Castle Acre
A family web site has also identified an Ernest Edward, born 1892 Castle Acre, to a George & Louisa Stapleton.
albert-browne.me.uk/genealogy/familygroup.php?familyID=F1...
(The same site shows George as John’s older brother. One of the younger brothers, born 1874 is an Ernest William Stapleton, so its very much a family name.)
James Stapleton………………………………...........................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
See Ernest above for family details
Charles Turner………………………………..............................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
No match on Norlink
There are 21 Charles Turner’s on the 1901 Census with a Norfolk connection, but none obviously with any Castle Acre connection.
(George) William Ward………………………………..............................RoH
Private 61409. 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Formerly 16100 Royal West Kent Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 23rd April 1917. Aged 30. Born Castle Acre. Lived and enlisted Darlington. Son of Mrs. H. Mobbs, of Dyke Hills, Castle Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Commemorated: Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=775977
No match on Norlink
Also commemorated in the church yard
The 13 year old William, (born Castle Acre), is recorded on the 1901 census at Fullers Yard, Castle Acre. The head of the household is his mother, a Hannah Ward, who is described as 37 and single, working as a field worker. As well as William, who is already an agricultural labourer, there is another son Dennis. Dennis was also born Castle Acre, is aged 15 and is also an Agricultural Labourer.
On the 1891 census, William is recorded again at Fullers Yard, (which is listed as of Drury Lane).
From the personal diary of Alfred Mills of the 10th Royal Fusiliers
Monday 23 April Gavrelle
Second Battle of the Scarpe. The 10th Battalion attacked at 4:45am and took the German second line without much difficulty, but further advance was held up by machine gun fire and snipers until the 13th Battalion came up on the left flank. the advance was resumed; but the 10th Battalion lost touch with the right and left units later on. At 9:30am, the 10th, now consisting of 3 officers and 50 other ranks, had occupied Cuba Trench, and the 13th battalion came up again about half and hour later. But the 63rd Brigade on the right were not found again until 9:55pm. The 10th Battalion had advanced up to the road running due south of Gavrelle and established a line not far from the north-western slopes of Greenland Hill.
(Update March 2018 - this link now appears to be broken and the resource doesn't appear to be anywhere else on the internet).
William Wicks………………………………...............................RoH
RoH believes it is probably: Private 5970. 1st/8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 18th September 1916. Aged 23. Born West Walton, Norfolk. Lived King’s Lynn. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Tom and Sarah Wicks, of Tilney All Saints, King's Lynn. Buried: Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, Somme, France. Ref. I. F. 34.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=525452
No match on Norlink
However it is actually
Name: WICKS, WILLIAM DIXON
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Unit Text: 42nd Sqdn.
Age: 29 Date of Death: 11/12/1918
Additional information: Son of Frederick Wicks, of Quebec Farm, East Dereham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. A. 22. Cemetery: VALENCIENNES (ST. ROCH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=578012
William Dixon Wicks, (aged 11, born Castle Acre) can be found on the 1901 census
at Pales Green Cottages, Castle Acre. This is the household of his widower father, Frederick, (aged 61 and a Farmer and Drover from Castle Acre). Also living with them is William’s sister, Eva Florence, (aged 12 and also from Castle Acre) The Wick’s lived a door turn from the Stapleton’s, who sacrificed two sons, (q.v)
Flight Internationals edition of the 31st October 1918 lists a flight cadet W D Dixon who has been granted a temporary commission as a 2nd Lieutenant (Observer Officer) with effect from the 14th October 1918.
www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1918/1918%20-%201235...
In the same magazines 2nd January 1919 edition, the Roll of Honour, contains two names on the list published December 27th who are shown as killed, (rather than died, or died from injuries). As William was an observer, I suspected the other individual, 2nd Lt G R Wheeler, was his pilot and they died in a plane crash, however George Ray Wheeler served with a different unit, died the 26/11 and was buried in Ismalia, so back to the drawing board.
www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1919/1919%20-%200021...
A further google search produced a chronological list of RAF officers who died post-war to 1928, and that has William listed alongside an S S Owen who died the same day.
www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313&highli...
Details for that individual:-
Name: OWEN, SIDNEY SMITH
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment) Unit Text: Depot Bn. Secondary Regiment: Royal Air Force Secondary Unit Text: attd. 42nd Sqdn.
Age: 27 Date of Death: 11/12/1918
Additional information: Son of James Leitch Owen and Sarah Jane Owen, of 20, Merton Grove, Bootle, Liverpool, England.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. A. 21. Cemetery: VALENCIENNES (ST. ROCH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=577792
However, details of the crash continue to elude me.
Herbert Williamson………………………………...................................RoH
No further information available at present on the RoH site.
CWGC choices are
Rifleman, age unknown, 13th Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps, died 16/11/16
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=822347
Rifle Herbert Stanley, age unknown, 1/18th Battalion London Regiment (London Irish Rifles), died 03/10/16.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=822348
All the others have family details firmly tieing them to other places.
No match on Norlink
The 6 year old Herbert, born Castle Acre, can be found on the 1901 census at Post Office Street, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 47 and a Agricultural Labourer from Castle Acre), and Eliza, (aged 44 and from Castle Acre). Their other children are:-
George……………aged 11.…………….born Castle Acre
John……………….aged 15.……………..born Castle Acre…..Ordinary Agricultural Labourer
Mary……………….aged 9.………………born Castle Acre
William Willgress………………………………..................................RoH
Private 14634. 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 13th October 1915. Aged 20. Born Castle Acre. Enlisted Lowestoft. Son of Mrs. A. E. Willgress, of Pales Green, Castle Acre, King's Lynn. Enlisted 1914. Buried: Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Ref. I. C. 5.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=552392
No match on Norlink
There is no obvious match for William on the Genes Reunited transcription of the 1901 Census for England & Wales. He does appear on the 1911, aged 15, born Castle Acre and now resident in the District of Smallburgh, (which is to the east of Norwich). This is also an Alice Eliza, aged 47, born Castle Acre and now resident in the district of Smallbugh, but no other Willgresses in that District. Alice doesn’t appear to be on the 1901, 1891 or 1881 censuses.
The Somme was a "quiet" sector in 1915. The activity, especially in 18th Divisions area, was typified by the exploding of mines under both sides trenches, with the subsequent capture or holding of the rims of the craters created by the explosions. Many mines were exploded during those 6 months in various parts of the line around Fricourt, Mametz and Carnoy. Whilst small raids would have been mounted by both sides, the trenches were in general far enough apart to leave the war to the artillery and the Royal Engineers miners. As I mentioned a major German raid occured in late 1915, which was stated in the 54th Brigade history as the first major raid of its type in the sector.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=797...
Thomas Elias Wright……………………………….............................RoH
Private 16704. 35th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly 17208 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 30th November 1917. Aged 26. Born and lived Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Zaccheaus and Jennie Wright, of Harrison's New Row, St. German's, King's Lynn. Commemorated: Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. Panel 12 and 13.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1758085
No match on Norlink
The 1901 Census has the 9 year old Thomas, (born Tilney), living at 11 Common End, Fulmodestone. The was the household of his parents, Zaccheus, a 45 year old Shepherd on a Farm, from Grimston, and Jennie, (aged 35 and from St German, Norfolk). Their other children are:-
Ethel…………aged 2.………….born Dalling
Gladys……..aged 7.………….born Cawston
Herbert…….aged 16.……….born Bewsey……Agricultural Labourer
Hilda…………aged 14.……….born Bewsey
Lizzie……….aged 5.………….born Cawston