Castle Acre 1918 - 18 Askew to Harrison

With grateful acknowledgement to the Roll of Honour site, which provided the starting point for the information below. All information sourced from there is shown as (RoH)

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

 

Ernest James Archer……………….................................(RoH)

 

Private 32609. 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 20th November 1917. Aged 35. Born North Pickenham, Norfolk. Enlisted London. Son of James Tertius Archer and Sarah Ann Archer, of Castle Acre, Swaffham, Norfolk; husband of Ethel Elizabeth Archer, of "Olives, Shrewsbury Rd., Red Hill, Surrey. Commemorated: Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. Panel 6.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1750838

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

There is no apparent match for an Ernest Archer of the right age or with a Norfolk connection on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 Census for England and Wales. There is however a James and Sarah Ann Archer recorded at Bailey Street, Castle Acre. James is aged 45 and a Prudential Assurance Agent from Great Cressingham, while Sarah Ann is aged 47 and is from Saham Toney. The children recorded as living with them are Edgar Robert, (aged 14 and a Telegraph Messenger for the Post Office, born Ashill), Edwin George, (aged 10 and born Castle Acre), and Eleanor Hannah, (aged 4 and born Castle Acre).

 

On the high level search of the 1911 census, there is an Ernest of the right age born “ L Pickering” and now recorded in the Strand registration district.

 

The battalion took part in the battle of Cambrai, advancing from Gonnelieu through La Vacquerie on the 20th November. They were driven back on the 30th by the German counter-attack

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=116... 1917 surreys&fromsearch=1entry1111687

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cambrai_(1917)

 

Henry James Askew DCM…………………...................(RoH)

 

Serjeant 38229. 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 15th April 1918. Aged 36. Born Weasenham, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Son of the late John and Emily Askew; husband of Mary Ann Askew, of 75, Pales Green, Castle Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 34 to 35 and 162A.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=846448

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

Henry James is recorded on the 1901 Census as James. He is aged 19, born Weasenham and employed as an Agricultural Labourer. His address is just recorded as Weasenham. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 47 and an Agricultural Labourer from East Dereham), and Frances, (aged 44 and from Weasenham). Their other cildren are:-

Anthony………………………aged 13.……………….born Weasenham

Charles……………………………aged 2 …………………born Weasenham

Herbert…………………………..aged 7.………………..born Weasenham

William…………………………..aged 10.……………….born weasenham

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bernard Beck MC………………………….......................(RoH)

 

3rd Battalion The King's (Liverpool Regiment). Killed in action on 18th August 1916. Awarded the Military Cross. Buried: Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, Somme, France. Ref. I. B. 28.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=556258

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

Bernard is on the church memorial and not the village memorial, therefore at this time I must assume the information about the MC is correct, and therefore the correct individual has been identified.

 

There are 5 Bernard Beck’s on the 1901 Census, none with any obvious connections to East Anglia, let alone Castle Acre. Intriguingly, two are pupils at Boarding schools, so impossible to see if there are family ties to this area. Four of the five are on the 1911 census, still all well away from Norfolk. There is a Bernard Beck born circa 1909 at Tunstead, Norfolk, but this can hardly be the someone who died as a combatant in WW1.

 

There is also a Bernard Beck on the Weasenham Roll of Honour who is believed to be the Liverpool Regiment man.

www.breckland-rollofhonour.org.uk/weasenham.html

 

However, the link is finally made clear by the Kings Lynn Roll of Honour page.

 

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain). 3rd attached 4th Liverpool Regiment. Awarded the Military Cross, London Gazette, 25/8/1916: 'For conspicuous gallantry during operations. Under heavy fire he established and maintained for six hours communications between the front line and the H.Q.'s of an infantry brigade.' Killed in action France 18/8/1916. Flat Iron Copse cemetery, Mametz, I.B. 28 Note: until 2000 his headstone did not show the award of the M.C., this has since been corrected.

 

Born Winton Lodge, Leyton Court Road, Streatham, 13/6/1890, son of Harry, a wine merchant, and Julia Beck. He was well known for his interests in farming and held High House Farm, Weasenham. Married Enid Brown, of King's Lynn, and had one child. His wife subsequently remarried, to Mr. Neill, and emigrated to Australia on 26/9/1919.

Enlisted in the 8th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, 24/8/1914, this unit was affiliated to the 16th and 17th Lancers and he is noted as being 6462, Private, 16th Lancers.

Commissioned 15/10/1914. To the Western Front, June, 1915. He was acting second in command of his battalion when he was killed. Death notified by telegram 23/8/1916.

His service papers are at the National Archive (WO339/29583).

Also named on All Saints Church, South Lynn, Memorial Window

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

 

John Blowers………………………………...................................(RoH),

Private 3/10310. 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 15th September 1916. Aged 40. Born Sporle, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Mrs. Maria Blowers; husband of Ethel Mary Blowers, of 40, Broad Meadow Common, Castle Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=766296

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

There isn’t a likely match on the 1901 Census and even on the 1911 Census, we have a “30 year old” John Blowers rather than the 34/35 year old we‘d expect. This John Blowers was born Sporle, and is now recorded in the Freebridge District, the District which covers Castle Acre.

 

Going back to the 1891 Census makes things a little clearer. The John Blowers from Sporle is aged 14, and resident at The Street, Sporle and employed as an Agricultural Labourer. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 62 and an Agricultural Labourer from Sporle), and Maria, (aged 57 and from Scarning). Their other children are Jane, (aged 11), and Leonard, (aged 8), both from Sprole.

 

15th September 1916

 

On September 15th the 1st Leicesters and the 9th Norfolks attacked a German strongpoint called the Quadrilateral in the region of Flers. The attack was originally planned to include 3 tanks in support but two broke down before zero hour and the third was disabled at the start of the advance.

At zero hour the leading companies ("D" & "B") moved off at a steady pace, advancing in four lines at 30 paces interval, the supporting companies ("C" & "A") following in the same formation 300 yards in the rear, and the enemy at once opened a heavy machine gun fire.

The Battalion suffered heavily from the machine gun fire and was held up by the undamaged wire in the front of a German trench, leading from the North West corner of the Quadrilateral, the existence of which was not known. Despite having dug in overnight the Battalion was forced to withdraw the next day having lost 14 officers and 410 other ranks killed, wounded or missing.

www.whitwick.org.uk/history/regulars.htm

 

See John William Green below, who died in the same action.

 

Algier Buckenham……………………………........................(RoH)

Lance Corporal 21274. 8th Battalion Border Regiment. Formerly 19076 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 5th July 1916. Born North Pickenham, Norfolk. Lived Swaffham. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 A and 7 C.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=766146

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 10 year Algier, (born South Pickenham), is recorded on the 1901 Census at Place Farm Cottages, Great & Little Snarehill, near Thetford. This was the household of his parents, Frederick Buckenham, (aged 47 and an Agricultural Labourer from Great Cressingham) and Charlotte, (aged 47 and also from Great Cressingham). Their other children are:-

Ada………………aged 12.…………born Great Cressingham

Archer………….aged 8.……………born East Winch

Bessie………….aged 3.……………born East Winch

Frederick……..aged 27.…………born Great Cressingham..Single..Housekeeper on Farm

Harry…………..aged 21.…………born Great Cressingahm..Single..Agricultural Labourer

Jesse…………..aged 26.…………born Great Cressingham…Single..Cattleman on Farm

William John..aged 17.………..born Great Cressingham…Single..Agricultural Labourer

 

Making up the household is the Buckenham’s grandson, Thomas Buckenham, (aged 4, born East Winch). The 1911 census also refers to Algier being born at South Pickenham, and he is by now recorded on the District that covers Castle Acre. Also resident in the same district are Jesse, William John, Archer and Bessie.

 

I can find information on the Brigade of which Algier’s 8th Borders was a part being in action on the 3rd, but nothing major on the 5th - I can only assume this was part of holding the little that had been gained so far in the battle of the Somme.

 

North of Ovillers, the 32nd Div reinforced by 75 Bde of 25th Div attacked the Leipzig Redoubt near Authuille Wood. There was utter confusion over start times and the 32nd Div attack consisted of only two companies of the Highland Light Infantry. After two attempts no gains were made.

forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058

 

Hugh T Buxton………………………………...........................(RoH)

 

Probably: Private 43881. 14th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 8th October 1918. Born and enlisted Norwich. Buried: Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. III. A. 40.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=93599

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 1911 Census has a 13 year old Hugh, born Swafield and now resident in the Freebridge District which includes Castle Acre. Although I have limited access to this, the family seems to consist of:-

James……….aged 46/born circa 1865 at Sparham

Sarah………..aged 45/born circa 1866 at Elsing

Ernest……….aged 19/born circa 1892 at Sparham

Arthur……….aged 15/born circa 1896 at Sparham

Stanley……..aged 5/born circa 1906 at Castle Acre

Allen………….aged 3/born circa 1908 at Castle Acre

 

The Genes Re-united site also confirms that’s the CWGC individual from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and shown as H T in their records, is in fact a Hugh T.

 

The 14th Division, of which this battalion was part, lists amongst its battle honours

Battle of Ypres. 28 Sep-2 Oct 1918

www.warpath.orbat.com/divs/14_div.htm

 

Sydney G Buxton…………………………..........................(RoH)

 

Probably: Sidney George Buxton. Private 21399. 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Formerly 18866 West Yorkshire Regiment. Died in the Mediterranean Theatre of war on 10th September 1916. Born Elsing, Norfolk. Enlisted York. Commemorated: Doiran Memorial, Greece.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1648984

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

No obvious match on the 1901 Census, but the 1911 Census includes a George Buxton living at Castle Acre. He was born circa 1881 at East Barham. On the 1891 Census the 10 year old old George A, (born Walsingham, Fakenham),can be found at Waterhouse Cottage, Birmingham Terrace, Walsingham, This is the household of his parents, Alfred A. (aged 35 and a Horse Team Man) and Caroline, (age n\k from Saxingham).

 

September 10 1916 the Struma, which had served as a line of defence, was crossed by General Milne's troops both south and north of Lake Tachinos. Between the Lake and the Gulf of Orfano they occupied the " New Village " (Neokhori or Yeni Kioi). To the north they crossed at various points between Lake Butkovo and Lake Tachinos. Some small villages were occupied, and the Northumberland Fusiliers drove the Bulgarians out of Nevoljen, inflicting severe losses on the enemy The British troops subsequently withdrew as pre- arranged. Five days later the offensive was renewed. British forces seized the villages of Kato (or Lower) Ghoudheli, Jami Mah, Ago Mah and Komarian, and burnt them to the ground.

www.dublin-fusiliers.com/salonika/1916-birdcage.html

 

In a report in the London Gazette, it notes the Northumberlands, “lost heavily during their retirement and subsequent counter-attack, They also suffered severely from our artillery fire in attempting to follow our pre-arranged movements to regain the right bank of the river”

London Gazette Supplement for the 6th December 1916.

www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29851/supplements/11932/p...

 

John Daws………………………………...................................(RoH)

 

Probably: John Daws. Private 240035. 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died in Palestine on 19th April 1917. Born Shipdham, Norfolk. Enlisted Swaffham. Commemorated: Buried Jerusalem Memorial. Panels 12 to 15.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1644940

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

There is no obvious match on the 1901 Census, but the high-level search of the 1911 Census throws up a 20 years old John. Born Shipdham, and recorded in the District of Freebridge, (which covers Castle Acre).

 

There are 22 Daws, including John, recorded in this District with most being born either Great Massingham or Shipdham.

 

19th April 1917 During the 2nd Battle of Gaza,

 

Facing the Tank Redoubt was the 161st Brigade of the 54th Division. To their right were the two Australian battalions (1st and 3rd) of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade who had dismounted about 4,000 yards from their objective. As the infantry went in to attack at 7.30am they were joined by a single tank called "The Nutty" which attracted a lot of shell fire. The tank followed a wayward path towards the redoubt on the summit of a knoll where it was fired on point blank by four field guns until it was stopped and set alight in the middle of the position.

 

The infantry and the 1st Camel Battalion, having suffered heavy casualties on their approach, now made a bayonet charge against the trenches. About 30 "Camels" and 20 of the British infantry (soldiers of the 5th (territorial Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment) reached the redoubt, then occupied by around 600 Turks who immediately broke and fled towards their second line of defences to the rear.

 

The British and Australians held on unsupported for about two hours by which time most had been wounded. With no reinforcements at hand and a Turkish counter-attack imminent, the survivors endeavoured to escape back to their own lines.

 

To the right (west) of Tank Redoubt, the 3rd Camel Battalion, advancing in the gap between two redoubts, actually made the furthest advance of the battle, crossing the Gaza-Beersheba Road and occupying a pair of low hills (dubbed "Jack" and "Jill"). As the advances on their flanks faltered, the "Camels" were forced to retreat to avoid being isolated.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza

 

More than a thousand one hundred of the men of the 54th posted killed wounded or missing were from the two Norfolk regiment battalions, equating to 75% of their strength. Eastern Daily Press "Sunday" section May 5, 2007

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza

 

George Ellis……………………………….................................(RoH)

 

RoH believes possibly : Private 9194. 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died in France & Flanders on 5th October 1915. Born Great Hockham, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. IV. E. 91.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=62798

but see Census details below

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 1901 Census has a 7 year old George, born Hockham, recorded at 12 Shropham Road, Hockham. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 38 and a Carter on an estate timber yard, from Ashill), and Emily, (aged 37 and from Hockham). Their other children are:-

Charles………….aged 17.….born Hockham..Labourer on farm

Frederick……….aged 4.……born Hockham

Jane……………….aged 9.…..born Hockham

John W……………aged u/1...born Hockham

 

However, when I check for a location on the 1911 census, the Hockham born George is recorded in the district of Wayland, while the entry above it is for a George H Ellis, born circa 1895 at Coston, Norfolk, and now resident in the Freebridge District, which covers Castle Acre. There is no obvious match for George H. in the CWGC database - the five individuals concerned all have no additonal details or even age.

 

George H. is recorded on the 1901 census at Weston Street, Market Weston, Suffolk. This is the household of his parents, Edward, (age 28 and a Gardener Domestic from Necton), and Maria, (aged 28 and from Hardingham). They have four other children, Ellen, (aged 2, born Market Weston), Gordon, (aged 3, born Coston), John, (aged u/1, born Market Weston) and Reginald, (aged 5, born Coston)

 

Update 28/02/23.

The 1911 Census of England & Wales has a 16 year old George H. Ellis, a Domestic Stable Boy, born Coston, Norfolk, who was recorded living at Cooks Stool, Castleacre, Swaffham.

 

This was the household of his parents Edward, (aged 39, a Domestic Groom and Gardener, born Necton, Norfolk), and Maria J., (aged 39, born Hardingham, Norfolk). The couple have been married 18 years, and the union has produced 9 children, all then still alive. All 9 were still unmarried and living with them. Four of their children, aged between 12 and 8 were born Market Weston, Suffolk. Their last two children, Sidney C. (6) and Dorothy E., (4), were born Castleacre.

 

The birth of the last two were registered in the Freebridge civil registration district with a mothers’ maiden name shown as Goward. Which means the birth of a George Herbert Ellis, mothers’ maiden name Goward, which was registered with the civil authorities in the Forehoe District of Norfolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2) of 1894 the most likely birth match.

 

The civil registration district of Forehoe included the civil parish of Coston. www.ukbmd.org.uk/reg/districts/forehoe.html

 

A round up by villages and towns of those who were serving that appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday, September 19th 1914, records a G. Ellis of Castle Acre who had enlisted in “Kitchener’s Army”.

 

Kitcheners Army were the new war service only Battalions that were being authorised by the War Office up and down the land.

 

Soldiers Died in the Great War, an HMSO publication from the 1920’s, records a Private 19128 George Ellis, who was Killed in Action on the 15th September 1916 serving in France & Flanders with the 9th Battalion, Norfolk. He was born Market Weston, Suffolk, and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

 

That soldier has surviving service records, although I’ve not yet been able to check them out.

 

The Norfolk Regiment issued service 19118 to a man who enlisted on the 3rd September 1914, while 19130 was issued on the 7th September 1914.

 

The Medal Index Card for George shows George first landed in France on the 30th August 1915 – that was the day the 9th Battalion deployed overseas.

 

When the main Official Casualty List relating to the 9th Battalion losses at Flers Courcellette appeared in the edition of The Times dated November 2nd, 1916, he was then still listed amongst the missing. Unfortunately for this purpose no locations for next of kin were shown in that list. However the lists that appear in regional newspapers shows that the next of kin informed he was missing was living at “Swaffham”.

 

See John William Green for more on the events of the day.

 

 

John William Green………………………………..................(RoH)

 

Private 19115. 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 15th September 1916. Aged 27. Born Castle Acre. Enlisted Shoreham, Sussex. Son of Mrs. Rebecca Green, of I, Pales Green, Castle Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=787283

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 12 year old John, born Castle Acre), is recorded on the 1901 Census at Pales Green Cottages, Castle Acre. His occupation is listed as “with Bricklayer”. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 58 and a Gardener Domestic from Stiffkey), and Rebecca, (aged 52 and a Sewing Domestic from West Lexham (?)). Also living with them is another son, Henry, (aged 17 and a General Farm Labourer from Castle Acre). John doesn’t readily appear to be on the 1911 Census.

 

15th September 1916

 

On September 15th the 1st Leicesters and the 9th Norfolks attacked a German strongpoint called the Quadrilateral in the region of Flers. The attack was originally planned to include 3 tanks in support but two broke down before zero hour and the third was disabled at the start of the advance.

 

At zero hour the leading companies ("D" & "B") moved off at a steady pace, advancing in four lines at 30 paces interval, the supporting companies ("C" & "A") following in the same formation 300 yards in the rear, and the enemy at once opened a heavy machine gun fire.

 

The Battalion suffered heavily from the machine gun fire and was held up by the undamaged wire in the front of a German trench, leading from the North West corner of the Quadrilateral, the existence of which was not known. Despite having dug in overnight the Battalion was forced to withdraw the next day having lost 14 officers and 410 other ranks killed, wounded or missing.

www.whitwick.org.uk/history/regulars.htm

 

See John Blowers above, who died in the same action

 

Lewis Green………………………………...............................(RoH)

 

No further information available at present on RoH.

 

Possibly

Name: GREEN, LEWIS

Rank: Private

Regiment: Lincolnshire Regiment

Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 16/06/1915 Service No: 16215

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 21. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

 

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=907731

Or a 1st Battalion Norfolks Man, (down as L Green but Genes Reunited confirms he was a Lewis in their copy of the Index of War Deaths)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=450340

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

28/09/23: See update in the comments box below.

 

Robert William Green………………………….....................(RoH)

 

Private 11760. 2nd Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 5th February 1915. Aged 19. Born and lived Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Fredrick George and Amelia Elizabeth Green, of Castle Stile, Castle Acre, Norfolk. Buried: R.E. Farm Cemetery, Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. II. B. 6.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=102464

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 6 year old Robert W, born Castle Acre, is recorded on the 1901 census at Newton Road, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, Frederick, (aged 28 and a Farm Labourer from Castle Acre), and Amelia, (aged 27 and from Swaffham). They lived next door to the family of William, (listed below)

 

William James Green………………………........................(RoH)

 

Private 20502. 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Formerly 16912 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in Gallipoli on 6th August 1915. Aged 21. Born and lived Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Arthur and Harriett Green, of Newton Rd., Castle Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=693846

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 6 year old William, born Castle Acre, is recorded on the 1901 Census at Newton Road, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, Arthur J, (aged 30 and a Farm Labourer from West Acre), and Harriet, (aged 28 and from Castle Acre). Their other children are Hanah, (aged 8) and Susannah, (aged 10), both born Castle Acre.

They lived next door to the family of Robert, (listed above).

 

6th August 1915

 

Sir Ian Hamilton’s Third Gallipoli dispatch

 

At Helles the attack of the 6th was directed against 1,200 yards of the Turkish front opposite our own right and right centre, and was to be carried out by the 88th Brigade of the 29th Division. Two small Turkish trenches enfilading the main advance had, if possible, to be captured simultaneously, an affair which was entrusted to the 42nd Division. After bombardment the infantry assaulted at 3.50 p.m. On the left large sections of the enemy's line were carried, but on our centre and right the Turks were encountered in masses, and the attack, pluckily and perseveringly as it was pressed, never had any real success. The 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, in particular forced their way into the crowded enemy trench opposite them, despite the most determined resistance, but, once in, were subjected to the heaviest musketry fire from both flanks, as well as in reverse, and were shattered by showers of bombs.

www.1914-1918.net/hamiltons_gallipoli_despatch_3.html

 

Geoff’s Search Engine on the CWGC database returns details of 240 1st Essex men who died on this day.

 

Edgar Starr Grimes………………………………...................(RoH)

 

Lance Corporal A/201098. 8th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 28th August 1917. Born Pentney, Norfolk. Lived Swaffham. Enlisted Holborn, Middlesex. Buried: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen. Ref. XVIII. C. 17A.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=144351

 

During the First World War, the village of Lijssenthoek was situated on the main communication line between the Allied military bases in the rear and the Ypres battlefields. Close to the Front, but out of the extreme range of most German field artillery, it became a natural place to establish casualty clearing stations. The cemetery was first used by the French 15th Hopital D'Evacuation and in June 1915, it began to be used by casualty clearing stations of the Commonwealth forces.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=14900&...

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 18 year old Edgar, born Pentney and a Private in the Norfolk Militia, is recorded on the 1901 Census at River Yard, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, Ridchard, (aged 45 and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Heacham), and Emma, (aged 38 and from Pentney). Their other children are:-

Daisy……………….aged 13.………born Sporle

Thomas…………….aged 2.………..born Castle Acre

Vilo (Daughter)...aged 9.…………born Caste Acre

 

Walter Hamblin………………………………..........................(RoH)

 

Private 21337. 8th Battalion Border Regiment. Formerly 18660 Norfolk Regiment. Died in France & Flanders on 9th July 1916. Born Barnett (sic) Norfolk. Lived Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Le Cateau Military Cemetery, Nord, France. Ref. IV. A. 7.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=594896

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

There is no obvious match on the 1901 Census, and given the information from the RoH site, the only likely match is a Norman Hamblin, born Barney circa 1893 and now recorded in the District of Walsingham.

 

There is a Walter and a Norman Hamblin recorded on the Great Snoring memorial

www.the-snorings.co.uk/info/GSwarmems.html

 

The RoH site for Great Snoring advises that the Walter Hamblin who was in the Border Regiment died of wounds whilst a Prisoner of War.

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

 

Walter Harrison………………………………..........................(RoH)

 

Private 23155. 7th Battalion Border Regiment. Formerly 18661 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 16th September 1917. Lived Newton-by-Castle Acre. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. IV. B. 61.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=567758

 

No match on Picture Norfolk

 

The 18 year old Walter, born Castle Acre and a Farm Labourer, is recorded on the 1901 census at St James Green, Castle Acre. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 60 and a Farm Labourer from Castle Acre) and Elizabeth, (aged 59 and from Castle Acre). James and Elizabeth also have a grand-daughter living with them, Alice E Clarke, aged 7 and from Castle Acre.

 

I can’t find any evidence of the 17th Division, of which the 7th Battalion was a part, being engaged in the Battle of Passchendaele at this time, although they list the October battles as part of the Divisional battle honours

Done