St Peter Mancroft Great War Memorial Panel 1:Attoe to Albert Green

Panel 1

 

Geoffrey T.Attoe

 

Name: ATTOE, GEOFFREY THOMAS

Rank: Serjeant Regiment/Service: King's Royal Rifle Corps Unit Text: 10th Bn.

Age: 21 Date of Death: 10/12/1916 Service No: R/7450

Additional information: Son of Mary Ann Attoe, of The Old Pope's Head, St. Peter's St., Norwich, and the late Robert Attoe.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 13 A and 13 B. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=771462

 

Sergeant Attoe can be seen in this picture taken in 1915

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

The accompanying notes read

Sgt. Attoe was born at Briston, 4th July 1895. He enlisted in November 1914 and went to France 18th November 1915. He was killed in action in France, 10th December 1916.

 

There is a Geoffrey Thomas Attoe on the 1911 Census, born circa 1896 Briston, Norfolk and now resident Norwich, Unfortunately neither Geoffrey or his mother Mary Ann are obviously on the 1901 census.

 

Following the ending of the Battle of the Somme in November 1916, there were a number of minor skirmishes along the Ancre Heights throughout the winter of 1916-17 as both sides readied themselves for the coming years campaigns.

 

Charles Bacon

 

No obvious matches on the CWGC database although there are 2 Norfolk Regiment men with no additional details.

 

No match on Norlink

 

The most likely candidate on the 1901 census is a 7 year old Charles, born Norwich, who is recorded at 48, Bethel Street. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 37 and a Baker from Norwich), and Blanche, (aged 37 and from Cromer). As well as Charles, the Bacon’s also have a son Ernest, (aged 11 and born Norwich).

 

Charles Edward, the son of George and Blanche, was baptised at St Peter Mancroft on the 29th April 1894. His birth date is given as 19th March 1894.The family were living at Bethel Street, and the father’s occupation is given as Baker.

 

While it is still only a possible by removing those too old or too young, and those with different second names on the CWGC database , one strong candidate emerges.

 

Name: BACON, CHARLES E.

Rank: Serjeant Regiment/Service: Gloucestershire Regiment Unit Text: 2nd/6th Bn.

Date of Death: 19/07/1916 Service No: 267172

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 60 to 64. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL

 

The Gloucestershire Regimental Museum has some images that can be purchased in connection with Sergeant Charles Edward Bacon.

www.glosters.org.uk/collectionitem.php?id=16224&from=...

www.glosters.org.uk/collectionitem.php?id=16225&from=...

 

Serjeant Bacon’s body may be amongst those uncovered at Fromelles. His home town is listed as unknown

www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,410101.0/topicsee...

www.fromellesdiscussiongroup.com/missing2.php

However it’s interesting to note that amongst the Gloucester Regiment NCO’s listed, two other Sergeants are from Norwich, and one is from Norfolk. Were these experienced soldiers from one of the Norfolk Battalions seeded into the newly raised volunteer formations?

 

Charles’s name also appears on the Roll of the Honour for the Norwich Boys Model School which has been researched here

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

The comment is that this is the same individual as the one commemorated at St Peter Mancroft, and the unit served in is the 2nd/6th Gloucesters.

 

Going back to the Gloucestershire Regimental Museum provides the final bit of proof. He is indeed the same individual as our 7 year old on the 1901 census . His record shows him born St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, his place of enlistment Norwich, and he was formerly 00744 of the 6th Battalion Norfolk Regiment.

www.glosters.org.uk/soldier/1114

 

19 July 1916

Whilst the Battle of the Somme was raging, the British Commander in Chief General Sir Douglas Haig decided to open a more modest battle in the area of Armentières near the Belgian border.

Part of his reasoning was that the German Army was moving men south away from this area in an effort to shore up their defences on the Somme. An attack here towards Lille would put them in a dilemma as to whether or not they could thin out this sector any further.

Fromelles is a small village on the Aubers Ridge to the south of Armentières. Most of the area that was held by the Allies is very flat with a number of water features and streams.

Behind Fromelles and Aubers lies the ridge which easily overlooks the battlefield.

The Battle

The objectives of the Australian 5th Division and the British 61st Division on their right were to capture the village and the ridge.

The attack was centred around a point known as the Sugarloaf and at 1100 hours on 19 July 1916 the British artillery put down a bombardment on the German front line as the infantry made their way up to their jumping off points.

From their vantage point and on a bright summers day the Germans could see the attack preparing and launched a counter bombardment onto the communication trenches as the men were making their way to the front.

The German bombardment wreaked havoc on the Australian's lines. As men were trying to get forward, wounded were trying to push their way back to the Aid Posts adding to the chaos.

The two bombardments continued until at 1800 hours the infantry finally launched their assault.

On the left of the Australian line, the 8th and 14th Brigades swiftly took the German front line and started to consolidate their positions. The 15th Brigade next to the British in the centre however was struggling across wide open ground in the teeth of fierce machine gun fire.

On the right of Sugar Loaf the 61st Division had also been halted by uncut wire. In a scene familiar to those on the Somme not three weeks earlier, the Allied bombardment had failed in its objective of cutting the wire and destroying the German positions.

An attempt to organise a truce with the Germans to bring in the wounded was refused by the Allied Commanders, despite having been agreed to by the German Commander.

The battle had been a complete disaster.

www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_fromelles.htm

 

William T Banham

 

Name: BANHAM Initials: W T

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Army Medical Corps

Date of Death: 22/08/1919 Service No: 67931

Grave/Memorial Reference: H. 4/1370. Cemetery: NORWICH (THE ROSARY) CEMETERY

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803370

 

No match on Norlink

 

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this RAMC man is a William T.

 

There are at least four possibles on the 1901 census. I was about to discount the first two, but thinking about there home addresses on the 1901 census, it would make sense as to why he would be buried in The Rosary cemetery.

 

William, aged 3 months, recorded at 2, Weeds Square, Bishops Bridge Road, Parish of St Matthews. Parents are Henry W. (aged 33, born Norwich, General Labourer) and Hannah, (aged 32 and born Norwich). Siblings: Ethel M. (aged 2), George R. (aged 4), Percy G, (aged 7) - all Norwich born ,

 

William, aged 12, recorded at 32 Spitalfields, Parish of St Matthews. Parents are Robert W, (aged 44 and born London) and Ann M. (aged 42, a Charwoman born Burnham, Norfolk). Siblings are Edith, (aged 6), Frederick, (aged 19)and Harry, (aged 14 and a Newspaper Stall Porter) - all Norwich born.

 

William, (aged 23, born Hellesdon and a General Labourer), recorded at 145 Aylsham Road in the Parish of St Mary, Hellesdon. Head of the household is his widowed mother, Hannah, aged 43 and a Laundress from Hellesdon. Siblings are Albert, (aged 10), Ethel, (aged 14), Francis, (aged 12)and Rosamund, (aged 7) - all Born Hellesdon, Norwich. They also have a lodger living with them.

 

William, (aged 32 and a Tea Dealer Carter from Norwich) is the head of household at 1, St Giles Street, in the Parish of St Gregory. I would have normally considered him too old - as far as I’m aware he would have avoided conscription. However, the proximity of St Giles Street leads me to include him here. His wife is Eleana, (aged 39 and from Tibenham), while they have daughters Hilda, (aged 5) and Mildred, (aged 7). Staying with them is a nephew, George Wing, aged 19 and a Clickers Apprentice from Lowestoft.

 

William Barlow

 

Over 40 to choose from

No match on Norlink

 

The most likely candidate on the 1901 census is a 23 year old William, born Norwich and employed as a Mineral Water W??? (indecipherable). He is the head of the household at 2 Globe Row, Norwich, in the Parish of Holy Trinity, Heigham. His wife is Amelia, (aged 23 and from Norwich). They have a daughter, Emma, aged 2. Making up the household is William’s brother Henry, aged 19 and a Locksmith.

 

Even with this information, still over 20 possibles.

 

Leonard C Buttifant

 

Name: BUTTIFANT, LEONARD CHARLES (LEN)

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Bn.

Age: 22 Date of Death: 19/08/1918 Service No: 320976

Additional information: Son of Owen and Ida E. Buttifant, of 80, Dereham Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 18. Cemetery: OUTTERSTEENE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, BAILLEUL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4040665

 

“Signaller” Leonard Charles Buttifant can be seen here

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

The accompanying notes read

This photograph is inscribed with the words: " 'Len' Faithful Unto Death, August 19 1918"

 

The 5 year old Leonard, born Norwich, can be found on the 1901 census at Suffolk Road, Sudbury. This is the household of his parents, Owen, (aged 32 and a Life Assurance Supervisor from Norwich), and Ida, (aged 30 and from Norwich). Leonard is their own child. The Buttifants wers back in Norwich by the time of the 1911 census.

 

Leonard is also remembered in the Norwich Cathedral, on a plaque dedicated to the Norwich Boys Model School.

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

 

18th/19th August

 

Outtersteene was captured by the III Corps on the 13th October, 1914.The hamlet was captured by the Germans on the 12th April, 1918, and retaken by the 9th, 29th and 31st Divisions, with the ridge beyond it, on the 18th and 19th August;

(12th Norfolks were part of the 31st Division)

www.webmatters.net/cwgc/outtersteene_com.htm

 

 

William Campling

 

Name: CAMPLING, WILLIAM JAMES

Rank: Private

Service: Army Service Corps Unit Text: No. 1 Reserve M.T. Depot, Grove Park

Age: 19 Date of Death: 12/01/1918 Service No: DM2/1221061

Additional information: Son of William and Minnie Campling, of 136, Sprowston Rd., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: 47. 553. Cemetery: NORWICH CEMETERY, Norfolk

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803081

 

I’ve already taken a shot of William James’ Headstone and done some research

www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/3085037327/

 

The 1901 Census had William Campling, (aged 2) living at 27 Shipstone Road, Norwich, the household of his parents, William, (aged 31, an Ironmongers Assistant) and Minnie, (aged 31) as well as brother Reginald, (aged 4)

 

No match on Norlink

 

However, could equally be:-

Name: CAMPLING, WILLIAM GEORGE

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Middlesex Regiment Unit Text: 23rd Bn.

Age: 21 Date of Death: 02/04/1917 Service No: 2706

Additional information: Son of Walter and Martha Campling, of 66, Aylsham Rd., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: AA. 29. Cemetery: DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=441383

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 5 year old William G, (born Norwich), can be found on the 1901 census at 66 Aylsham Road. This is the household of his parents, Walter, (aged 35 and a Printer & Compositor from Norwich), and Martha, (aged 36 and from Norwich). Their other son is Arthur W, (aged 7).

 

Eric Chamberlin

 

Name: CHAMBERLIN, ERIC VALENTINE GEORGE

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery Unit Text: 179th Army Bde.

Age: 30 Date of Death: 31/12/1917

Additional information: Son of Sir George Chamberlin, of Norwich; husband of Phyllis Vera Mary Chamberlin (now Marsh), of Hill House, Bedhampton, Hants.

Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 21. Cemetery: NEUVILLE-BOURJONVAL BRITISH CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=275247

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 14 year old Eric, the only one on the 1901 census, was born Stratton, Norfolk, and can now be found as a pupil at Cloford House School, Kirkley Cliff, Suffolk.. He doesn’t appear to be on the 1911 census. However, on the 1891 census, the four year old Eric is recorded with his parents at Bixley Lodge, Kirby Road, near Bixley His father George, (aged 44 and from Catton, Norfolk), is listed as a Warehouseman. However he is down as an employer, and the family has 6 live in servants, so sounds more like a Warehouse owner. His wife, Emily, is aged 42 and from Norwich. Their children are:-

Hilda………………aged 12.…………………born Eaton, Norwich

Nuit or Noil(?) Daughter)…aged 11.…………born Eaton, Norwich

Olive………………aged 9.…………………born Colney, Norwich

Violet………………aged 1.…………………born Stratton Strawless

Nigel………………aged 4 months………….born Stratton Strawless

 

Eric too is listed as being born Stratton Strawless.

 

Eric is also listed on the All Saints, Norwich Roll of Honour, which has been incredibly well researched. Details from there read:-

 

Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery, 179th Army Brigade, formerly Private GS/7127, 7th Dragoon Guards. Born Stratton Strawless, Norfolk, 1887. Second son of Sir George Moore Chamberlin and Lady Emily Mary Chamberlin (née Bolingbroke). His father was a prominent Norfolk businessman. The firm of Chamberlin & Sons owned a large department store in Guildhall Hill in Norwich, as well as a textile factory in Botolph Street, Norwich, which specialised in the manufacture of waterproof clothing. Sir George Chamberlin was also a Norwich J.P. and held at various times the positions of Chief Magistrate, Sheriff, Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor of Norwich, and Deputy Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Norfolk. Educated at Payne’s School, Lowestoft, Suffolk; Eric worked as a representative of the family firm in London before the war. A keen amateur track athlete and yachtsman. Husband of Phyliss Vera Mary Chamberlin. His widow remarried, becoming Mrs Marsh, of Hill House, Bedhampton, Hampshire. The Chamberlin family’s Norwich residence was at 53 All Saints’ Green. Eric’s older brother Frederick and younger brothers Nigel and George also held army commissions during the war, which they survived. Eric enlisted as a private soldier in August 1914 and served as a trooper in the 7th Dragoon Guards for three years. He first went over to France on 17/12/1914. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery, on 26/8/1917 and left for France two days later. He was killed in action three days later, on 31/12/1917, aged 30, having held his commission for just five days. Buried Neuville-Bourjonval British Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France.

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

 

There is also a wiki page for Sir George.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Chamberlin

 

On an an article on the house in which they lived in All Saints Green, there is a small hint at the connection with St Peter Mancroft.

 

When he died on August 12, 1928, the obituary in the Eastern Daily Press ran to two columns, including a very telling account of his last few hours. Two days before his death, it noted, the 82-year-old Sir George, who had made "a remarkable recovery" after suffering a seizure the previous Easter, had enjoyed a reception given by the high sheriff of Norwich at Lakenham where he stayed on to watch a cricket match. "He went home, dined as usual and afterwards retired to his room for a cigar..." Then he suffered a second seizure from which he never recovered.

As was the custom of the day, the EDP report of his funeral service in Norwich Cathedral included the names of every single member of the congregation and the organisations which they represented, plus the messages on each and every funeral wreath. It is touching to read among the names of the great and good of the city and county gathered to pay their respects that also present were William Bailey, head gardener, Mrs William Bailey, Charles Mace, butler, and Phyllis Rayner, maid. Also there was a wreath "with deepest sympathy from the indoor and outdoor servants at St Catherine's Close." On the night of August 15, after the funeral service and interment in the Rosary, a muffled peal was rung on the St Peter Mancroft Bells.

www.bawdeswell.net/stcatherinesclose.htm

 

Terence Cubitt

 

Name: CUBITT, TERENCE ALGERNON KILBEE

Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 22 Date of Death: 22/08/1918 Awards: M C

Additional information: Son of Algemon J. Cubitt, of Ridgewell House, 31, Thorpe Rd., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: III. B. 6. Cemetery: FONCQUEVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=196731

 

No match on Norlink

 

There is no immediate match for Terence Algernon on the 1901 census, or any Terence Cubitt with a Norwich connection. The same criteria for the 1911 census, however, throws up a Terence Algernon born circa 1896 born Sloley, Norfolk and recorded in the district of Smallburgh. I’m assuming that some other member of the family has a Norwich connection in order for this to come up as a match.

 

Going back to the 1901 census armed with this information, we find the 5 year old “Terrance” A K Cubitt recorded at 86 Ber Street, Norwich, in the Parish of St John De Sepulchre. He is staying with his grandmother, the 70 year widow Caroline A.Howes, who is recorded as a self-employed Tallow Merchant from Norwich.. The rest of the household consists of her sister, the spinster Ellenor Campling, (aged 74 and from Norwich), Caroline’s daughter, Gertrude C Howes, aged 37 and a spinster, employed as what looks like an Artist, a boarder and a live in servant.

 

I couldn’t find any on-line baptismal records for Terence from my normal sources.

 

Terence appears on the Roll of Honour at the Paston School, where he was a pupil from 1908 - 1911

www.flickr.com/photos/osborne_villas/882963133/

He is also remembered on the Attleborough Roll of Honour.

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

 

This notes that:-

Captain Terence Algernon Kilbee Cubitt was born in Sloley c1896 and educated at King Edward VI Grammar School in Norwich. He originally enlisted as a Private in 3rd/4th Norfolk Regiment in September 1914, then promoted as 2nd Lieutenant in the 9th Norfolk Regiment. He transferred to the 1st Norfolk Regiment in 1916 was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1917, then promoted Captain commanding a Company on 13th June 1918. He served in France & Flanders and slightly wounded on 1st October 1916, severely wounded on 11th October 1917 and was killed in action on 22nd August 1918 aged 22. He received the Military Cross.

 

In the same brigade were the 1st Bedfords. The extract from their war diary for this period reads:-

 

20 Aug 1918 - Bucquoy As above. Bde Operation Order received for move to forward position ready to take part in the attack. Battalion moved up at 8.55 pm to assembly position near BUCQUOY See OO 162.

 

21 Aug 1918 Battalion moved forward to the attack at 4.45 a.m. meeting with very slight opposition. The objective was about 1500 yards from original German Front Line which had already been taken by the 37th Division. Battalion gained objective which they consolidated, remaining there in support to the 1/Norfolk Regt. who passed through to take the next objective.

 

22 Aug 1918 Battalion still in Support. Enemy shelling heavily with gas shells,

www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1918diary.html

 

The promotion of “Terrence” Algernon Kilbee Cubitt to 2nd Lt in the Norfolk regiment was in London Gazette Issue 29379 published on the 23 November 1915

www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29379/supplements/11728

 

In the London Gazette Issue 30362 published on the 30 October 1917 which confirmed him as a Lieutenant with effect from 1st July 1917, T.A.K Cubitt has already been awarded the Military Cross.

www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30362/supplements/11312

 

But (as usual), I can’t find a Gazette record of the award.

 

 

Harry E Cutbush

 

No Harry Cutbush on the CWGC database, or E Cutbush. 6 Cutbushes listed for WW1, none with an obvious Norwich connection. No match on Norlink

 

The 6 year old Harry, born Norwich, can be found on the 1901 census at 15 Napier Street, Norwich, in the Parish of St Bartholomews. This is the household of his parents, Harry, (aged 39 and a Railway Inspector from Wymondham) and Georgina, (aged 40 and from Oulton, Suffolk). Their other children are:-

Agnes…………………………aged 2.…………..born Norwich

Alice………………………….aged 11.…………born East Winch, Norfolk

May………………………….aged 13.………….born Kings Lynn

Rose………………………….aged 15.………….born Great Ryburgh

Violet………………………..aged 4.……………born Norwich

Walter………………………..aged 9.……………born Norwich

 

Norlink has a W G Cutbush who was Lord Mayor of Norwich in 1947. A Walter G Cutbush occasionally turns up amongst the list of bell-ringers at St Peters Mancroft prior to the war.

www.spmg.org.uk/Peals/spmgpeals.pdf

 

Unfortunately there are no baptismal records on line for Harry from my usual sources.

 

Going back with this census information, the only casualty with the surname Cutbush who can’t be eliminated on grounds of age or parents name is:

Name: CUTBUSH, FREDERICK

Private Regiment/Service: London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)

Unit Text: 1st/2nd Bn. Date of Death: 17/09/1916

Service No: 1624

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 9 D and 16 B. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=758176

However, the 1901 census has two Frederick Cutbush’s, both born and living in London, and so making either of them strong candidates for this individual on CWGC.

 

Alternatively, this individual is either not commemorated on the CWGC database (civilian air raid victim \ munitions worker\discharged but died of wounds \ died after 1921,etc), or is recorded under another variant of the surname and first name.

 

The Fort William Times has four references to a Sergeant Harry Cutbush who was KIA 16th September 1916, however that individual appears on the CWGC database as a Henry Cutbush of the Manitoba Regiment, Canadian Infantry. Sgt Cutbush’s enlistment form is on-line and that gives his place of birth as being in Kent, England.

my.tbaytel.net/pafwinfo/FW%20DTJ%20Death%20Index%201900%2...

 

James Daynes

 

Probably

 

Name: DAYNES, JAMES

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Leicestershire Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.

Age: 33 Date of Death: 14/11/1918 Service No: 41778

Additional information: Husband of Ellen Agnes Daynes, of 44, Junction Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. A. 15. Cemetery: HAUTRAGE MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=481817

 

No match on Norlink

 

There are four James Daynes on the 1901 census with a direct Norwich connection and of a likely age to have served in WW1. There are further two Norfolk men. However, if the individual identified on the CWGC database is the same James Daynes commemorated at St Peter Mancroft, then he appears, aged 15, on the 1901 census as James W and is recorded at 6 Douro Street in the Parish of St Phillip, Heigham. James is employed as a Shoe Finisher and lives at this address as a boarder. The same individual turns up on the 1891 census at 22 Golden Dog Lane, in the Parish of St Saviours..

 

Details from the 1891 Census are that his father is a James, (aged 34 occupation indecipherable although probably shoe trade related, and it looks like he was born Lakenham, Norwich.), and is mother’s name is possibly Louisa, (although given the Census takers handwriting, it could just as easily be Souted !). She is aged 33 and from Norwich. Siblings are May, (aged7), John, (aged 5), Henry, (poss), (aged 1) and William, (aged 2 months).

 

William Eldret

 

Name: ELDRET, WILLIAM HENRY

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.

Age: 24 Date of Death: 01/07/1916 Service No: 13208

Additional information: Son of Mrs. Sarah Louisa Eldret, of 171, Dereham Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=753137

 

Private William Henry Eldret can be seen on Norlink

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

The accompanying notes read

Private Eldret enlisted on 4th September 1914. He was killed in action 1 July 1916, aged 24

 

While there is no obvious match on the 1901 census out of the two William Eldret’s listed for England and Wales, however all becomes clear on the 1911 census. This shows that a William Henry, born Deeping St Nicholas, Lincolnshire is now recorded in Norwich. The details for that same individual from the 1901 census records him as a Scholar at Dagmar House boarding school in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

 

Theres a little bit more about the school here

www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/answers/answers-20...

 

His family are recorded at Main Road, Market Deeping on the 1901 Census. They are Charles, (aged 32 and a Farmer from Deeping St Nicholas) and Sarah L, (aged 47 and from Ludham, Norfolk). Charles and Sarah’s other children are:-

Kate E………………..aged 7.…………….born Deeping St Nicholas

Dorothy………………aged 5.…………….born Deeping St Nicholas

 

William is also remembered on the Deeping St Nicholas and Tongue End Roll of Honour, although there his death is recorded as the 2nd July.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Lincolnshire/DeepingStNicholas.html

 

The 6th Battalion, Royal Berks went over the top alongside the 8th Norfolks on the first day of the Somme. The story of what happened to the two units can be read here,

 

www.6throyalberks.co.uk/1stJuly/default.html

 

France

The 8th Battalion as part of the 18th (Eastern) Division was present on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916. They got beyond their initial target and had by 5.00pm reached the German trenches known as "Montauban Alley". Over one hundred men and three officers had been killed.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Norfolk_Regiment

 

E Leslie B Fear

 

Name: FEAR, EDGAR LESLIE BRINSDON

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Regiment/Service: Somerset Light Infantry Unit Text: No. 3 Coy. 2nd/4th Bn.

Age: 19 Date of Death: 11/04/1918

Additional information: Son of Mr. E. D. and Mrs. M. A. Fear, of 391, Unthank Rd., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 17. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1645140

 

Edgar Fear’s name also appears on the Eaton, Norwich War memorial.

www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/3476690465/in/set-7215...

 

2/Lt Fear can be seen here:-

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

 

The 2 year old Edgar L B Fear can be found on the 1901 Census at 25 Bradford Road, Shipley, Yorkshire, the town of his birth. This is the household of his parents, Edgar D, (a 34 year old Inspector of Schools from Bristol) and Mary A. (aged 33 and also from Bristol).The Fear’s other child is Elsie G. (aged 7,born Bradford). Making up the household is one live-in servant. By the time of the 1911 Census, Edgar L.B. is to be found at Barnstaple along with the rest of the family.

 

Notes from the 75th Division Diary for 9/10th April 1918

On the 232nd Infantry Brigade front, the 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles, after some sharp fighting, seized El Kefr but the attack on Hill in A.15.b, met with strong resistance and its capture by the 2/4th Somerset LI. was not completed until 0945. At 1100 the 1/5th Devons advanced from Deir Ghussaneh to attack Berukin, they immediately came under very heavy shell fire which together with the nature of the country made progress very slow. At 1600 two companies assaulted the village with one company in support and the remaining company was placed on Hill in A.15.b. to give covering fire, In spite of very heavy machine gun fire the assault was successful and the village consolidated.

 

The enemy kept up heavy machine gun fire on our line throughout the night and on the 232nd Infantry Brigade front their patrols were very active. El Kefr and Berukin were both attacked, the attack on the latter only being driven off by the 1/5th Devons and 1 Coy 2/4th Somerset LI after severe hand to hand fighting in the village itself.

 

Interestingly Turkish and German ref's seem to state that attacks make by the 75th on the 9th and 10th April 1918 were actually failures and were repulsed by the German Asia Corps. Little is made of actions on the Wadi Deir Ballut at this time. They state the offensive was to continue again at the end of April.

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

warpath.orbat.com/divs/75_div.htm

 

Our positions on the Ephraim Mountains along the Ballut Ridge were at this time overlooked from three commanding hills in the possession of the enemy, known as Arara, Rafat, and Three Bushes. Further to the right were the villages of El Kep and Berukin, also on high ground. Owing to the conformation of the country the key of this district was Arara. In order to improve the general line, and in preparation for a further advance, it was decided to move forward and to capture all these commanding positions. Accordingly, on the morning of the 9th April, the line moved forward. The village of El Kep was a nest of machine guns. After heavy bombardment it was captured after stubborn resistance. Berukin was also captured after sharp fighting, but further progress in this locality was held up. Next day these villages were heavily counter-attacked, and, though they were firmly held, further progress was out of the question. Meanwhile, a battalion of Somersets had captured Rafat, and a battalion of Dorsets Three Bushes Hill. Enemy shelling now became intense, followed up by counter-attacks, all of which were repulsed. The intention had been that the Somersets should capture Rafat first and then take Arara, the main objective of these operations. The capture of Three Bushes Hill was necessary to secure Arara and Rafat from reverse fire. But, to enable Arara to be held, it was also necessary to capture other heights to the south-east, notably one called The Pimple. Most of these heights were captured, but, although determined efforts were made, the enemy could not be dislodged from The Pimple.

 

Nevertheless, the Somersets moved forward from Rafat and successfully established themselves upon Arara. Here they were fired at from all sides. They found that Arara was itself commanded from a height called Sheikh Silbih, a thousand or two yards beyond, while the reserve fire from the machine guns on The Pimple soon made their position on Arara untenable. They fell back upon, and firmly established themselves in, their positions at Rafat. One lad, who was left behind in this retirement, had a terrible experience. Wounded in three or four places, he was unable to withdraw with the remainder of his company. He lay out on Arara for three days, after which he was discovered by some Turks. These proceeded to strip him, whereupon he made known to them that he was still alive. They then bayonetted him, and left him for dead. He lay out there for yet another day, now naked, when he was found by a German stretcher-party. These took pity upon him, and removed him to a hospital where he was nursed back to life.

www.gutenberg.org/files/19822/19822.txt

 

John Gibson

 

Name: GIBSON, JOHN RAYMOND

Rank: Able Seaman Regiment/Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M. S/M. "E50"

Age: 22 Date of Death: 31/01/1918 Service No: J/26864

Additional information: Son of Mr. J. P. and Mrs. R. Gibson, of 23, Theatre St., Norwich, Norfolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: 27. Memorial: PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3046123

 

The only John Raymond of the right age that I can find on the 1911 census was born Leeds and was then recorded at Dudley. Going back to the 1901 Census, the 5 year old John R, (Born Leeds), is recorded at 15 Horley Road, Bristol. This is the household of his parents, John P, (aged 33 and a Foreman in a Woollen Clothing factory, from Malton, Yorks), and Ruth, (aged 31 and from Yorkshire).They also have a daughter, Alice M. (aged 1 and born Bristol).

 

No match on Norlink

 

E 50 sailed from Harwich on January 21, 1918 to patrol to the seaward of 54°45'N, 06°15'E and did not return home. There was no contact with her after she sailed. E 50 was expected back on January 29, 1918. She's best described as a missing vessel -- the common presumption is that she hit a mine

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=95464

 

Albert H Green

 

Name: GREEN, ALBERT HENRY

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 3rd/4th Bn.

Age: 22 Date of Death: 19/08/1915 Service No: 4544

Additional information: Son of John Edward and Elizabeth Green, of 6, Bell's Court, Bethel St., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: CN. 368. Cemetery: WINDSOR CEMETERY, Berkshire

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=648864

 

No match on Norlink

 

3/4th and 3/5th Battalions

Formed at home bases in early 1915.

8 April 1916 : became 4th and 5th (Reserve) Battalions.

1 September 1916 : 5th absorbed into 4th.

www.1914-1918.net/norfolks.htm

 

There is no obvious match for Albert on the 1901 census with a Norwich connection. The 1911 census throws up one born 1878 in Norwich, amongst a dozen who have different middle names, but a re-investigation of the 1901 census shows his parents first names are completely different..

 

A search for John Edward similarly throws up no obvious matches with a Norwich connection.

 

 

Heritage Open Days 2010

 

For more on the architecture and history of the church, see Simon Knott's web-site

www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/norwichstpetermancroft/norwichs...

 

Done