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Remembered Today:

Are you working on a Norfolk UK, WW1 Memorial?


RoninReepham

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The War memorial at Great Witchingham is currently, (end June 2014), being stored up one corner of the Parish church of St Mary - if there hadn't been a laminated sign with a poppy on it, it would have been easy to overlook.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/14740796420/

It will be re-instated once work on the new village hall is completed. Nearby there is also a decorated Roll of Honour for the fallen of the Great War.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/14919468365/in/photostream/

Arthur Arthurton, 104th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died in France 1917

Stanley John Bowes, 1st/4th Norfolks, Killed in Palestine

William Robert Bilham Brown, 214th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in France 1917

Leonard John Gray 2nd Hants Killed in Gallipoli 1915

William George Hutchins RN Drowned in HMS Ariadne 1917

Arthur King 23rd Royal Fusiliers Killed in France 1916.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/14676022208/in/photostream/

Horace William Massingham 9th Norfolks Killed in France 1915

Charles Robert Moy 6th KOYLI (ex Royal Scots Greys) Killed in France 1915

Frederick George Lawson Australian Killed 1918 (actually 9th Battalion Essex Regiment although SDGW has 13th Battalion)

Leonard Harold Nelson Drowned in Hospital Ship 1917 (1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, lost with the sinking of HMT Donegal in the Channel)

James Henry Starling, 13th Essex,Killed in France 1917.

John Starling MM 1st Norfolks, Killed in France 1916

Frank Smith, 2nd Lincolns, Died in France 1916

https://www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/14866670293/in/photostream/

William Dixon-Sutton, 7th Norfolks, Died a Prisoner in Germany 1918

Edgar Harold Waters, Northumberland Fusiliers, Killed in France 1917. (1st/5th Battalion)

Albert Watkins, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, Killed in France 1917 (2nd Battalion)

Reginald Watkins, Corporal, 1st Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (Royal Field Artillery on CWGC)

James White, 1st/5th Norfolks, Killed at Gaza 1917

Herbert Thomas Williamson, 11th Suffolks, Killed in France 1918

https://www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/14830840365/in/photostream/

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I do have a copy of the "Norwich Roll of Honour" {1924} that does include some details of those who lived in the county as opposed to Norwich

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Metton, North Norfolk.

14816862908_6610c63c8a_m.jpgMen of Metton - Killed in the Great War by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

As well as the three men with a conection to the village who died, the other faces are taken up with the names that served.

The lower tier then has the names of those who served in WW2.

The fallen of Metton are

Gunner Cecil Douglas Bird, 3rd Trench Mortar Battery Canadian Field Artillery, died 12th March 1918 in France.

His brother Lieutenant Dudley Joseph De Angulo Bird, 29th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, shot down and killed 27th June 1917

Private Reginald John Blyth, 1st Cameronians, lost on the 20th July 1916 on the Somme in an attempt to capture High Wood.

While there is an additional element of guess work in trying to identify individuals who served, I think I've got it with the individual listed as V Jagg.

At the time the vicar of Metton was The Reverend Thomas Jagg and amongst his sons there is a Victor Thomas South Jagg. Victor would serve in the

Great War with the Army's Chaplain Department and would eventually be awarded the MC.

The citation reads

Rev. Victor Thomas South Jagg, T/C.F, 4th Class, R.A.C.D, attd. 10th Bn, Notts and Derby R.

Near Proyart on 15th August 1918, during a heavy gas bombardment, a great many men and officers became casualties. He assisted with gassed man and worked amongst them with great gallantry. As a result of his devotion he afterwards became a gas casualty. He has at all times displayed great devotion to his work under heavy shelling.</i>

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31680/supplement/15345/data.pdf

(The MC was initially gazetted in the supplement to the edition of the 2nd April 1919)

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31266/supplement/4329/data.pdf

It would appear in the immediate post-war area he went to work in the Nottinghamshire area, perhaps because of his links with the Sherwood Foresters. By 1946 he was back in Norfolk as the Rector of Stiffkey.

BTW - the lure of East Dereham Cemetery proved too strong. Must admit I didn't go about it too systematically, (actually, child in a sweetshop springs to mind !). Just need to work out how I get them posted here from flickr. I'm sure I've done it before now but it seems to keep defeating me,

regards,

Peter

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  • 2 months later...

Shotisham, south of Norwich.

Charles William Cheney, 1st Battalion Buffs. Killed in Action 13/10/1916 in France

Alfred Manning Clarke - not identified, although the Benjamin Clarke listed below has a 13 year old brother Alfred living with him on the 1891 census.

Benjamin Clarke, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action 14th May 1917. Probably enemy shelling while in the front line near Arleux.

Harry Codling, 1st/4th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 20th August 1915 at Gallipoli.

Robert Fellowes. 1st Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in Action on the 10th March 1915 in the Diversionary action near Givenchy.

George Robert Flint, 12th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 11th September 1918 in France.

Frederick James Goodwin, 10th Battalion Essex Regiment. Died on the 26th January 1917, probably in one of the large Hospitals at Abbeville.

John Hewgill - probably 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards.Killed in Action on the 30th August 1917. The previous day the Guards Division had taken over the front line near Langemarck.

William Britton Lane, 5th Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Died of Wounds on the 20th December 1917 in France

Joseph Alfred Larter, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.Killed in Action on the 15th September 1916 in the attack at Flers-Courcelette.

Harry George Mayhew, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 23rd April 1917 in the Attack on the German front line in front of Coulotte.

Samuel Albert Pearce, (most likely) 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action on the 21st October 1916 in the attack on Stuff Trench.

Harry Percival Pett, "B" Company, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.Killed in Action on the 15th September 1916 in the attack at Flers-Courcelette.

Cecil Jesse Randell, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.Killed in Action on the 22nd October 1917 during the attack on Poelcappelle

Cecil Twite (Hannent), 8th Battalion Border Regiment. Killed in Action on the 5th July 1916 in France

Leonard Wicks, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 22nd October 1917 during the attack on Poelcappelle

Robert Youngman, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment.Killed in Action on the 11th June 1915 in the trenches near Verbranden Molen

William Youngman, 1st/4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 in the 2nd Battle of Gaza.

15625794445_a17b81eda5_t.jpgShotesham War Memorial and Shotesham All Saints Church by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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  • 1 month later...

Stalham

George Miles Batchelor, 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action 12th October 1916 in an attack on Bayonet Trench, near Flers

James Lewis Bailey, Military Foot Police. Died of Wounds (GSW) at CCS17, Remy Sidings, 30th May 1917

Walter Brackenbury, Merchant Marine. Drowned when the SS Vianna was torpedoed by UC-64, 31st March 1918.

Edward Bristow, 49th Battalion, Candian Infantry. Killed in Action, 10th September 1918. Artillery Barrage whilst moving to the rear from the Front Line.

Reba Bristow, 1st/1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment. Killed in Action, 30th April 1917, no further details

Alfred Clarke, 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action 15th September 1916. Attack on the Quadrilateral position near Flers. Possibly Friendly Fire.

Wilfrid Wallace Drake, 23rd Trench Mortar Company. Died of Wounds on the 16th August 1917. The Division it was part of was involved in the Battle of Langemarck which started on this day.

Laurence Gibbs, Royal Naval Reserve. Missing presumed killed when the SS Pomeranian was torpedoed by UC77 in the English Channel on the 15th April 1918

Harry (Henry Robert) Green, 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 16th May 1917, Enemy Shelling.

Henry Frederick Harmer, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 8th June 1917 and buried near front-line. Enemy attack or possibly Friendly Fire

James Robert Jeckells, 1st Battalion Border Regiment. Died of Wounds 21st May 1917 at a Casualty Clearing Station– the battalion had taken many casualties in an unsuccessful attack on the 19th.

Walter Edward Knights, 14th Durham Light Infantry. Killed in Action 10th October 1916.

George Leatherdale, 77th Battery Royal Field Artilley. Died 28th December 1918 in India.

(Robert) George Morse, 2nd/5th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in Action 1st September 1917 in an unsuccessful rush attack on Hill 35.

(John) Stewart Muller. Died on Home Service on the 27th June 1918 with the 2nd/6th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

John Nudd, 12 Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 14th November 1916. The Battalion had spent the previous day fighting off counter-attacks before finally withdrawing under the cover of darkness.

Arthur Peggs, 2nd Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in Action on the 25th September 1915 in the attack on Hulluch Ridge.

Charles (Charle) Dunham Peggs, 1st/104th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in Action on the 6th January 1916 during the siege of Kut.

Clarence Harold Pratt, 8th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 7th October 1916 supporting the attack on Bayonet Trench.

Geoffrey Spanton, 1st /5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 2nd November 1917 in the opening assault of the Third Battle of Gaza.

Frank Stewart, 180th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, Killed in Action on the 4th April 1918 during the German Spring Offensive.

Charles (Charley) Richard Taylor, 2nd Battalion Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 7th December 1916 in the unsuccessful attack on Tumbitza Farm, Struma Valley (Salonika Theatre)

Cubitt Benjamin Whiley (Wiley), 7th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 16th June 1917 during enemy shelling.

Sidney Wilkins, Either 1st or 8th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 8th October 1918. Both units were fighting in the Second Battle of Cambrai on this day, although on different parts of the battlefield.

Robert Wilson, 195th Company, Machine Gun Corps. Killed in Action on the 8th August 1917

16010767442_84fef66ffa_s.jpgStalham Great War Roll of Honour by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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  • 1 month later...

East Ruston

Reginald Bristow, HMS Bacchante\HMS Pembroke. Died at home 21st February 1919 and in some sources an influenza victim

Walter James Joshua Brumbley, 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 27th March 1918 when the Battalion was overrun in the German Spring Offensive.

Walter John Cutting, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 during the Second Battle of Gaza.

Edmund William Eaton, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 1st July 1916 on the Somme.

Cecil Valentine Grimmer, HMS Attentive 111. Found drowned in the dock at Dover - missing since 26th March 1917

John Helsdon, 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 12th October 1916 in an attempt to expand the salient around Gueudecourt

John (Jonathan Robert) Hemp, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 15th January 1916 during trench shelling.

Fred (Frederick John) Hilling, 190th Trench Mortar Battery. Died of Wounds 16th January 1918

Charles (Edward) Larkin or Larkins - probably 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action 15th September 1916. Body not recovered from the battlefield until post war.

James Riches, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 9th October 1917 in the attack on the German positions centred on Polderhoek Chateau

Leslie Walter Pointer, 1st/9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 5th November 1916 in an attempt to break through the German Warlencourt Line

Clarence (Harold) Pratt, 8th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 7th October 1916 in an attempt to take Bayonet Trench.

George (Walter) Riches, 12th Battalion Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry. Died on the 24th January 1917.

William Rivers - no further details

Fred (Frederick George) Rump, 6th Battalion The Buffs.Killed in Action on the 9th August 1918 in an attack on Morlancourt. The order postponing the attack failed to reach them.

(Arthur) William Shepherd, HM Trawler Tugela. The Tugela was mined and sunk in the North Sea on the 26th June 1916.

Robert Spanton, HM Drifter Young Fred.His headstone says he drowned off Ireland on January 21st 1917. Navy Roll of Honour records death as due to illness.

Percy (Robert Percival) Taylor, 128th Company, Royal Engineers.Died of Wounds 1st September 1917.

William (Henry) Ward, 209th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in Action on the 3rd July 1916. The 34th Division of which they were part were only now entering La Boiselle, one of their Day 1 objectives having taken horrendous casualties.

16176726091_0e60842285_t.jpgEast Ruston War Memorial by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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  • 3 weeks later...

Barton Turf

Richard Allard, "D" Company, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 12th August 1916 in the capture of Skyline Trench.

Walter Allard, "D" Company, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 1st July 1916 in the assault that carried the Battalion as far forward as Montauban Alley.

Frederick Arthur Bailey, 207th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died on the 21st October 1918.

Stanley Drake, 21st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. He succumbed to Blood Poisoning in a German PoW Camp at Cassel on the 15th May 1918, having been captured in the March offensive.

Frederick Martin Dunton, lost with the disappearance of HMS Clan MacNaughton, probably on the 3rd February 1915.

John William Dunton, Killed in Action on the 7th August 1916. The Commonwealth War Graves site says 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex. However, thanks to this forum, I was able to discover that a draft of men intended for the 2nd RS were diverted into the 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment to backfill recent losses. Shortly after arrival, the Battalion suffered a German trench raid in which John lost his life.

Thomas Frederick Preston, Royal Flying Corps and Norfolk Regiment, Killed in Action when the 58 Squadron aircraft he was crewing, (some sources say Pilot, others Observer),was brought down behind German Lines.

Donald Salmon, 13th Battalion Canadian Infantry. Probably lost due to shelling while in Billets at Wiltje on the 5th November 1917.

Thomas Isaac Watts, 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 8th October 1918 in the attack on the Masnieres-Beaurevoir line

Charles Yaxley, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 23rd October 1916 which saw the Battalion halted by MG fire in front of Dewdrop Trench

Horace Yaxley, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 11th August 1917 in re-capturing a strong-point that had fallen to a German attack, Jargon Trench.

Roland Jack Yaxley, (enlisted as Yxley), 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles, (probably) Died of Wounds following an attack on the Arras-Cambrai Road.

16348416521_ddb789ab8a_t.jpgBarton Turf Great War - Richard and Walter Allard by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

16349148872_438b7fcb8c_t.jpgBarton Turf Great War Memorial - Frederick Arthur Bailey and Stanley Drake by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

16163298489_8fd097f7e9_t.jpgBarton Turf Great War Memorial - Frederick Martin and John William Dunton by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

16148217670_90b7f4d515_t.jpgBarton Turf Great War Memorial - Thomas Frederick Preston and Donald Salmons by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

16309328191_c320bed37d_t.jpgBarton Turf Great War Memorial - Thomas Isaac Watts and Charles Yaxley by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

Next up - Woodton

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  • 2 weeks later...

Woodton - Memorial plaque in the church of All Saints

Berton (or Burton) John Aldridge, Army Service Corps, 200 H.T.Company, 25th Divisional Train. Died on the "Home Front" in the Chichester area on the 29th January 1915. The 25th Division was forming on Salisbury Plain at that time.

Herbert Edward Baldwin, Killed when HMS Natal exploded in Cromarty Firth on the 30th December 1915

Richard Henry Driffield Lee, Royal Flying Corps and Norfolk Regiment. Killed on the 23rd July 1917 while Test Flying a new Aircraft type at Mousehold Aircraft Acceptance Park, Norwich where he was Commander.

Frederick Gurdon Driffield Lee, Norfolk Regiment. Died of Pneumonia on the 1st March 1916 contracted while on a Signalling Course at Otley, Yorkshire

Frederick Lloyd, 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 5th April 1918, possibly whilst serving in a composite Battalion with the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers near the village of St Nicholas in France

Spencer Hugh Pymar, 7th Battalion Border Regiment. Died in Hospital at St Omer on the 28th April 1916 suffering from cerebrospinal fever

Edward Herbert Spink, 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment. Killed in Action on the 3rd May 1917 in the ultimately unsuccessful assault on the village of Cherisy when initial gains were negated by a well led German counter-attack.

Austin, (or Austen) Arthur Webb, MM, 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 8th April 1917 in a successful assault across three lines of German trenches near Boise de la Maison Blanche.

Sidney Henry Wright, 21st Reserve Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Died 3rd May 1915.No further details about circumstances of death. Buried at Woodton.

George Yallop, 35th Battalion Royal Fusiliers transferred to 104th Company Labour Corps. Died on the 26th October 1917 and buried at Zuydcoote Military Cemetery.

16602335222_fda360753e_t.jpgWoodton Great War Roll of Honour by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

Next stop - West Runton

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  • 3 months later...

West Runton has had to go on hold for a while due to work, but hopefully I should be able to turn my attention to it again soon.

Meanwhile Flickr have been messing with the tags on their photo's which has given me cause to re-visit some of my original uploads there going back to 2006. Which means a good excuse to update and correct some of the original narrative.

Scottow - the monument stands apart from the small village and also commemorates the men of nearby Sco Ruston.

George Chase, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 4th August 1915. Battalion was in the Front Line at Fricourt near Albert.

Arthur Coleman, 1st Battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry. Died from illness in Egypt on the 14th December 1915.

Hedley Bird, 16th Battalion Cheshire Regiment. Killed in Action 3rd March 1917 as a result of a German Trench Raid.

Harry George Barnard, 1st/7th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. Killed in Action on the 19th May 1917

Armine Pike, 1st/5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 14th November 1916 in the attack on the Hook Sap, Battle of the Somme

Herbert Cubitt, 38th Company, Machine Gun Corps. Died of Wounds on the 1st May 1918. Father of George.

George Philip Cubitt, "C" Company, 1st/5th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 in the Second Battle of Gaza.

Walter Christmas, 49th Battalion, AIF. Died on the 6th May 1918 from wounds received on the 25th April - Second Battle of Villers Bretonneux.

(Arthur) Cecil Hazelton, 1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 25th July 1918.

John (Henry) Atkins, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. Died on the 8th August 1918 when his unit was involved in the Battle of Amiens.

2145500909_42b6686b33_n.jpgScottow's War - those who laid down their lives 1914-18 by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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  • 3 weeks later...

The neighbouring villages of West and East Runton have a joint War Memorial.

Matthew Robert Abbs, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 11th August 1917

Sydney George Abbs, HMS Natal. Killed in the explosion which destroyed the ship on the 30th December 1915.

Robert William Abbs. Cause of death on the 11th November 1917 not known. HMS Vivid.

Ernest William Baker,8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 2nd July 1916

William Frederick Balls, 9th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 9th October 1917 in the attack on the Poelcappelle Village.

Arthur Bird, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 25th April 1917 as a result of 2nd Gaza.

Clifford Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Horace Joseph Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Royden Charles Bird, 18th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 5th May 1918.

Frank William Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Francis David Brown, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 9th October 1917 in an attack on the Polderhoek position.

Frederick Walter Brown, “A” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Robert Leonard Cooper, 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 20th July 1918 .

Arthur William Craske, 14th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Died of Wounds on the 23rd October 1917

George Thomas Craske, 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 28th February 1917 in an attack on Palz Trench

Charles Robert Creasey, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

George Henry Creasey, (served as George Henry Clarke), 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Shot by a sniper on either 19th, 20, 21st of 22nd April 1918 depending on which source you use.

Horace Creasey, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 28th October 1917.

Thomas James Creasey, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

James William Dennis, Royal Army Service Corps. Cause of death on the 21st February 1919 not known. Buried in France.

Frederick Fisher, 1st/7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. SDGW says killed in action on the 31st October 1918, but possibly died of wounds after being taken prisoner by the Austrians.

Leslie Fisher, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 21st October 1916 in the attack on Stuff Trench.

Timothy Gibbons, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th July 1916 in the fighting in Delville Wood.

Arthur William Hancock, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 30th June 1918 in the attack on Bouzincourt Spur.

Archibald Hastings, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Ernest Frank Horne, Hawke battalion, Royal Naval Division. Killed in Action on the 13th November 1916 in the battle at Beaucourt, part of the actions on the Ancre Heights.

George Charles Hurrell, 1st Battalion Northmptonshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 20th July 1916 in the attempt to capture Munster Alley.

Robert William King – no definative on this man as yet

Frederick Line, 20th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 4th September 1918

Alfred Albert Lines, 2nd/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died on the Home Front, 4th October 1917.

Frederick Augustus Lines, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Robert Lines, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. “Died” on the 21st August 1915.

Gordon Love Porritt, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th May 1917.

Percy William Riches, 10th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died on Home Service, (Pneumonia) on the 6th December 1915.

William Henry Williams, 1st Battalion The Queens, (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in Action on the 31st October 1914 resisting the German attack at Ghevulet.

19326156422_9c8d61c013_m.jpgThey were a wall unto us both by night and day - the Runton's Joint War Memorial by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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  • 4 weeks later...

Tasburgh - War Memorial in the Churchyard of St Mary.

James Barsham Burgess, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 1st July 1916 in the attack on Montauban Alley.

Geoffrey (Jeffrey) Cushion,1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 11th July 1916, probably in a Field Ambulance.

Herbert (Bertie) Ernest Cushion,1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 25th June 1915.

Arthur Henry Everett, 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 26th September 1915 in the attempt to retake the Quarries near Hulluch.

Arthur Field. No further information known.

Bernard Leonard Goose, 1st/9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 5th November 1916 in the assault on the Butte-de-Warlencourt.

Herbert Harbour, 2nd/5th Battalion The King's (Liverpool Regiment). Died of Wounds on the 29th October 1917.

William Harbour,1st/18th Battalion London Regiment (London Irish Rifles). Killed in Action on the 21st March 1918 in the defence of Welsh Ridge.

Sydney Mathews (on memorial - most likely Sidney Albert Matthews), "F" Coy Army Service Corps. Died in the Mesopotamia Theatre on the 27th July 1917.

Percival John Nobbs, 6th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 16th November 1916, probably during a German bombardment.

Frank Ellis Rix, 12th Battalion London Regiment (The Rangers). Killed in Action on the 9th April 1917 in the assault and street-fighting at Neuville Vitasse.

John Brown(e) Rix, 58th Battalion Canadian Infantry. Killed on the 19th August 1916 either when the Germans blew a small camouflet or in the subsequent bombardment.

19922716455_127d89b8c9_m.jpgTasburgh War memorial by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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The original post was about helping, so if anyone can point me in the right direction or suggest some alternative lines of enquiry then I'd really appreciate it.

The War Memorial for The Runtons and the next door village of Beeston Regis both record a Robert William King.

Neither the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or Soldier's Died in the Great War brings up a likely match - I've tried searching Robert and William with and without the King and tried searching both databases on just a wildcard search for Norfolk without much joy. There is a William Robert King, a Naval Reservist from Winterton, but nothing to tie him to this part of the coast.

What there is in the 1911 census is two Robert William King's associated with West Runton - a father and son. The father was then aged 43, originally from Leeds and a Station Master for the M&GN Railway Company. Living with him is his 15 year old son, born Roydon, near Kings Lynn, who works as a Railway Clerk for the same company. Even with this information I couldn't identify a likely individual. There isn't a Robert William King commemorated on the M&GN memorial at Melton Constable but I don't know if this covered just the men working in the Depot there. I don't thing there is a definitive on-line Roll of Honour for the M&GN railway company. Note - in part this is to try and work out if the pair on the Census is just a co-incidence and that neither of them are actually the individual remembered on the two memorials.

I then tried to see if I could identify a death in England and Wales of someone of the right age to have been the father or son. The death of a Robert William King, aged 55, was recorded in the Erpingham District in the April to June quarter of 1923 - that's the right age and the right part of the county. But no match for the son. There was also nothing obvious during the War Years that could have made him a civilian casualty who died in Norfolk.

Finally I went back to West Runton Holy Trinity churchyard and did an intense search, but no sign of a headstone for any relevant member of the King family. Once I discovered Robert was also on the Beeston memorial I focused my walk around the churchyard to look for King family headstones but drew a blank.

Normally I'd start a new thread but its all still a little too vague.

Thoughts :-)

Thanks,

Peter

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The neighbouring villages of West and East Runton have a joint War Memorial.

Arthur Bird, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 25th April 1917 as a result of 2nd Gaza.

Clifford Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Horace Joseph Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Frank William Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Frederick Walter Brown, “A” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Charles Robert Creasey, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Thomas James Creasey, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Archibald Hastings, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Frederick Augustus Lines, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

In 1911 the Runtons had a combined population of 907.

178 served (http://www.wattonandswaffhamtimes.co.uk/news/east_and_west_runton_first_world_war_victims_to_be_remembered_at_history_talk_1_3756402).

34 or 35 died (Haggard or Memorial).

19th April 1917 was especially hard.

Rob.

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I am researching the village of Heacham, in north-west Norfolk.... the men listed on the memorial (and a few others who have a demonstrable link with Heacham, but were not included on the war memorial), the social history of the village at that time, zeppelin raids, famous people associated with the village.... I could go on, and on, and on......

Really I am interested in anything Heacham during the war. I've been working on the project for seemingly years as work and family allows. The intention is to write up the history ready for publication. If that publication is to be within the 100 years anniversary I realise I am running out of time! and work is only getting more busy!

Happy to help with my (limited) knowledge

Andrew

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Rob,

With the loss of so many men from the 1st/4th and 1st/5th battalions on the 19th April 1917 it seems to be a rarity if you come across a Norfolk War Memorial that doesn't have at least one name of someone who died on that day.

Arthur, Clifford and Horace Bird were brothers - I've added Clifford and Horace to the thread on brothers died on the same day. Frank Bird was a cousin.

Thomas and Charles Creasey were also brothers.

Archibald Hastings also had a brother Bertie who died in the same action - the two are remembered on the nearby Cromer War Memorial.

And Andrew, is there anything we can do to help you, (apart from nagging you to pull your finger out - you've only got +39 months to go :-)

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  • 2 weeks later...

Beeston Regis

Frederick James Applegate, "C" Company, 1st/5th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. "Died at Sea" 9th November 1915 off Gallipoli.

Walter William Cooper, "C" Company, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th July 1916 in the occupation of the southern part of Delville Wood.

Frederick Duffield, 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Died of Wounds on the 13th March 1918 in France & Flanders.

Ernest Frederick Horne, Hawke Battalion, Killed in Action 13th November 1916 in the attack across the Ancre River at Beaucourt.

Robert William King - no further details

Edward Long, 20th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 4th September 1918 near Dickebusch.

Sidney Dyball, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died at Sea on the 13th August 1915 with the sinking of the troopship Royal Edward.

Frederick Augustus Mortimer, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 13th October 1915 in the costly attack on The Quarries.

Harold Harris Rogers, 11th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Died of Wounds on either 26th or 28th April 1917, probably after the attacks at Guemappe 23rd/24th.

Frederick William Turney - tbc

James John Turney, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.Killed in Action on the 13th October 1915 in the costly attack on The Quarries

20332966728_6b2ee938a6_m.jpgBeeston Regis - Great War Memorial by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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  • 3 weeks later...

Long Stratton

Harry George Ablett, Royal Army Service Corps attached 46th Mule Corps. Died 23rd June 1919 in India.

Frank Dennis Alexander, 13th Battalion Australian Imperial Forces. Died of Tuberculosis at Long Stratton Hospital, 6th April 1917.

Dennis Alexander, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Lost in the sinking of HMT Royal Edward in the Mediterranean, 13th August 1915.

Kenneth George Alexander, 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 15th September 1916 near Ginchy, possibly by Friendly Fire.

Ernest Alexander Annand, 12th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th August 1918 in the capture of Outtersteene.

Bertie Barnes, (probably), Royal Fusiliers. Died 13th June 1918. Buried Fakenham.

Arthur William Betts, 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 15th September 1916 near Ginchy, possibly by Friendly Fire.

Alfred Brookes, 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 28th January 1917 in France.

Charles Browne, 877th Area Employment Company, Labour Corps, (formerly 9th Norfolks). Died of Wounds 27th May 1918 in France.

Cyril Edmund August Cheney, "U" Battery, Royal Horse Artillery. Died of Wounds at the 4th London General Hospital, 26th October 1918.

Frank Roland Deeks, "C" Company, 7th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in Action on the 10th April 1917 in the futile attack on Wancourt.

Frederick William Dickerson, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 6th August 1915 in a diversionary attack at Krithia Vineyard, Gallipoli.

Walter Lewis Edwards, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 5th October 1916 in the bombing attack on the Schwaben Redoubt.

Clare Foulger, 270th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died in the UK on the 4th January 1917.

Basil Hugh Francis, 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 4th February 1915, shot in the trenches near La Bassee.

Charles Alborough Futter, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 4th October 1916 in the attempt to take the village of Yenikoi in the Balkans.

William George Fryer, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 25th September 1916 in the attack on Morval.

John Goddard, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 14th April 1917 in the disastrous action at Monchy.

Arthur William Gooch, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 2nd October 1917 in France.

Frederick William Gooderham, 6th Battalion, Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in Action on the 24th October 1918 in France.

Louis Grimble, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 10th April 1915 in France & Flanders.

Arthur Porcher Meen, 8th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 20th September 1917 in an attack at Hollebecke.

William Dennis Rose, 2nd Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 31st October 1918 in France & Flanders.

Thomas George Sillem, 9th Battalion Welsh Regiment. Killed in Action on the 14th April 1918 in France & Flanders.

Charles Edward Ward, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 29th May 1918 in France & Flanders

Cecil George Warnes, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died on the 12th October 1916. His Battalion were in action today in an attack on Guedecourt.

21012961495_0eedf09001_m.jpgLong Stratton Great War Memorial by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

Edited by PRC
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If anybody has details on the Edingthorpe (All Saints), Norfolk WW1 memorial, please will you let me know how many men are listed.

I gather there is one 1919 CWGC grave in the churchyard and somewhere in the village there is a handwritten roll of the men that served (29 from memory). The roll has five starred names, but on the online images I cannot see a legend. Haggard names five men, none of them the chap buried in the yard.

Rob.

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I've not got to Edingthorpe yet, but the first world war grave that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for belongs to Private 495113 Reginald Keith Harvey, Labour Corps who died on the 6th March 1919. Aged 23, he was the son of Jonathan and Emily Jane Harvey.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2928518/HARVEY,%20REGINALD%20KENNETH

I found an online picture of the Roll of Honour and it looks like Reginald is the fifth name down in the left hand column. Its not easy to make out but looks like he was 8th Norfolks before ending up in the Labour Corps - like so many probably because of wounds or illness incurred in front line service. (Blog entry dated 21st May 2012)

http://godsacre.blogspot.co.uk/2012_05_01_archive.html

On the 1901 census the 5 year old Reginald, born Saxlingham, Norfolk, was recorded at a dwelling "Near Chapel", Paston, Norfolk. This was the household of his parents, Jonathan, (aged 31 and a Milk Purveyor from Ingham, Norfolk) and Emily, (aged 33 and from Edingthorpe). As well as Reginald, they also have children, Victoria, (aged 3) and Margery, (aged under 1) - both born Paston - living with them.

By the time of the 1911 census the family have moved to a dwelling "Near Clay Lane", Edingthorpe. Father Jonathan now describes himself as a Farmer, and Reginald, (15) is employed as a "Farmers Son Working on Farm" - with the many small farms in Norfolk that was an occupation that would be widely recognised. Father Jonathan, (42) and mother Emily, (44), have been married 17 years and have had 6 children, all then still alive. As well as Reginald, still at home are Margery, (11), plus a son Raymond, (aged 12 and born Paston) and two children born at Edingthorpe, Maud, (6) and Alfred (2)

There may be an entry in Kelly's Directory that will give you the name of the farm - depends how many acres as to whether it would be regarded as significant enough, although if the father was still purveying milk he might get a note under the local traders section

From the summary details on the National Archive site for Reginald's Medal Index Card, looks like he was previously 15227, Norfolk Regiment.

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2576723

The death of a 23 year old Reginald K Harvey was recorded in the Blofield District of Norfolk in the January to March quarter of 1919. This is pure speculation, but there was a large War Hospital at Thorpe St Andrew which falls within that District so may have reported sick and been sent there or may have been transferred to be nearer his family.

Hope that helps,

regards,

Peter

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Living in West Yorkshire, I hadn't expected to be contributing to a thread about Norfolk war memorials, but when we had a couple of weeks on a boat touring the beautiful Norfolk Broads in August, I spotted 'war memorial' marked on a local information board map so I had to go and see it. As you do.

Here's is the WW1 and WW2 memorial from the very small village of Thurne. it's on the roadside by St Edmund's church and seems to cover several very small villages/hamlets around there:

post-9980-0-64295600-1441383659_thumb.jp

If anyone would like a full size photograph of it (2.7 Mb), just send me a private message with your email address.

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Hi Andy,

Hope you got you moneys worth, (I know what you Yorkshireman are like :-)

My lastest bit of research is a two for one - the villages of Shelton and Hardwick to the southwest of Long Stratton. The Church of St Mary, Shelton has a War Memorial in the churchyard which has the fallen of Shelton on one face and the fallen of Hardwick on another, plus a joint Roll of Honour inside the church. I understand St Margaret, Hardwick also has a plaque inside the church with both sets of names.

Shelton

Arthur Ladbrooke, 235th Brigade RFA. Killed in Action on the 31st May 1918 in France & Flanders.

George Lighton, details not known but possibly a Munitions Worker killed in a Factory Explosion 1st July 1918.

John Lighton, 1st/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 17th August 1916 on the Somme.

Edward George Nobbs, "C"Company, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 24th November 1916 on the Somme.

Sidney Charles Rackham, 1st/9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 23rd April 1917 in the attacks south of Monchy.

Bertie Edward Stone, HMS Cressy. Lost when his ship was torpedoed 22nd September 1914.

Frederick George Wilby, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Shot by a sniper on the 30th August 1915 while in the front line near Bente Redoubt.

Hardwick

Felix Edward Alexander, 1st/5th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 14th November 1916 in the attack on Hook Sap, Butte of Warlencourt.

Reuben G Betts, 2nd Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Killed in Action on the 21st March 1918 on the opening day of the German Spring Offensive.

Albert Brock, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 15th September 1916 near Ginchy, possibly by Friendly Fire.

Philip James Goldsmith, 1st Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Killed in Action on the 7th October 1916 in a failed attack on Spectrum Trench.

Waldron John Goldsmith, 326th Siege Battery, RGA. Died of Wounds on the 15th June 1917 in France & Flanders.

Frederick George Hanner, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 5th October 1916 in a bombing attack on Schwaben Redoubt.

Robert Howlett, 1st/4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th August 1915 whilst serving in the front line at Gallipoli.

Edward Charles Lighton, 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 23rd April 1918 when the Battalion was involved in an attack north of Riez du Vinage..

Arthur Frederick Sheldrake, 15th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. Killed on the 23rd March 1918 during the fighting retreat in the face of the German Spring Offensive.

20655306734_3ba5a0b5f7_m.jpgRoll of Honour Shelton and Hardwick by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

21095174659_31288ae598_m.jpgShelton and Hardwick War memorial by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

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  • 1 month later...
Guest trypewriter

The neighbouring villages of West and East Runton have a joint War Memorial.

Matthew Robert Abbs, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 11th August 1917

Sydney George Abbs, HMS Natal. Killed in the explosion which destroyed the ship on the 30th December 1915.

Robert William Abbs. Cause of death on the 11th November 1917 not known. HMS Vivid.

Ernest William Baker,8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 2nd July 1916

William Frederick Balls, 9th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 9th October 1917 in the attack on the Poelcappelle Village.

Arthur Bird, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of Wounds on the 25th April 1917 as a result of 2nd Gaza.

Clifford Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Horace Joseph Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Royden Charles Bird, 18th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 5th May 1918.

Frank William Bird, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Francis David Brown, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 9th October 1917 in an attack on the Polderhoek position.

Frederick Walter Brown, “A” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Robert Leonard Cooper, 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 20th July 1918 .

Arthur William Craske, 14th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Died of Wounds on the 23rd October 1917

George Thomas Craske, 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Killed in Action on the 28th February 1917 in an attack on Palz Trench

Charles Robert Creasey, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

George Henry Creasey, (served as George Henry Clarke), 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Shot by a sniper on either 19th, 20, 21st of 22nd April 1918 depending on which source you use.

Horace Creasey, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 28th October 1917.

Thomas James Creasey, “C” Company, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

James William Dennis, Royal Army Service Corps. Cause of death on the 21st February 1919 not known. Buried in France.

Frederick Fisher, 1st/7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. SDGW says killed in action on the 31st October 1918, but possibly died of wounds after being taken prisoner by the Austrians.

Leslie Fisher, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in Action on the 21st October 1916 in the attack on Stuff Trench.

Timothy Gibbons, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th July 1916 in the fighting in Delville Wood.

Arthur William Hancock, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 30th June 1918 in the attack on Bouzincourt Spur.

Archibald Hastings, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Ernest Frank Horne, Hawke battalion, Royal Naval Division. Killed in Action on the 13th November 1916 in the battle at Beaucourt, part of the actions on the Ancre Heights.

George Charles Hurrell, 1st Battalion Northmptonshire Regiment. Killed in Action on the 20th July 1916 in the attempt to capture Munster Alley.

Robert William King – no definative on this man as yet

Frederick Line, 20th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Killed in Action on the 4th September 1918

Alfred Albert Lines, 2nd/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died on the Home Front, 4th October 1917.

Frederick Augustus Lines, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th April 1917 at 2nd Gaza.

Robert Lines, 1st/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. “Died” on the 21st August 1915.

Gordon Love Porritt, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in Action on the 19th May 1917.

Percy William Riches, 10th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died on Home Service, (Pneumonia) on the 6th December 1915.

William Henry Williams, 1st Battalion The Queens, (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in Action on the 31st October 1914 resisting the German attack at Ghevulet.

19326156422_9c8d61c013_m.jpgThey were a wall unto us both by night and day - the Runton's Joint War Memorial by Moominpappa06, on Flickr

Ref: James William Dennis. I have seen a reference elsewhere by Moominpappa06 also in respect of a 4611 private JW Dennis. This person was a relative of mine and I have his Boer war campaign medals which were passed down via my late father. JW Dennis was a member of the Leicestershire regiment and lived in the area of Church Gresley, South Derbyshire, most likely in the village of Overseal. I hope this information helps. As far as I know he did not serve in the great war. The clasps on his Boer war medals are Belfast, Laings Nek, Defence of Ladysmith, Talana.

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Hi Trypewriter and welcome to the forum.

I'm Moominpappa06 on Flickr and the research I did identified a likely candidate who served in the Royal Engineers in the Boer War and only qualified for the clasp of Talana. The James William Dennis referred on the Runton memorial was born and brought up in Runton and while by the time of the 1911 census he had moved to Shirley near Birmingham, there is no indication of a subsequent move to Derbyshire. When the Imperial War Graves Commission were compiling their register in the early 1920's, the address they had for his next of kin was his wife in Norwich.James William Dennis is also remembered on the War Memorial for the Parish that covers the address where his wife was living. It doesn't rule out a Derbyshire connection - we have his whereabouts between 1891 - 1911 potentially not accounted for, and the same post 1911 up to his death in 1919, but seems more likely that your James William Dennis is unrelated. Particularly as you believe he didn't serve in the Great War.

I took a look at the 1911 census and there is a 37 year old James Dennis, born Church Gresley, a Bricklayers Labourer who was the married head of the household at 45 Regent Street, Church Gresley. He lives there with his wife of 2 years, Betsy, aged 31 and from Church Gresley, and the only child they have had so far, Edith Mary, aged 1. It doesn't look like he's on the 1901 census for England and Wales. I could not find a likely birth for this man, but registration of a birth with the civil authorities in England only became compulsory in 1875, just after when this James Dennis was likely to have been born. Prior to that according to some sources it was widely avoided by the poor as it was seen as a way to make vaccinations compulsory, (then still an infant and widely distrusted technology) and also meant the child would end up going to school rather than being a potential additional breadwinner.

The Church Gresley man could be a complete co-incidence, particularly as I can't track down a middle name. While the transcribed Parish Records for St Mary & St George, Church Gresley can be searched online for free at FreeReg, there is no obvious candidate for James except frustratingly one that took place on the 20th November 1883 of a DENNIS, father DENNIS, fathers occupation: Miner - presumably the rest of the entry is illegible so not even the sex of the child is known.

http://freereg2.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5588a861f493fdd64a00adb3?search_id=564317f14325a6b23500099a

The Leicestershire Regiment website does have a James William Dennis who enlisted with them in 1896, but they give his birthplace as Oakthorpe, Leicestershire.

https://www.royalleicestershireregiment.org.uk/entity/84889-dennis-james-william?q=

Most likely with the 1st Battalion, he would have been stationed in South Africa at the outbreak of the Boer War and would very likely have qualified for the Queens South Africa medal with the clasps you have mentioned.

Is there anything in your family folklore that ties your James Dennis to the North Norfolk coast?

regards,

Peter

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Guest trypewriter

Hi Peter, thanks for the information. The Oakthorpe connection is very likely as the village is only 4 miles away from Church Gresley and is even closer to Overseal - they were all small mining and pottery communities typical of the time. The best known local pottery product being TG Green's blue and white striped 'Cornishware'. I think that JW Dennis could have been my father's uncle Jim.

I'm pretty certain that he was born in the area - to my knowledge there are no Norfolk connections.

One intriguing but unrelated (literally) part of your research involved, I believe, Mahala Dorcas. By yet another coincidence there was a Mahala Dennis wife of J Dennis in the burial records

 

I believe Mahala was quite a common name back then, though nowadays it stands out.

Fascinating stuff - the only bit of family folklore involved is of a meeting with Baden Powell during the Boer War and his instructions on how to make jam tin grenades.

Paul

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