St Augustine - Great War Roll of Honour Panel 3

********************************Private Bertie Cushion********************************

 

Possibly

Name: CUSHION, BERTIE CECIL

Rank: Private

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.

Date of Death: 19/08/1915 Service No: 1591

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=694843

 

Great War Roll of Honour has this man down simply as Bertie Cushion.

 

But could also be this individual

 

Name: CUSHION Initials: B E

Rank: Private

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 25/06/1915 Service No: 7271

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

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=441427

 

This individual is recorded as a Bertie E on the Great War Roll of Honour.

 

There are no other Bertie’s listed on that document.

 

There is a picture of a Bertie Cecil of the 4th Battalion on Norlink

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

Additional notes read:-

Born at Norwich, 13th July 1894 and educated at Quay Side School, Private Cushion enlisted in July 1911. He was killed in action at the Dardanelles, 19th August 1915

 

From the diary of Captain Montgomerie, of the 1st/4th Battalion.

 

" 15th. - lt was decided that our first line should be relieved by the Essex brigade. I, from my ridge, was to give covering fire.

The 1st Battalion Essex advanced well and lost few men. The other battalions, who had delayed, suffered more severely. All we could do was to keep down the fire of the snipers by shooting into the trees. Rumour has it that some of these snipers were tied to trees, with water and food within reach. Women snipers have been caught within our lines with their faces, arms, legs, and rides painted green.

After dark our men began to come in. Some came in well, but there were cases where the confusion was great. The last to come in were a party of 100-150 with Captains Hughes and Fisher. These officers had behaved magnificently throughout this show and they finished by leading the men back in very good order."

On the 16th both the Norfolk battalions were moved to a point near Kiretch Tepe Sirt on the ridge running north-east from SuvIa Point, where the 31st brigade was.

16th - I was relieved on the ridge by the 4th Essex early in the morning. The battalion joined up in trenches some 300 yards in rear of the ridge. We were busy digging trenches all day, and trying to collect the men to their various companies. In the late advance we had been in reserve, and three companies and one platoon had reinforced the first line, so they had become very scattered.

" In the afternoon the 10th division advanced along the ridge and cleared the whole hill of the enemy. Unfortunately we were unable to hold on to the extreme east of it. It was a fine sight to watch from the valley below.

user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm

 

 

****************************Private Thomas S Crosskill*********************************

 

Name: CROSSKILL Initials: T S

Rank: Private

Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 20th Bn.

Date of Death: 23/04/1918 Service No: 57162

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 24. Cemetery: WAILLY ORCHARD CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=35879

 

No match on Norlink

 

Wailly is a village in the Department of the Pas-de-Calais about 6 kilometres south-west from Arras. The cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the Liverpool battalions of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, as a front line cemetery, screened from German observation by a high wall. It was little used in 1917, but in March-August 1918, it was considerably enlarged by the Canadian and other units defending the Third Army front.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=3700&a...

 

The Canadian National Archive confirms this is a Thomas Stephen Crosskill, born 23rd June 1890. His attestation papers can be seen here

www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...

And

www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...

They tell us that he was born London, England, and is a Shoemaker by trade. His next of kin is his mother, Elizabeth, who resides at 8 St Augustines, Norwich.. He had previously done military service with the Royal Field Artillery. He enlisted in Toronto on the 8th January 1915. His medical notes tell us that he was 5 feet 6 ½ inches, with Brown hair, Brown eyes, and a dark complexion. His religious denomination is shown as Baptist.

 

The 11 year old Thomas “H” is recorded on the 1901 census at 10 Bull Row in the parish of St Pauls, having been born Peckham, London. This the household of his parents, Walter P. (aged 42 and a Tinsmith from Norwich), and Elizabeth, (aged 39 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-

Charles P…………..aged 9.…………born Camberwell, London

Daniel………………aged 4.…………born Norwich

Susanna……………aged 18.………..born Norwich

William…………….aged 2.…………born Norwich

 

While there were casualties, (three wounded, 2 Sergeant, one Private) on the 21/4, the war diary of the 20th Battalion gives no indication of any further casualties on either the 22nd or 23rd.

 

23rd April 1918. Neuville Vitasse

At 1.15 am the O.C “C” Coy on our left reported that he had been relived north of the

BEAURAINS - NEUVILLE VITASSE road by the 18th Cdn Bn. And that he is now all south of the road except for one L.G post north of the north edge. MAP111 shows this alteration in his disposition. The platton relieved was employed during the remainder of the night deepening and fire-stepping the trench in M..24.b During the night, “A” Coy in the right front line set out 200 yds of single apron wire in N.19.e.

 

Two patrols were out on each company front last, on the right both were battle patrols, on the left the first patrol was a small reconnoitring. This patrol located an enemy …..at M24.b.95.05

During the day the enemy was very quiet, very little hostile shelling. E.A flying low over our area at 2.50 pm was engaged. It is reported to have landed either in “no-mans land” or just in its own lines in front of the Bn on our left.

A work party totalling 1 Officer and 35 O.R.s reported to 2nd Cdn Pioneers at 9.30 pm and worked for three hours in the INTERMEDIATE line in M.23.b, M.24.a, and M.18,c.

At 10.45pm an enemy wiring party was reported at M.19.c.35.70.. This was reported to and engaged by the 4th T.M. Batty. guns at M..24.b.3.3.

At 11.35pm two six or eight inch dud shells from our own batteries fell just in front of our right support coy.trench. Shorts also occurred from the 18 pdrs. about 50 yards behind our front line at N.19.c

data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960728.jpg

data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960729.jpg

 

A small picture of the headstone can be seen here

twgpp.org/information.php?id=1280588

 

*********************************Private Bertie C Crosskill******************************

 

No match on CWGC

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 3 year old Bertie, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 3 Eagle Opening, Sussex Street, in the Parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his grandmother, the widow Maria Bone. Maria is employed as a “Fitter in Coal Trade”. Living with her is her widowed daughter, (and presumably Bertie’s mother), Maria, (aged 34 and a Machinist from Norwich)

 

The Great War Roll of Honour lists a Private Bertie “G” Crosskill, 27049 Wiltshire Regiment, who died 1918.

 

Due to a typo, the same individual turns up on the GWGC database as

Name: CROSKILL, BERTIE GEORGE

Rank: Private

Regiment: Wiltshire Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Date of Death: 08/05/1918 Service No: 27049

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 119 to 120. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=841915

 

The War diaries of the 2nd Wiltshires are available on line, however that for the 8th May 1918 provides no indication of why Private Crosskill not only died, but died in such a way that his body was never discovered and he had to therefore be commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Additionally, the German spring offensives had petered out by now, so its difficult to see his grave being lost as a result of subsequent fighting, leading to him being commemorated on the Memorial. I can only assume he was on attachment with another unit at the time.

 

8th May 1918 Le Paradis

 

Working party under Lieut S COLLIER rejoined from WATOU.

www.thewardrobe.org.uk/wardiary.php?action=date&regim...

The entry for the previous day reads , “All quiet, nothing to report”

 

***************************Private Edward H Dennis*********************************

 

Only E H Dennis in the CWGC database

Name: DENNIS, EDWARD HENRY

Rank: Serjeant

Regiment: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 26 Date of Death: 01/07/1916

Service No: 8975

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, of 90, Magpie Rd., Norwich; husband of Maria Sarah Hunt (formerly Dennis), of Railway Cottage, Ledge Fenn, Lakenheath, Suffolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=756620

 

Norlink has a picture of Sergeant Edward Henry Dennis of the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. The only additional information is that Sergeant Henry was from Norwich.

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

 

The 10 year old Edward, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 67 Barn Road, in the Parish of St Benedicts. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 37 and an Auctioneer’s Porter from Norwich), and Elvina, (aged 35 and a Boot Machinist from Norwich). Their other children are:-

Christiana……………….aged 8.………………born Norwich

James……………………aged 14.…………….born Norwich……Shoemaker

Roseanna………………..aged 6.………………born Norwich

 

(There is a baptism record for James William. This took place on the 30th January 1887 at St James with Pockthorpe. The data of birth is stated to be 15th June 1886. The parents are recorded as James and “Elaina”Adelaide. The family reside “OTP” (Outside the Parish). The father’s occupation is listed as Labourer.)

 

1st July 1916

 

The battalion was part of the second wave as far as I can ascertain, however in many places this suffered just as badly - the first wave having been wiped out, holed up or pinched out and surrounded, the German machine gunners could concentrate on the next wave, and the untouched German artillery caused devastation in the units forming up for the next assault - there were several units almost entirely eliminated from the battle before they even crossed the original British front line,

 

The battalion formed part of 23rd Brigade.

 

Ovillers

 

Here the 8th Division …was tasked with a direct assault on the village itself. In this area No Man's Land was 400 yards wide. Right from the start it was known that there would be no chance of success if the flanking Divisions did not make simultaneous progress with the 8th Division attackers.

 

The village of Ovillers sits on the southern side of a spur of land which points towards Albert. It was thus hoped that the 25th Brigade who would be attacking the village would have some cover up until the last few hundred metres as they came over the ridge.

 

To their right the 23rd Brigade would be very badly exposed as they made their way up Mash Valley. They would also be required to cross the widest section of no man's land on the Corps Front.

 

To the north of the ridge 70th Brigade were required to advance across another valley - called Nab Valley at the time but later designated as Blighty Valley. It was their task to push on past the village and up as far as Mouquet Farm.

 

Just before Zero at 07:30 hours the Division had put down a short barrage of Stokes Mortars onto the German positions giving the first wave of the assault an opportunity to get out into no man's land and closer to the German front line.

 

Leading the 23rd Brigade out into Mash Valley, the 2nd Bn Middlesex Regiment and 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment managed to gain the German front lines and even a distance beyond, but they found themselves being fired at from three sides and their casualties soon grew to a thousand men between them - more than half their number. 70 survivors managed to hang on in the German front line for a while but soon their grenades and ammunition ran out and they were forced out of it by a counter-attack after 2 hours. .

 

Of about 300 officers and 8000 men, the Division lost 189 officers and 4719 men dead or wounded.

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

www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_ovillers.htm

 

According to the Devon's after action report, Lieutenant Colonel Sunderland could see very little of the action.

'At first and for some little time owing to mist and dust caused by our shell fire, it was difficult to realise what had happened … The lines appeared at first sight to be intact… Colonel Sunderland could make out rows of his men lying down. He demanded 'Why aren't they advancing?' The Adjutant, peering through his binoculars turned to the CO and replied 'They're all hit, sir!'.

The survivors bunched as they advanced through the few gaps in the enemy wire and the original wave formation soon ceased to exist, and the remains of companies became mixed together, making a mass of men, among which German fire played havoc'. The German eye witness wrote:

'All along the line, men could be seen throwing up their arms and collapsing, never to move again. Badly wounded rolled about in their agony, and others, less severely injured, crawled to the nearest shell hole for shelter. The extended lines, though badly shaken and with many gaps, now came on all the faster. Instead of a leisurely walk they covered the ground in short rushes at the double..'

The Devon's report recorded that 'only a very few reached the German lines alive. Some got into the German trenches, where they put up a determined fight against enormous odds and were soon killed'. The toehold that the Devons had gained could not be reinforced, as the curtain of fire that the German artillery put down in the middle of no-man's-land had halted the waves of C and D Companies. They were driven to ground by German machine gun fire. 2nd W Yorks, who moved forward behind the Devons at 0825 hours came under fire . By this time the attacking infantry had lost the barrage, which went on as planned. Consequently, only a few of C and D Companies along with A Company 2nd West Yorks reached the German line.

Despite acts of heroism, determination, by 0900 hours, the attack of the 8th Division had failed along the length of it's front. At 0930 hours, Major General Hudson instructed commanders of 23 and 25 Brigades to gather their men and repeat the attack, until it was pointed out that a repeated bombardment would hit the men thought to be stranded in the enemy position.

As late as 1430 hours, there were observers' reports that 'bomb fighting' was going on in the German lines. However, for those remaining out in no man's land it was fortunate that the shell holes, which had earlier hindered the movement of advancing men, now provided cover from enemy fire.

The Devon's Medical Officer, in his aid post dugout in the reserve line, after the initial rush of walking wounded, had few casualties to deal with, as:

'great difficulty was found evacuating the wounded to the Regimental Aid Post. The trenches were too narrow to allow a stretcher to pass and also the trenches had been so knocked about that in many places one was exposed to hostile machine gun and shell fire'

Wounded men succumbed to their wounds, who if properly treated, would have survived. Many lay in agony until, eventually the British barrage, was brought back to the enemy front line. Under its cover many men

regained their frontline and more returned under the cover of darkness.

www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/somme/reg_2nd_devons_1_jul.php?

 

Lt Col E T F Sandys, CO of the 2nd Middlesex (also of the 23 Bde 8 Div) had been concerned before the battle began about uncut German wire and the enemy trenches which were still occupied despite the heavy Allied barrage in the area of Mash Valley. His battalion had 750 yards of No Man’s Land to cross and they were cut down as he had predicted. The disaster so preyed on his mind that he shot himself in September and died a few days later.

(Extract from ‘When the Barrage lifts" by Gerald Glidden)

www.pricewebhome.co.uk/Docs/Stone/Death_of_Sergeant_HT_St...

 

A map of the British front line on the 1st July 1916 in this sector, and the German trenches facing them, can be seen here

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_Boisselle_sector_1_July_191...

 

The position of the lead units of the Brigade, (2nd Middlesex and 2nd Devons,) can also be seen here

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=64507

 

************************Private Ernest Denham**************************************

 

Name: DENHAM, ERNEST

Rank: Private

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 39 Date of Death: 28/10/1917

Service No: 17234

Additional information: Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Denham, of 65, Patteson Rd., Norwich; husband of Martha Sarah Ann Denham, of 14, Cross St., Sussex St., Norwich, Norfolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1629786

 

No match on Norlink

 

No baptism record on FreeReg

 

The 22 year old Ernest, (born Norwich and employed as a Furniture ??? - handwriting is illegible, but the census analyser has added “Carman“ so I‘m assuming the word should be deliverer) is recorded as a boarder at 65 Patteson Road along with his wife Martha, (aged 21 and a Silk Weaver from Norwich). This is down as the household of William J Denham, (aged 45 and a Tobacco Cutter from Norwich) and his wife, Isabella, (aged 44 and from Norwich). Given the information on the CWGC database, it seems odd that Ernest and his wife Martha are described as having no other relationship than being boarders.

 

On the 1891 Census, the 12 year old Ernest is recorded at 47 Albany Road in the Parish of St Clements. This is the household of his parents, William J and Isabella. They have other children living with them at this time:-

George A.G……………….aged 17.…………….born Norwich………Clicker

Emmeline S……………….aged 15.…………….born Norwich………Upholsterer

Frederick.W………………..aged 14.…………….born Norwich………Cabinet Maker

 

Going back to the 1881 census, the family can be found at 2 Britannia Terrace, in the Parish of St Clements, although then the mother’s name looks closer to Sarah then Isabella - the curse of census taker’s handwriting strikes again.

 

Although I’ve not been able to locate the was diary for the 1st Norfolk, the diaries for the 1st Bedfords are fully on line and can be an indication of what or where the 1st Norfolks were up to, as they were in the same brigade. For the period 25th to 28th October, the 1st Bedfords held a position called “Stirling Castle”, and would support an attack on Polderhoek Chateau on the 26th. They took about working with the 1st Cheshires, another Brigade Unit. Havng suffered 103 casualties during their three days in the front line, the 1st Bedfords were relieved by the 1st Devons - the inference being that the 1st Cheshires were relieved by the 1st Norfolks.

www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1917diary.html

 

However, another source has the whole 5th Division being relieved by the 14th Division on this day.

forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&...

 

**************************Private Albert Fox**************************************

Probably

Name: FOX, ALBERT

Rank: Private

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: "A" Coy., 1st/4th Bn.

Age: 19 Date of Death: 21/04/1917

Service No: 200949

Additional information: Son of Fred and Ellen Fox, of Norwich; husband of Mabel Longbone (formerly Fox), of 93, Aylsham Rd., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 117. Cemetery: DEIR EL BELAH WAR CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=645596

 

Also 112 other possibles in the CWGC database

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 3 year old Albert, born Norwich, can be found on the 1901 census at 23 Newbegins Yard, St Marys Plain, in the Parish of St Marys Coslany.. This is the household of his parents, Fredk. G, (aged 34 and a Boot Finisher from Norwich) and Ellen J. (aged 32 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-

Arthur……………..aged 1.………….born Norwich

Ernest……………..aged 5.………….born Norwich

Rosana……………aged 7.……………born Norwich

There are three more children in the household, presumably Ellen’s from a previous marriage.

Ellen I Perriment……..aged 15.…….born Norwich………..Tailoress

Ethel Perriment………aged 11.…….born Norwich

Fredk Perriment………aged 9.……..born Norwich

 

On 28 February 1917, the cavalry of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force entered Khan Yunus, midway between the Egyptian border and Deir el Belah causing the Turks to withdraw to Gaza and Beersheba. The railway was pushed forward to Deir el Belah, which became the railhead in April 1917, and an aerodrome and camps were established there. The cemetery was begun towards the end of March and remained in use until March 1919. Most of the burials were made either from field ambulances from March to June 1917, or from the 53rd, 54th, 66th and 74th Casualty Clearing Stations, and the 69th General Hospital, from April 1917 until the Armistice with Turkey. A number of graves, the majority of which were originally at Khan Yunus, were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=71200&...

 

On 19th April the Norfolks took part in a disastrous attempt to take Gaza. In this action casualties for the battalion were 478 (55 killed, 323 wounded and 100 missing). The battalion’s sister unit, 1/5th Norfolks, also took part in the assault and they fared even worse, suffering 643 casualties.

www.oldbuckenham-pri.norfolk.procms.co.uk/pages/viewpage....

 

While we cannot be sure Arthur died as a result of injuries in the action at Gaza it seems more than probable that this is the case.

 

***************************Private Robert Fuller*************************************

 

Prime candidate

Name: FULLER Initials: R

Rank: Private

Regiment: Gloucestershire Regiment Unit Text: 12th Bn.

Age: 21 Date of Death: 20/04/1917

Service No: 22258

Additional information: Son of Samuel and Mary Ann Fuller, of 112, Aylsham Rd., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 12. Cemetery: SUCRERIE CEMETERY, ABLAIN-ST. NAZAIRE

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=561424

 

Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a Robert

1901 Census likely match.

Robert, aged 4, born Norwich. Recorded at 5 Hindes Yard, St Augustines. Parents are

Samuel, (aged 41, Boot Finisher from Norwich), and Mary Ann, (aged 35 and from Norwich). Siblings are Arthur, (9), Charles, (u/1), Elizabeth, (8), Nellie, (3),

 

The Gloucester Regiment Museum confirms that Private 22258 Robert Fuller was born and enlisted Norwich. His previous unit was the “Hussars of Line”, where his service number was 19928. He is recorded as Killed in action.

www.glosters.org.uk/soldier/13107

 

From the Battalion War Dairy.

20th April. In trenches. Bois de Hirondelle

 

In front line. Heavy Enemy Shelling. 7 O.R Killed. 15 O.R wounded. 5 O.R joined as reinforcements.

 

*********************************Private John J Fuller*****************************

 

5 possible matches on CWGC

 

No match on Norlink

 

1901 Census possibles.

John, aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 35 Magpie Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 34, Carman from Norwich) , and Ann, (aged 33, from Norwich). Siblings, Elizabeth, (13), Ernest, (0), Esther, (6), James, (10), Robert, (aged 3) and William, (8). All born Norwich.

 

On the 1911 census there is one John James with a Norwich connection, and it seems to be the one from Magpie Road.

 

By a process of elimination, this individual on the CWGC database is our most likely Match

Name: FULLER Initials: J J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers Unit Text: 4th Bn. Date of Death: 31/08/1918 Service No: 72688 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: I. B. 32. Cemetery: H.A.C. CEMETERY, ECOUST-ST. MEIN

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=303889

 

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a John J

 

The 4th Fusiliers were part of the 3rd Division for the the whole. One of the divisional battle honours is

Second Battle of Bapaume. 31 Aug-3 Sep 1918.

 

On August 31st the 4th Battalion, who had moved up to positions south-east of Ecoust, attacked eastwards. Ten minutes before zero the assembly positions were subjected to a heavy shell and machine-gun fire, and there were many casualties ; and when our barrage began, five minutes

later, it missed the chief obstacles in the way of the Royal Fusiliers' advance. As a consequence, while the battalions on both flanks advanced with little trouble, the 4th Royal Fusiliers were decisively checked by machine-gun fire from the sunken road, about 250 yards to the east. Z Company

made several most gallant attempts to reach these guns, but the men were mown down, and all the officers but one became casualties. The tank which should have assisted in coping with this obstacle caught fire a few minutes before zero. Another tank broke down actually in the road, and a German officer, climbing on top of it, shot or took prisoner the whole of the crew. A machine-gun nest

in the south of Ecoust also devoted too much attention to the battalion, who were completely held up.

About 8 p.m. the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers cleared the sunken road under a creeping barrage, and before dawn on September 1st the 4th Royal Fusiliers had advanced 1,500 yards. At

6 p.m. on the same day, with only eight casualties, the battalion carried the line still further, clearing the sunken road midway between Longatte and Noreuil. In this operation 70 prisoners and several machine guns and trench mortars were captured.

www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/h-c-herbert-charles-oneill...

 

 

*********************************Private A Fulcher*******************************

 

Possibly

Name: FULCHER Initials: A

Rank: Private

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Date of Death: 02/11/1915

Service No: 7638

Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 17. Cemetery: KUT WAR CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=637920

 

Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Archie Fulcher

 

 

Less likely

Name: FULCHER Initials: A G H

Rank: Private

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 22 Date of Death: 27/09/1918

Service No: 30383

Additional information: Son of Richanda Alice Beaumont Fulcher, of I, School Rd., Runham, Vauxhall, Gt. Yarmouth, and the late Henry Thurtell Fulcher.

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. N. 17. Cemetery: BASRA WAR CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=509914

 

Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Alfred G H.

 

Or

Name: FULCHER, ARTHUR JOHN

Rank: Private

Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.

Age: 37 Date of Death: 01/09/1915

Service No: 2243

Additional information: Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Fulcher, of Wymondham, Norfolk, husband of Laura Fulcher, of Damgate Bridge, Wymondham, Norfolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=681137

 

No match on Norlink

 

1901 Census matches using search criteria Fulcher and Norwich.

Arthur aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 9 Fishers Buildings, parish of St Phillips. Parents are John, (aged 36, Tailor from Rushmere, Suffolk) and Emily, (aged 36, from Norwich). Siblings are, Bertie, (8), Edith, (3), and Thomas, (4) - all born Norwich.

 

Arthur G, aged 7, born Wymondham. Recorded at 21 Egyptian Road, Bishops Bridge Road. Parents are George, (aged 35 - Railway Plate Layer, Wymondham) and Elizabeth, (aged 35, Norwich), Siblings are Ernest, (1), Margaret, (5), and Thomas (3) - all born Wymondham.

 

Albert aged 9, born Norwich. Recorded at 107 Dereham Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 42, Licensed Victualler from Norwich), and Hannah, (aged 41, from Norwich), Siblings are Adlaine, (14), Donald, (3), Leonard, (7), Lucy, (17) - all born Norwich.

 

The 1911 census has only one match for an Archie Fulcher for the whole of England and Wales. This individual is shown as being born circa 1891 at St Marys, Norwich, Norfolk. His current whereabouts are not however listed. As St Marys is the neighbouring parish to St Augustines, this tends to strengthen the case for this being our man.

 

Archie does not appear to be on either the 1901 or 1891 Census for England and Wales.

 

From India to Mesopotamia

To protect the British owned oil fields in Persia and to stop Turkish domination of the Middle East an Indian Expeditionary Force was sent to the Persian Gulf. As part of this Force the Norfolk Regiment left Belgaum for Bombay under the command of Lieu-Colonel E C Peebles and boarded HM Transport Elephanta on 6 November1914. The 2nd Norfolks arrived at Seniyeh in the Persian Gulf on 15 November 1914 and joined the 18th Brigade, which consisted of the 7th Rajput's, 110th Mahratta Light Infantry and 120th Rajputana Infantry.

 

The 2nd Norfolks took part in several battles during the advance, finally culminating in the Battle of Ctesiphon on the 22/11/1915, when British force of 11000 defeat a Turkish force of over 18000. Battle ends with a bayonet charge across open ground. Norfolks suffer 6 officers killed 27 men killed, 225 wounded and 2 missing.

 

However, with opposition mounting, on the 24th November 1915,the Brigade under the command of General Townshend suffering losses and sickness has to withdraw to Kut. The Norfolks form the rear guard as the Brigade withdraws. The 44 miles to Kut is covered in 36 hours. The 2nd Norfolks now comprise half their effective fighting

 

Kut- al-mara, having been taken in July had been the Allies strong-point and medical base, so its likely that Archie died either as a result of wounds sustained in July or as a result of illness.

www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm

 

*******************************Private Herbert Gooch*********************************

 

Probably

Name: GOOCH, HERBERT FRANCIS

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 29 Date of Death: 20/04/1918

Service No: 28285

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Gooch; husband of Mrs. Gooch, of 38, Magpie Rd., Norwich. Native of Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIX. K. 4A. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=501487

 

During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=56500&...

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 12 year old Herbert F, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 60 Beaconsfield Road, in the Parish of St James. This is the household of his parents, Thomas, (aged 44 and a “Restry Cook and Cow Feetner” - Genes Re-united transcriber, or “PastryCook and Confectioner” - Moominpappa, from Great Yarmouth), and Harriet F, (aged 41 and from Ludham). Their other children are:-

Annie M……………….aged 10.………….born Norwich

Arthur S……………….aged 17.…………..born Norwich………Railway Telegraphist

Audrey A………………aged 19.………….born Norwich

Charles Ed……………..aged 14.………….born Norwich………Railway Telegraph Messenger

Edward E………………aged 4.…………born Norwich

Ernest………………….aged u/1.………..born Norwich

Frederick J…………….aged 7.………….born Norwich

George Wm……………aged 5.…………born Norwich

 

The International Genealogical Index has further details. Herbert Francis was born the 25th July 1888 in the parish of St Peter Parmentergate. He would marry Alice Maud Armes, on the 10th November 1917 in the Parish Church of St Augustines.. His place of death is recorded as the 4th General Hospital, Carniers.

www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp...

Alice was born 1897 and would finally die in 1994, having been 75 years a widow.

 

His parents were Thomas Wade Gooch and Harriet Frances Storey.

www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp...

 

The 4th Division, of which the 1st Kings Own formed part were heavily engaged in March and April 1918 in fighting off the the German Spring offensive including

First Battle of Arras. 28 Mar 1918.

Battle of Hazebrouck. 12-15 Apr, including the defence of the Hinges Ridge and the Nieppe Forest.

Battle of Bethune. 18 Apr 1918, including the second defence of Givenchy.

 

L\Corporal Gooch could have succumbed to wounds received in any of these actions.

****************************Private Ralph V Gant********************************

 

Only R V Gant on the CWGC database

Name: GANT, RALPH VICTOR

Rank: Private

Regiment: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 10th Bn.

Date of Death: 21/03/1918

Service No: 34675

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 51 and 52. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1581248

 

No match on Norlink

 

A family web-site adds that he was the husband of a Glady Gant

www.gant-name.org.uk/lestweforget.html

 

The 7 year old Ralph, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 30 Old Palace Road, Norwich, in the parish of St Bartholomew. This is the household of his parents, Benjamin, (aged 42 and a house builder from Reedham), and Emma, (aged 50 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-

Alice………………aged 17.……………born Norwich…….Dressmaker

Benjamin………….aged 13.……………born Norwich

Ethel………………aged 20.……………born Norwich…….Tailoress

Frederick………….aged 19.……………born Norwich…….Carpenter

 

The Gants also have a boarder living with them, Caroline Thompson, aged 20 and from Strumpshaw who works as a dressmaker.

 

Given that information and checking the family web-site we can also identify that brother Frederick fell in the Great War.

 

Name: GANT Initials: F T

Rank: Rifleman

Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps Unit Text: 11th Bn.

Age: 35 Date of Death: 25/09/1917

Service No: R/15481

Additional information: Son of Emma and the late Benjamin Gant, of 67, West End St., Norwich, Norfolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 11A. Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=508460

 

21st March 1918

From the diary of the 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who were in the same division.

21st March 1918. St Quentin, Soissons, Amiens.

The enemy artillery had been gradually increasing in intensity all night, and at 4.30 am reached a maximum, and the battalion was ordered to stand to. The shelling was all east of the CROZAT CANAL and no shells fell near the camp.

At 12.30 pm the commanding officer received a verbal order from the Divisional Headquarters to take the Battalion at once to a position of assembly on the Western outskirts of REMIGY and to proceed himself to the H.qtrs of the 10th ESSEX REGT at LY FONTAINE, where he would received further orders from the G.O.C 53rd Inf. Bde. This order was carried out at once, Companies being in the assembly area by 1.30pm.

 

The C.O reported to the Hqts 10th Essex Regt but found no orders for him there until about 2pm when Col.Minette DSO MC DGMO turned up with orders from the Division to hold LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH LINE, on the west of LY FONTAINE.

 

As parties of the enemy could now be seen close to the switch line on the east of LY FONTAINE, the Commanding Officer decided to send “D” Company to make good that section of the line, and for “A” and “C” companies to hold the LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH with “B” Co in Battalion reserve, ½ mile North of REMIGY. These dispositions were taken up and about 3.30 pm a message was received from Brig.Gen Higginson, DSO commanding 53rd Bde that enemy cavalry were working round our left rear from the direction of MONTESCOURT.

 

Two platoons of “B” Co were therefore ordered to take up a line facing N.W to guard against surprise from that quarter. Battalion H.qrs were established in the North end of REMIGY.

 

At 9.30pm an order was received from the 53rd Bde to the effect that the battalion would take up a line N and E of REMIGY to cover the retirement of units of the 53rd Bde at 10.30 pm, and that when this operation had been completed, the battalion would withdraw in rearguard formation to the West of CROZAT CANAL and rendezvous at FRIERES - FAILLOUEL, this withdrawal to commence at midnight.

qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ES00819180304.pdf

 

Done