Mistley

In Memory Sacred for all time

Of the Mistley Men who fell during the Great War A.D. 1914 to 1919.

‘Faithfull unto Death’ Erected by Public subscription.

Mistley

In Memory

Sacred for all time

Of the Mistley Men who fell during the Great War A.D. 1914 to 1919.

‘Faithfull unto Death’ Erected by Public subscription.

Mistley Memorial

In alphabetical order by Surname

01 Stanley Abbott 31 Thomas Lay Flurrie 02 Wilfred Ainger 32 Walter Liggins 03 Harold Ainger 33 Harry Sidney Lucas 04 Charles Henry Allibone 34 Percy Herbert Manning 05 Harry Allinston 35 Henry John Marchant 06 John Cecil Russell Barrows 36 Sidney Walter Mason 07 Jack Roe Begg 37 David Abraham Moore 08 Henry William Blake 38 H W Mullett 09 George Stanley Bloyce 39 Sidney Charles Notley 10 Bryan Brooke 40 Bertie James Neville (Newell) 11 John Josselyn Brooke 41 Claude Stanley Osbourne 12 W Brooke 42 James Palmer 13 John Henry Brunning 43 Percy Octavius Pooley 14 Frederick Buck 44 Frank Oscar Robinson 15 Bertrand George Carr 45 Arthur Alexander Sage 16 Ernest William Carr 46 Walter Ansell Sargent 17 Bertie George Chaplin 47 Harry H Saunders 18 Clifford M Clary 48 John Graham Scotney 19 James Joshua Crabtree 49 Walter Scurrell 20 Lewis Richard Day 50 William Smith 21 John Spencer Driver 51 William Stanley Souter 22 Morris Gordon Fordham 52 Charles Albert Victor Spooner 23 Elijah Fordham 53 James Edmund Stone 24 John Maxwell Heron 54 J Starling 25 Thurman George Hicks 55 John Tippins 26 George Percy Holmes 56 Frederick Ernest Turner 27 Percy William Kerridge 57 A E Thomas 28 William Laflin 58 Albert Edward Viall 29 Orman Alfred Henry Lankester 59 R G(C) White 30 Reginald Lay Flurrie 60 F Wilson

61 Stanley Joseph Sargent 62 John Thomas Townsend

Notes – Names in green do not appear on the memorial but are service men

who died just after the war, buried at Mistley Church. Names in blue also appear on the Manningtree Memorial.

Names highlighted in yellow have not yet been found.

Mistley Memorial

By Date of Death

26th August 1914 Arthur Alexander Sage 5th September 1914 Frederick Buck 14th September 1914 John Graham Scotney

15th October 1914 Charles Albert Victor Spooner 15th October 1914 Harold Ainger 31st October 1914 George Percy Holmes

4th November 1914 Thomas Flurrie 20th November 1914 Henry William Blake 26th November 1914 John Tippins

16th May 1915 Claude Stanley Osborne 30th May 1915 William Stanley Souter 7th June 1915 Percy Octavius Pooley 9th June 1915 Henry John Marchant

18th June 1915 Lewis Richard Day 18th July 1915 James Joshua Crabtree

6th August 1915 Orman Alfred Henry Lankester 19th October 1915 Bertie James Neville (Newell)

21st April 1916 Walter Ansell Sargent 25th April 1916 Thurman George Hicks 31st May 1916 John Henry Brunning 1st July 1916 Charles Henry Allibone 12th July 1916 Bertrand George Carr 20th July 1916 James Palmer

2nd August 1916 James Edmund Stone 14th October 1916 Frank Oscar Robinson 15th October 1916 Jack Roe Begg 23rd October 1916 Harry Alliston 23rd October 1916 Harry Sidney Lucas

5th February 1917. John Spencer Driver 26th March 1917 Wilfred Ainger 26th March 1917 John Maxwell Heron 26th March 1917 Ernest William Carr 11th April 1917 Bryan Brooke 7th May 1917 William Laflin

23rd June 1917 Percy William Kerridge 18th July 1917 Harry Saunders 30th July 1917 Albert Edward Viall

21st September 1917 Sidney Walter Mason 4th October 1917 John Josselyn Brooke

20th November 1917 Frederick Ernest Turner 21st November 1917 Elijah Fordham

21st March 1918 Reginald Flurrie Lay 22nd March 1918 David Abraham Moore 22nd March 1918 Sidney Charles Notley 22nd March 1918 Clifford M Clary

3rd April 1918 George Stanley Bloyce 10th April 1918 Stanley Abbot 31st July 1918 Walter Scurrell

8th September 1918 Morris Gordon Fordham 27th September 1918 Percy Herbert Manning 30th September 1918 Bertie George Chaplin

23rd October 1918 William Smith 27th October 1918 Walter Liggins

18th November 1918 John Cecil Russell Barrows

N.K. A E Thomas N.K. R C White

12th April 1920 F Wilson 9th August 1920 John Thomas Townsend

The Mistley War Memorial is located on a triangular grass island at the key junction between New Road, Mistley High Street and The Walls, opposite the

site of the old Church, now known as Mistley Towers.

It has a formal Cross on a large stone plinth where 60 names are listed in twin Columns, two being later additions. A further two men who served and died

later in 1920 have also been covered here. Six of the men were from the Hamle of Horsley Cross. Eleven names were later added from the Second

World War. The Memorial was formally dedicated on the 16th January 1921, funded by public subscription. The local firm EDME’s (English Diastatic Malt Extract Company Ltd) contributed £100 to the memorial funds.

A roll of Honour with seven names was unveiled on the 9th April 1920 at the Mistley Primitive Methodist Church.

Memorials were also erected in Lawford on the 7th November 1920 and

Manningtree, with some names appearing on more than one.

Built as a permanent commemoration, it has stood the test of time and still stands proud 100 years on. The aim was to remember both the ‘War’ and the men that died, a plan that has clearly worked. But whilst these names have

not been lost their stories have been and the aim of this research was to capture and record this part of our local history.

The population of Mistley just before the war twice the size of Lawford at 1,800 people with 870 males of all ages. Sixty two local men died as a result of the war, nearly seven percent of the whole male population. Thirteen were

married and left between them at least 18 children to be looked after with some financial help for their Widows, in the form of a government pension. Some of the men had their own money which was later passed over to their

widows through the court of probate.

For Ever England. Whilst it has become usual during the recent Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, for fallen personnel to be brought home for burial, during the First World War this was only rarely done. Over a period the

Commonwealth War Graves Commission was set up to record and care for locally constructed cemeteries, both in France and other theatres of war. By

1918 it had identified 587,000 graves with a further 559,000 casualties having no know grave – including many of the Town’s men. This left families with no local grave to focus their emotions around, receiving just a letter and perhaps after the war having some small effects returned to them. Whilst most of the local men fell and were buried in France, five are buried in the Middle East

and others lost at sea are remembered on Naval Memorials positioned around the country.

‘IF I should die, think only this of me; That there's some corner of a foreign

field That is for ever England’ (Rupert Brooke. 1887–1915).

Men and Boys. The average age of the men when they died was 26 years. The oldest was 52 (James Joshua Crabtree), the youngest only 16 years

(Harold Ainger and Charles Albert Victor Spooner). By that age some would have been in work for a couple of years, but many had no experience of life or

marriage before they volunteered or later were conscripted. The loss of life build up gradually, with nine killed in the first four months of the war in 1914, nine in 1915, eleven in 1916, thirteen in both 1917 and the last calendar year

as the conflict reached its climax in 1918. Most were from humble, working class backgrounds, representing a mix of old

and new trades. Six were farm Labourers; one fisherman and two Coalers. There were other more unusual trades; two were cycle makers, one an

assistant chemist, two worked with static engines, a Dog dealer, a Motor Car Driver (presumably a chauffer) and a Golf Caddie. Three had already started

careers in the Army. Free, Rodwell and Co were one of the main Mistley Maltings, with seven of

the men working as Maltsters/ Labourers and one as a driver.

One of the best known of the men was a rifle maker, John Tippins, son of Luke Tippins who was both a Mistley teacher and fine rifle maker. John was a keen marksman, winning a number of national awards and prizes. A machine gunner with the 5th Essex battalion he was killed in Belgium in the first months

of the war. He has his own brass memorial inside St Mary and St Michael Church in New Road.

Sergeant John Tippins of Mistley Norman School House.

Local Regiments. Over 21 of the men who died had joined the Essex regiment, some were transferred out and redeployed to cover the large losses. Five joined the

Suffolk regiment, four joined the Royal Navy and two the merchant fleet. The most popular was the 1st Essex Battalion (7), followed by the 5th Battalion. The 2/8 Essex battalion were actually stationed for a while at Mistley Park before departing for the Somme in 1916, though none of the Mistley men who fell

were it seems in that particular unit. Half served and died as Privates, with 4 Lance Corporals, 4 Corporals, two

Sergeants, one Major plus a range of other ranks including Sappers, Pioneers and one Trumpeter.

World War.

Whilst the bulk of the fighting took place in France and Belgium, the conflict spread out beyond Europe. Of the sixty killed, forty died on the western front, two at Gallipoli and five in the campaign launched from Egypt into Palestine,

through to Lebanon. Nearly half have no known grave.

Corporal Orman Lankester and young William Souter were both with the 1st Battalion of the Essex regiment and sailed from Avonmouth, passing through

the Mediterranean, before stopping over in Egypt. They then joined forces landed in Gallipoli, with the aim controlling the Dardanelle Straits and both

died fighting Turks of the Ottoman Empire in 1915.

A number of men joined the Essex 5th Battalion and sailed out to join the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. After crossing the Suez Canal they took part in

the first battle of Gaza, some survived and continued through with General Allenby’s campaign into Palestine. John Barrows was born into a service

family in India and on a posting to Woolwich met and in 1909 married local Mistley lass, Queenie, from the well know Horlock family. They returned to the Punjab and started a family before John was sent into action, which took him through Damascus, fighting alongside Arab forces working with Major T. E.

Lawrence. After its capture, Commonwealth forces pursued the Turkish army into Beirut where John later died on the 18th November 1918, just after the

Ottoman Armistice was signed on the 30th October. His widow returned to live with her two young daughters in ‘The Anchorage’ on Mistley Green.

The War at Sea.

Four of the Mistley men went to serve in the Royal Navy and two in the equally important Merchant fleet. Five of these were lost in and around the North Sea. Fredrick Buck had served in the Royal Navy as a boy so was called up early on from his family home in Stour Villas. His ship the HMS

Pathfinder was sunk by a U boat ‘torpedo’ twenty miles off St Abbs Head in Scotland on the 5th September 1914 just weeks after war had been declared. The light cruiser sunk within minutes taking down 260 men with her. It was the

first time a ship had ever been sunk in this way and the authorities tried to cover up this alarming development by saying it was sunk by a mine.

A few months later torpedo attacks were becoming even more daring and the merchant tanker SS Batoum was hit only a couple of miles off Southwold by

UB -17, whilst on route from the Humber to Harwich. The ship was beached by the crew and later refloated. James Crabtree from Cliff House in Harwich road Mistley was though one of 6 crew who drowned; two of the others came from Harwich. The unlucky ship was torpedoed again on the 19th June 1917,

this time by UB-61 whilst on its way to Ireland. It was sunk six miles of the Fastnet Rock, fortunately an American destroyer the USS Jarvis, was on hand

to rescue all but one of the crew. Percy Kerridge the other Mistley merchant seaman was much further from

home, 50 miles from Bombay in the Indian Ocean when the P&O passenger vessel ‘SS Mongolia’ he was crewing hit a mine laid by the German surface

raider SMS Wolf.

SS Mongolia’

The darkest days.

Harry Lucas (who worked as Engine Driver) and Harry Allison (Motor Car Driver) both in the 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment died together on the 23rd October 1916, William Orman from Manningtree in the same battalion had died two days earlier in the latter stages of the battle of the Somme.

March 1917 and more news came back from the 5th Essex Battalion fighting far away in Palestine as part of Egyptian Expeditionary Force. On 26th March

1917 the opening day of the first battle of Gaza, Wilfred Ainger (21 years), Major John Heron and Lance Corporal Ernest Carr, a young farm worker were

all killed. Harry Dawson, a Manningtree factory worker was also killed that same day. Two more Manningtree men died before the town was finally taken later in the year. The distressing letters sent to the bereaved families would at one time have been delivered by the local postman, had Walter Liggins from

Park House not enlisted. His wife Alice received a similar delivery after he died serving in Italy; she was later awarded a war pension for her and their

five children. Another bleak day was 22nd March 1918 with the death of three Mistley men,

two were labourers working in the local Maltings, Clifford Clary & David Moore

(from York Terrace) and Sidney Notley whose mother was living in the White House on Mistley Green.

Brothers.

Another well known family is the Lay-Flurrie’s (or Flurrie Lay). They first lived in Mill Lane, then Aberdeen Villas at the top of Mistley. Thomas, worked at

one time as a mate on the ship ‘Echo’, later as a porter on the railway. He was the oldest of two brothers killed. Being in the reserves and perhaps having

already served in the army, he was one of the first to be called up and sent to France on the 16th August 1914 as part of the expeditionary force fighting that fought at Mons later that same month, before he was killed by a shell at Ypres

in November. Later, when his younger brother Thomas reached 18 years of age, he signed up and was killed on the first day of the 1918 German spring offensive at Arras on the 21st March. Other members of the extended family also fought and died, their memories kept alive by descendants who still live

locally.

Harold Ainger was still only 15 years old when he joined the Royal Navy, not far away at HMS Ganges, Shotley in September 1913. He transferred to the

British Cruiser HMS Hawke, at Chatham in August 1914, just as the war started. Whilst in the north sea off the east coast of Scotland, at about 11.00 am on the 15th October 1914, HMS Hawke was hit by a U boat torpedo and

sunk within minutes. Nearly 500 of the 600 crew were lost or died later, some having been many hours in the water before being picked up. Another local

boy Charles Spooner, again only 16 years old, from South Street Manningtree, went down with the ship as well.

Harold’s Brother Wilfred Ainger was one of those who went to Palestine with the Essex 5th Battalion, died in March 1917 aged 21 years and is buried at

Gaza.

Bertrand and Ernest Carr were both farm workers from Horsley Cross, Bertrand was the eldest and died of his Wounds on the 12th July 1916, aged 28, whilst serving with the Essex 1st Battalion. As already mentioned Ernest (who enlisted at Manningtree) was killed in action at Gaza. The brothers are commemorated on a plaque inside St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, placed

there after the church in Horsley Cross was closed (see below Ainger).

All these men are also commemorated within St Mary and St Michael Church, Mistley on a brass plaque upon the wall, to the rear of the church. This memorial is flanked by the old Manningtree and Mistley British Legion

Standard and Union Flag and is almost directly opposite the entrance door.

Acknowledgments. Work on the Mistley memorial was a joint effort by Andy Baker of the Manningtree and District Royal British Legion and Philip

Cunningham - Manningtree Museum & Local History Group (Charity 297543). Thanks also to all the relatives and others who provided information and

photographs, particularly Mark Ashmore. Any further comments and contributions are welcome. 18th June 2014.

enquiries@manningtree-museum.org.uk

1.Abbott S

Stanley Abbot

Killed in action 10th April 1918

Aged 25 Born 1893

Mistley West Flanders

(West-Vlaanderen),

Belgium

Enlisted Colchester

Wiltshire Regiment

6th Battalion (formerly 61265

Royal Army Ordinance Corps)& (39079 Hampshire Regiment)

Lance Corporal

17925

1901: Stanley (aged 8) was living with his father Bartholomew ( Malsters Labourer), brother George (aged 17) and sisters Mabel (aged 13), Elsie

(aged 10), Edith (aged 6) and Charlotte (aged 4) in Alma Square, Mistley.

His mother Hannah is not shown on this Census and it appears that she died the previous year, 1900, registered in Tendring.

1911: Stanley (now aged 18) was living with his father Bartholomew (Malsters Labourer) and his brother Arthur (aged 25 in Alma Square, Mistley. He is shown as working for British Xylonite Company as a

Labourer, as was his brother.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Stanley has no known grave and is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial.

Stanley is also commemorated on Manningtree War Memorial.

2.Ainger W

Wilfred Ainger

Killed in action 26th March 1917.

Aged 21 Born 1896

Horsley Cross

Palestine

Enlisted Chelmsford

Essex Regiment

5th Battalion

Private 250327

1901: Wilfred (aged 5) was living with his father Charles (a Horseman on a Farm), mother Annie, and brothers Harold (aged 3) and Herbert (aged 1) in

Horsley Cross 1911: Wilfred (now aged 15) was living with his father Charles (a Horseman

on a Farm), mother Annie, brothers Harold (aged 13), Herbert (aged 11), Edwin (aged 9), Claude (aged 7), Alfred (aged 5), Frederick (aged 1) and

sister Doris (aged 3) in Horsley Cross, and is shown as Helping in Garden. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British

War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre 9th August 1915. He is buried in Gaza War Cemetery, l X. C. 16.

His brother, Harold, was also killed. He, and his brother Harold, are both commemorated on plaques inside St

Lawrence Church, Bradfield, where the plaques were placed after the church in Horsley Cross was closed.

3. Ainger H.

Harold Ainger

Killed in action 15th October

1914 Aged 16

Born 16th Nov. 1897, Horsley

Cross

North Sea

Entered HMS Ganges 15th September

1913

Royal Navy HMS Hawke

Boy 1st Class

76363

Born on the 17th November 1897, by

the turn of the century Harold was about 3 years of age living with his family in Horsley Cross, a very rural

part of Mistley. His father Charles was a Horseman on a local Farm, his mother Annie caring for the family which included his older brother

Wilfred and younger brother Herbert. Harold had some education at St

John’s the small local school. By 1911 the family had expanded with further

siblings Edwin (aged 9), Claude (aged 7), Alfred (aged 5), Frederick (aged 1) and sister Doris (aged 3). Harold by then was working on one of the local

farms, though not for long. At just fifteen years of age he signed up with

the Royal Navy and entered HMS Ganges, Shotley, on 15th September

1913 to train as a ‘Boy’ sailor, No. 76363. A big change from life in the

country, but with a growing number of mouths to feed, perhaps one of the few options available to him and his

family.

The Royal Navy, had a long tradition of having ‘boys’ serve from the age of 15, their ranks starting as a ‘Boy 3rd Class’, progressing to Boy 1st Class after 16 to 18 months, once they had demonstrated sufficient proficiency in

seamanship and accumulated one good conduct badge. Extra pay was given on promotion.

By April 1914 Harold had moved up to a ‘Boy 1st Class’ and along with Charles Spooner from Manningtree was transferred to HMS Hawke at

Chatham in August 1914 just as the war started, along with many new crew members.

HMS Hawke displaced 7,350 tons, the cruiser steamed at 20 knots when

new, and was armed with two 9.2in. and ten 6in. Launched in 1891 at Chatham, she was completed two years later at a cost of £400,702. Built with protective decks and, like the Titanic, the hull for added safety was

divided into 192 compartments, with 98 watertight doors. By 1914 she was primarily used for training and many of the crew were cadets. She became part of the 10th Cruiser Squadron, attached to the

Third Fleet, operating on blockade duties between the Shetland Islands and Norway. Under the command of Captain Hugh Williams, on the 15th October

1914 she was in the North Sea off the east coast of Scotland, meeting up with HMS Endymion to transfer mail.

At about 11.00 am she was hit by a torpedo fired by SM-U9 and sunk within only a few minutes. The torpedo appears to have hit one of the ships

magazines, causing a large explosion giving little chance for the crew to escape. Nearly 500 of the 600 crew were lost or died later, some having

been many hours in the water before being found. Three officers, together with 49 men of the crew, were picked up by a Norwegian steamer and

landed the next day at Aberdeen by a local trawler. As was the order of the day, other Naval ships waited until it was clear the submarine had left the area before trying to pick up survivors. An account of the sinking was later

given by crewmen from the submarine. See below for Charles Spooner and a photo of HMS Hawke.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1914 Star, British

War Medal and Victory Medal. Harold has no known grave and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval

Memorial in Kent. His is also recorded in De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour. His brother, Wilfred, also dies in the war (see above)

He, and his brother Wilfred, are both commemorated on plaques inside St

Lawrence Church, Bradfield, where the plaques were placed after the church in Horsley Cross was closed.

Thanks to Mrs P Sullivan for providing photos and information on the family.

4.Allibone C H.

Charles Henry Allibone

Killed in action 1st July 1916

Aged 19 Born 1897

Mistley

Somme France

Enlisted

Shepherd’s Bush,

Middlesex

Essex Regiment

2nd Battalion.

Private 10904

1901: Charles (aged 4) was living with his father Thomas (a Malsters

Labourer), mother Annie, and brothers Willie (aged 8) and George (aged 2) in Harwich Road, Mistley.

Charles’ father died in April 1910.

1911: Charles (aged 14) was living with his mother, Annie, a widow, and his brothers Willie (aged 18) and George (aged 12) in Harwich Road, Mistley,

and was employed as an Errand boy.

Charles was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial- Pier & Face

10 D His mother, Annie, had remarried (now called Lungley) in 1914 and was

living at Old Mill House, Mistley.

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre 27th July 1915.

His younger brother George, also served, having enlisted in 1916 in the

Machine Gun Corps and was discharged in 1921.

5. Alliston H.

Harry Alliston

Killed in action 23rd October

1916 Aged 33

Born 1883 Manningtree

France

Enlisted

Colchester

Essex Regiment

2nd Battalion

Private 40266

1891: Harry (aged 8) was living with his father Maurice (working in a Saw Mill), mother Mary, brother John (aged13) and sisters Kate (aged 5) and

Elizabeth (aged 2) in Brook Street, Manningtree.

1911: Harry (aged 27) was living with his father Maurice (a Quay labourer), mother Mary and younger sisters Polly (aged 13), and Elizabeth (age 22),

along with her husband and two children at The Quay, Mistley. Harry’s occupation is shown as Motor Car Driver (domestic).

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Harry has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial

Pier and Face 10 D.

At the time of his death his parents were living at Stour House, Mistley.

6. Barrows J C

R

John Cecil Russell Barrows

Died 18th November

1918 Aged 35

Born 30th January 1883 Madras, India

Lebanon

Enlisted

Indian Ordnance Department

Sub Conductor

3800

1901 : Having been born in India in 1882 as part of a Service family, at 18 years John is serving as a private in Woolwich Engineering Barracks.

His wife, Queenie was daughter of Robert and Mary Horlock and was born in Mistley in 1882. Robert was a master Mariner, the family in 1901 living in

The Anchorage. The Couple married in Mistley 1909 and had a daughter Dorothy born in

1911 in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. In the same year John (aged 28) is shown as being Squadron Sergeant Major Jno Fencing, with the Tenth

Hussars in India living in barracks. The couple had a second daughter Joan in 1912 also born in the Punjab.

John was a career soldier and his Medal Index Card shows him as being

with the Indian Ordnance Corps as a Warrant Officer Class 1, number L4440 and his disembarkation date being 13th October 1914.

This also shows him being awarded the 1914 Star (by the Government of India) and the British War Medal was also claimed.

His entry on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website shows

him having also been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and a Mention in Despatches.

John is buried in Beirut War Cemetery 155, Beirut having been taken in

early October 1918 just after the fall of Damascus.

On 22nd May 1919 the Probate on his will was granted at Ipswich to Queenie Barrows widow, his effects being £302 15 shillings and 8d (pence).

It also shows him as being of ‘The Anchorage, Mistley’. Queenie died in Mistley in 1950.

7. Begg J R

Jack Roe Begg

Killed in action 15th October

1916 Aged 22

Born 1894 Ipswich

France

Enlisted

Colchester

Essex Regiment

11th Battalion

Serjeant 13919

1901: Jack (aged 6) was living with his father William, mother Alice and

sister Laura (aged 7) at 30 Bridge Street, Ipswich.

1911: Jack (aged 16) was living with his stepfather George Norman (an Engine Fitter),his mother Alice, Sisters Laura (aged 17), Lilian (aged 9) and

stepbrother Charles (aged 7) at 164 Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich. He is shown employed as a Butchers Boy.

In the latter part of 1912 Jack married May Barber, and it would appear that

they lived in Brook Street, Manningtree.

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre 30th August 1915.

Jack has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 10 D.

Further information provided by Mark Ashmore:-

‘Jack Begg was employed at the Xylonite factory, prior to joining up on 7 September 1914. He went over to France with the 11th Battalion, the Essex Regiment and disembarked at Boulogne on 30 August 1915. Jack appears to have been killed during an attack against Mild Trench, north east of the village of Gueudecourt, which took place during the latter stages of what is

commonly referred to as the Battle of the Somme.’

8. Blake H W

Henry William Blake

Killed in action 20th Nov 1914

Aged 30 Born 1884 Cheriton,

Hampshire

Belgium

Enlisted

Winchester

Hampshire Regiment,

1st Battalion

Private 6583

Henry William Blake was originally from Cheriton, near Alresford in

Hampshire. By 1891, aged 6, he was living with his father Henry William Blake who worked as a Coachman, his mother Jemima June Blake, and sisters Florence (aged 5) and May (aged 3), in 5 Churchyard Cottages,

Alresford. By the time he was 16 years old he had left home and was living and

working as a dairyman’s assistant at ‘The Dairy House’ farm in Droxford, Hampshire.

By 1911 Henry was living and working at 49 Grosvenor Square, London as a Footman in the household of Edward Anthony Strauss, the Liberal

Member of parliament for West Southwark.

His next move seems to have been to join the army going back to his roots, signing on

in Winchester with the Hampshire Regiment, 1st Battalion as private 6583, a year or so before the war. Originally based

in Aldershot the regiment was moved to Colchester as part of a force to defend the east coast from invasion. This may be how he met Maud Frances Lucas who, though

born in Romford in 1889, was from the well known Lucas family.

Her father George Henry Lucas was born in Mistley, her mother Frances, coming from Haynford in Norfolk. The couple lived for a

while in Romford where Maud and her younger brother Harry were born. They

moved back to the area where sister Nora was born.

George Lucas worked as a painter at one of the Mistley maltings and when 16 yrs Harry also took a job at the Maltings as an assistant engine driver.

Henry and Maud married locally in early 1912.

After being relieved of their coastal defensive duties, by the 22nd of August

the Hampshire 1st Battalion were landing in Le Havre and fought at Le Cateau as part of the retreat from Mons. They were then part of the battle of the Marne and Aisne and the battle of Armentieres from 13th of October to

the 2nd of November. By this stage trench warfare had been established and different techniques developed for defence on the line that locally ran from

Armentiers just to the south, to Ypres in the north.

After three days out of the line, the last two weeks of November saw the Battalion back just inside the Belgium border, directly in front of Le Gheer crossroads, with Ploegsteert (known as Plug Street) wood behind them.

Heavy rain reduced the trenches and dug-outs to a dreadful state, with most time and energy concentrated on rebuilding collapsed areas and

strengthening the system, which was deep in viscous mud and full of water. Fighting was intermittent with the greatest danger being sniping on both

sides, which killed 13 men and injured 39 others from the regiment. Henry was killed in action on either the 19th or 20th November 1914 and is buried

closed by in the Lancashire Cottage Cemetery (I. A. 10), one of many in the area. His battalion was one of those who later took part in the Christmas

truce.

At the time of his death Maud Frances Blake was living at Rose Cottages, California Road, Mistley. Her younger brother Harry Lucas was killed in the war a couple years later (see below). She lived to 83 years and died in 1972

in the Braintree area.

Son of Henry & J Blake of Alresford Hampshire.

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the 1914 Star and Clasp, British War Medal and Victory Medal, entered Theatre 24th August 1914.

Image kindly supplied by Glennice Jones

9. Bloyce G S

George Stanley Bloyce

Killed in action 3rd April 1918

Aged 22 Born 1896 Lawford,

Essex

Somme France

Enlisted

Manningtree

Royal Berkshire Regiment

2/4th Battalion (previously 6615 Essex Regiment)

Private 202531

1911: George (aged 15) was living with his father George (Malsters

Labourer), mother Emma, brothers Fred (aged 14), Percy (aged 7), Arthur (aged 5), William (aged 2) and sister Grace (aged 11) at The Quay, Mistley.

He was employed as a warehouseman.

His Medal Index Card shows he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

George is buried at Fouquescourt British Cemetery France III. B. 3.

10. Brooke B.

Bryan Brooke

Killed in action 11th April 1917

Aged 19 Born 1898

Mistley

Arras

Pas de Calais

Enlisted Colchester

Northamptonshire Regiment.

7th Battalion

Private 28299

1911: Bryan (aged 14) was living with his father Alfred (Malsters Labourer), mother Mary, stepbrother Graham Scotney (aged 17), and sister May

(aged 9), at Albert Villas, Mistley (opposite the Anchor Pub). He is shown as being employed as an Errand Boy (oilman).

His Medal Index Card (Bryan Brook) shows he was awarded the British War

Medal and Victory Medal.

At the time of his death his parents were living at Lower Road, Mistley.

Bryan has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 7.

Son of Alfred William and Mary Ann Brooke, of Lower Rd., Mistley, Essex.

His step-brother Graham Scotney was also killed (see below).

11. Brooke J J

John Josselyn Brooke

Died 4th October 1917

Aged 23 Born 1894

Mistley

Flanders

Suffolk Regiment 2nd/6th Battalion

Lieutenant

1901: John (aged 6) was living with his father John (Auctioneer), mother

Alice and sister Joan (aged 4) at West Hall, New Road, Mistley, along with three domestic staff.

1911: John’s mother Alice (now a widow) is shown living with her daughter Joan (aged 14) and her sister at 29 Westerfield, Ipswich. Both shown living

off private means. John (aged 16) is shown as an inmate at Elstow School, Kempton,

Bedfordshire. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal. At the time of his death his mother was living at 7 Bolton Lane, Ipswich,

John has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 150 to 152.

On 12th April 1918 the Probate on his will was granted at Ipswich to Alice Julia Brooke widow (his mother), his effects being £195 and 11d (pence).

Recorded as a Lieutenant with 3rd/4th Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment.

12. Brooke W

W Brooke

Not yet identified

Name also listed on Manningtree War Memorial.

If you have any information on this name please contact Manningtree

Museum.

13. Brunning J

H.

John Henry Brunning

Killed in Action 31st May 1916

Aged 27

Born 22nd July 1888

Colchester

Battle of Jutland

Royal Navy

HMS ‘Queen Mary’

Electrical Artificer

4th Class M/8858

1901: John (aged 12) was living with his father Henry (an Engine Fitter),

mother Elizabeth, Sisters Minnie (aged 19), Lily (aged 17) Alice (aged 10) and brother Lewis (aged 15) at High Street, Mistley aged 12. (On this

Census he is shown as being born in Mistley).

1911: John (now aged 22) is shown as living, as a boarder, at 22 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft, with his occupation being an Engine Fitter (shipbuilding

worker). ‘This is the information I have for John Henry Brunning. His father Henry was sent to Mistley as an engineer in 1887 by Mumfords engineering firm in Colchester. He was asked to maintain the pumping engines at the newly established Tendring Hundred

Waterworks Company. John was born in Mistley in 1889

and the family lived in Waterworks House on Mistley

Hill (now offices). As well as his father being an engineer, his

uncle James was a steam engineer at Mumfords. John's

older brothers Charles and Arthur were also engineers for Lever brothers in Liverpool, the latter being a steam engineer fitter on the 1901 census (in Kent), before becoming an

engineer turner.

His brother George was an

iron moulder- pumping machine making. As boys

they had to help their father de-clinker the boilers at the pumping station which was on Mistley Hill. That meant

climbing inside the fire box to remove the clinker with a hammer and chisel. With such an upbringing it is a small wonder that they all

wanted to become engineers.’ Information & photos supplied by Liz Herrett (2014)

He was killed during the Battle of Jutland when the ship he was serving on was hit by two 12 inch shells from the German battle cruiser SS Derflinger, during the early part of the engagement, her magazines exploded shortly

afterwards. A total of 1,266 officer and men were lost.

John has no known grave and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial 20.

On 27th October 1916 the Probate on his will was granted at Ipswich to Henry Brunning engineer, his effects being £322 11 shillings & 5d (pence).

14.Buck F

Frederick F Buck

Died 5th Sept 1914

Aged 30 Born 2nd Sept 1884 in Stock

North Sea

Royal Navy

HMS ‘Pathfinder’

Petty Officer 210184

Born in 1884 and whilst brought up in the Chelmsford area, by 1911 the

Buck family had moved to Stour Villa, Harwich Road, Mistley. This included Fredrick’s father a retired Police Inspector and former Royal Mariner, mother Charlotte, sisters Charlotte (a dressmaker) and Ellen 15 yrs.

Stour Villa, Harwich Road

Fredrick first joined the Royal Navy as a ‘Boy’ 2nd Class in about 1900, just 16 years of age. Like hundreds of others he received his training at HMS

Ganges in Shotley, just down the Stour. After his time with the Navy he went to work as a ‘Steel Grinder’ in

Chelmsford, living as a single man in digs. This was probably Hoffmann Manufacturing, the first ball bearing factory in the country which was rapidly

expanding on the site now occupied by Anglia Ruskin University.

By the outbreak of war Fredrick was 30 years of age and as a reservist quickly called up from Harwich Road. In a few short weeks as Petty Officer

210184 he set sail aboard the HMS Pathfinder. She was lead ship in a class of scout cruisers, built in 1904 at Birkenhead, then re-armed with nine 4

inch guns in 1911. Based in Rosyth on the Firth of Forth she was spotted on the sunny

afternoon of the 5th September 1914 by submarine U-21, returning to port. Hit by torpedo under the bridge, the ships magazine exploded and she went down by the bow only a few minutes later, taking Frederick Buck and most of the crew, nearly 270 in all, with her. Only twenty miles off St Abbs Head

in Scotland, the explosion was seen from shore. The lifeboat and local fisherman were soon on the spot but found very few survivors as many were killed in the blast or caught below decks. Some died later and one

unknown sailor was buried at Dunbar, in sight of the sinking. It was a dramatic event and the first time a ship had ever been sunk by a

self propelled torpedo, fired from a submarine, which was clearly operating close to the British shore. At first the authorities tried to cover up this

alarming development by saying the ship was struck by a mine. The Navy had quickly to come to terms with the fact that large capital ships were now vulnerable to attack by submarines able to range at will around the North Sea. Three more were sunk on the 22nd September off the Dutch Coast. Frederick has no known grave and is commemorated on the Chatham

Naval Memorial. He was awarded the 1914 British Star.

HMS Pathfinder in her watery grave gets the occasional visits from scuba

divers surveying the wreck.

15. Carr B G

Bertrand George Carr

Died of Wounds 12th July 1916

Aged 28

Born 1889 Henley, Suffolk

France

Enlisted Colchester

Essex Regiment

1st Battalion

Private 19383

1891: Bertrand (aged 2) was living with his father Joseph (Agricultural Labourer), mother Harriett, and brother Archibald (aged 4) at Damerons

Farm, Henley, Suffolk.

1901: Bertrand (aged 12) was living with his father Joseph (a Horseman on Farm), mother Harriett, brothers Archibald (aged 14), Ernest (aged 7), Cyril

(aged 5) and sister Ivy (aged 9) at Cross Road, Mistley.

1911: Bertrand (Bertie) is shown as living with his father Joseph (Farm worker), mother Harriett and brothers Ernest (aged 17) and Cyril (aged 15) at Ivy Villas, Horsley Cross Road. Bertrand is shown as working as a Farm

Worker.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre 4th November 1915.

Bertrand died of wounds and is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery VIII.

D. 106.

His brother Ernest also fell.

He, and his brother Ernest, are both commemorated on plaques inside St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, where the plaques were placed after the

church in Horsley Cross was closed.(The spelling of his first name is shown as Bertram)

16. Carr E W

Ernest William Carr

Killed in action 26th March 1917

Aged 23

Born 1894 Horsley Cross

Gaza

Palestine

Enlisted

Manningtree

Essex Regiment

5th Battalion

Lance Corporal

250197

1901: Ernest (aged 7) was living with his father Joseph (a Horseman on

Farm), mother Harriett, brothers Archibald (aged 14), Bertrand (aged 12), Cyril (aged 5) and sister Ivy (aged 9) at Cross Road, Mistley.

1911: Ernest (aged 17) is shown as living with his father Joseph (Farm

worker), mother Harriett and brothers Bertrand (aged 22) and Cyril (aged 15) at Ivy Villas, Horsley Cross Road. Ernest is shown as working as a

Farm Worker.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre (Balkans) 9th August 1915.

Ernest was killed in action in Gaza and has no known grave.

He is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel Panels 33 to 39.

His brother Bertrand also fell.

He, and his brother Bertrand, are both commemorated on plaques inside St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, where the plaques were placed after the

church in Horsley Cross was closed.

17. Chaplin B

Bertie George Chaplin

Died of wounds 30th September

1918 Aged 19

Born 1898 Mistley

France Pas de

Calais

Enlisted

Manningtree

Yorkshire Regiment.

2nd Battalion (Formerly 250301, Essex Regiment)

Private 235639

1901: Bertie (aged 3) was living with his father Abraham (Brewers

Labourer), mother Agnes and sister Edith (aged 5) in Oxford Road, Mistley.

1911: Bertie (aged 13) was living with his father Abraham (Bricklayer/Labourer), mother Agnes and sisters Edith (aged 15) and

Marjorie (aged 1) at Oxford Road, Mistley. Being 13 years of age Bertie was still at school.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal.

Bertie died of wounds and is buried in Bucquoy Road Cemetery IV. B. 42.

Bertie is also commemorated on Manningtree War Memorial.

18. Clary C

Clifford Maurice Clary

Killed in action 22nd March 1918

Aged 19 Born 1898

Manningtree

France Somme

Enlisted Ipswich

Cambridgeshire Regiment

1st Battalion (Formerly 3166 Suffolk Regiment)

Private 200864

Clifford was born on the 27th December 1898 whilst his family were living in Manningtree. His father Fredrick Adam came originally from Weeley and his

mother, Mary Ann Smith, from Thorpe-le-Soken. Not long after, his father joined the army and in 1899 was posted to South Africa to fight in the Boer war with the 1st Essex Regiment, where he was

shot and wounded in the right shin on the 11th of February 1900. Fred was sent home to recover, discharged in May 1900, but was still a patient in Colchester military hospital the following March (1901). Having finally

recovered the family moved to Bradfield where Daisy Helen was born in the September and Violet Eliza in March 1903. After moving to Mistley, Edward

Newton was born in 1910. By 1911 the family are living in Beckford Road, Mistley with Fred working

locally as a Malsters Labourer. Clifford at 12 years old was going to school.

At the outbreak of war Fred was called up but eventually declared not fit for full service, placed on the reserve list and later awarded a pension.

The family story is that Clifford enlisted whilst under age (he would only

have been 16 years at the out break of the war) and managed to get as far as the front before being sent home. He returned to the front line as soon as

he was of age. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal and is

buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery VIII. C. 13.

Despite his injury his father Frederick lived locally till he was 83 years or age.

Mary Ann died in October 1918. She contracted 'flu and my grandmother (Daisy Helen Clary) said she was so heartbroken with the loss of Clifford

she didn't have the will to fight the illness.

Family information provided by L.Garrad.

19. Crabtree J

J

James Joshua Crabtree

Killed in action 18th July 1915

Aged 52

Born 1863 Jarrow, Durham

At Sea - 2.5 miles SE of Southwold Lighthouse,

Suffolk

Mercantile Marine

SS ‘Batoum’ (Swansea)

Fireman

1911: James (aged 46) is shown as living with his wife Alice (Nee Rush), and sons William (aged 16) and Gladstone (aged 12), at Cliffe House,

Harwich Road, Mistley and his occupation being Stationary Engineman.

On 18th July 1915 he was drowned as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine (U17) on the ship he was serving on, SS ‘Batoum’ a tanker. The

ship itself was beached on the Outer Shoal and was refloated sometime before the 24th July. 6 men lost their lives in this attack.

James has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tower Hill

Memorial

Son of the late George Crabtree; husband of Alice Emily Crabtree (nee Rush), of Cliffe House, St. James Terrace, Mistley, Essex. Born at Jarrow

20. Day L

Lewis Richard Day

Killed in action 18th June 1915

Aged 22 Born 1893

Manningtree

Egypt

Enlisted

Manningtree

Essex Regiment

1st Battalion

Private 9592

1901: Lewis (aged 8) was living with his father Richard (Ships Steward),

brother Lionel (aged 9), and sister Florence (aged 13) together with his aunt Mary Anne Robinson (shown as sister in law to his father) at 47 Sheffield

Road, Portsmouth.

1911: Lewis is shown as living at Warley Barracks, aged 18 and a Private in the Essex Regiment.

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the 1915 Star, British War

Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre (Balkans) 25th April 1915.

A note on the MIC shows R Day Esq (presumably his father) applied for 1914 Star due to his late son Pte L R Day, dated 18th October 1919.

It would appear his father at this time was living at 2 Lime Villas, Pole Hill, Hillingdon Heath, Uxbridge.

Lewis is buried in Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery,

Egypt M. 87.

21. Driver J S

John Spencer Driver

Killed in action 5th February

1917. Aged 27

Born 1889

Mistley

France Somme

Enlisted

Manningtree

Essex Regiment

1st Battalion (formerly 1391 Essex Regt (TF)

Private 29344

1891: John (aged 1) was living with his father John (Cordwarmer), mother

Ellen and sister Olive (aged 4) at 3 Fenton Court, Harwich Road.

1901: John (aged 11) was living with his father John (Bootmaker), mother Ellen, sister Olive (aged 14),and brothers Roland (aged 5) and Marshall

(aged 1), at Pound House, Harwich Road, Mistley. Being 11 years old John was still at school.

1911: John (aged 21) was living with his father John (Bricklayer), mother (Ellen) Rosina, brothers Roland (aged 15), Marshall (aged 11), Sidney

(aged 4) and sister Minnie (aged 6) at Harwich Road, Mistley. His occupation is shown as Malsters Labourer.

His sister Olive is not shown on the 1911 census

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre (Balkans) 9th August 1915.

John has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial

Pier and Face 10 D.

22. Fordham M

Morris Gordon Fordham

Killed in action 8th Sept. 1918

Aged 18

Born 1899 Mistley

France & Flanders

Enlisted Colchester

Northumberland Fusiliers 12th/13th Battalion

Private 61624

1901: Maurice (aged 1) was living with his mother Mary at The Stour Inn,

Mistley. His father is shown as ‘Husband on Active Service’.

1911: Maurice (aged 11) was living with his father (Thomas) Maurice (Factory Hand Malt Extract), mother Mary, brother Arthur (aged 7) and

sister Elsie (aged 2), and his grandfather Jhon (John?) Salmon (shown on the Census as a widower and father in law to Maurice (Thomas) at 1

Shrubland Cottage, New Mistley.

Sent by my uncle, some time ago one shows Maurice, with his

family. Apparently, this photo, was taken a week or so before he was died. And he is in the uniform of Northumberland Fusiliers. His parents were

Thomas Maurice Fordham and Mary Edith Fordham (nee Sowman) Brother: Arthur Frederick Fordham Sisters: Elsie Beatrice Mary Fordham, and Amy

Edith Fordham. Elsie was my maternal Grandmother.

The second photo, possibly taken at Broadstairs, during training. Maurice is 3rd from right, back row.

Kindly supplied by Elizabeth Cornish (Great Niece)

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Maurice was a former Salvation Army Bandsmen.

He is buried in Epehy Wood Farm Cemetery VI. H. 1.

23. Fordham E

Elijah Fordham Killed in action 21st Nov 1917

Aged 24

Born 1894/5 Mistley

France

Enlisted

Colchester

Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

(formerly 12819 Essex)

Corporal 21437

1901: Elijah (aged 7) was living with his father William (Malster), mother Ellen, sisters Annie (aged 12), Elsie (aged 4), Edith (aged 1) and brother

William (10) at Beckford Road, Mistley.

1911: Elijah (aged 17) was living with his father William (Malsters Labourer), mother Ellen, sisters Annie (aged 22), Elsie (aged 14) Edith (aged 11) and brothers William (aged 20) and Charles (aged 7) at Mistley Heath. He is

shown as working as a Farm Labourer.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, entered theatre 26th October 1915.

Son of Mr. W. Fordham, of "The Heath," Mistley. He is buried at Marcoing British Cemetery Sp. Mem. 10.

24. Heron J M

John Maxwell Heron

Killed in action 26th March 1917

Aged 37 Born 19th

January 1879 Burton upon

Trent,

Gaza,

Palestine

Enlisted

Essex Regiment,

5th Battalion

Major

1901: John (aged 22) was living with his father John (Consulting Chemist), mother Emily, brothers Harold (aged 20), Robert (aged 3), sisters Emily (aged 18), Jane (aged 16), Margery (aged 14), Kathleen (aged 12), Ruth (aged 7) and Mary (aged 3)at 329 Clapham Road, London. His occupation is listed an Assistant Chemist. 1909: Lieutenant John married Annie Rose (nee Crozier) in Chelmsford, Essex, on 28th February 1909. On the 1st November 1909 he was appointed Captain with the 5th Battalion. 1911: John (aged 31) was living with his wife Annie Rose and 10 month old daughter Rose Mary Georgia, at Stapenhill, High Street, Mistley. He was employed as an Analytical Chemist (Malster).

His Medal Index Card shows him being awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre (Gallipoli) 9th August 1915. John was killed on 26th March 1917 in Gaza and is buried in Gaza War Cemetery X. G. 12. On 5th December 1918 the Probate on his will was granted at Ipswich to Annie Rose Heron widow, his effects being £186 18 shillings and 1d (pence). It would appear that his medals were forwarded to his widow Annie sometime after March 1922, when she was living at St. Faiths, High Street, Manningtree.

25. Hicks T G

Thurman George Hicks

Died of Wounds 25th April 1916

Aged 24 Born June

1892 Mistley

Ypres

Belgium

Enlisted Colchester

Essex Regiment

11th Battalion

Private 16350

1901: Thurman (aged 9) was living with his father Isaac (Coachman), mother Margaret (Laundress), brothers William (aged 11) and Natal (aged

4), and sisters Lucy (aged 6), Ella (aged 2) at Maltings, Mistley.

1911: Thurman (aged 19) was living with his father Isaac (Coachman), mother Margaret, sisters Ella (aged 12), Madge (aged 4) and brother

Edward (aged 5) at Rose Cottage, Mistley. He is shown employed as a Malsters Labourer.

In September 1915 Thurman married Lily Harriett Linstead (born 1895, died

1978).

His Medal Index Card (with the initial G only) shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre

(France) on 30th August 1915.

Thurman George Hicks is buried in Essex Farm Cemetery Belgium 11.L.18 and is also commemorated on the family headstone in St Mary and

St Michael Churchyard, Mistley

26. Holmes G

P

George Percy Holmes

Killed in action 31st October

1914 Aged 23

Born 1891 York,

France Somme

Enlisted

Colchester

Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the

Line (incl. Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps) Battalion: 10th (Prince of

Wales's Own Royal) Hussars

Trumpeter

78

Born in Fulford near York around 1891, by 1901 George Holmes is living at

the Waggon and Horses public inn, New Rd, Mistley with his father - Mr Worthy Holmes, a ‘Licensed Victualler’ (pub landlord). His father had been

born in Mistley, whilst his mother Lillian came from Newbrough, Ireland. His two younger brothers Edward Worthy Holmes and Charles Herbert Holmes were also born locally. His father must at some stage have been in the army

himself, as by 1911, whilst living at Railway Terrance, he is living off his Army Pension, his other son Edward by then working at the local Maltings.

George started his military career well before the war, having enlisting at

Colchester, he joined the 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars and at some stage trained to be a Trumpeter. By 1911 he was serving in India based at Rawal Pindi, now part of Pakistan. He is likely to have taken part in the famous Coronation Durbar for King George V & Queen Mary, held in Delhi during December that same year. As a Cavalry unit they would have

been part of the imperial procession, having otherwise a reputation for their Officers skills at Polo.

Before the out break of war the 10th Hussars (nicknamed the Shiny 10th) had been sent for another tour in South African, based at Potchefroom in the Transvaal. They sailed for home on the 25th August aboard the RMS Balmoral Castle, arriving at Southampton on the 19th September. They

formally joined the 6th Cavalry Brigade (3rd Cavalry Division) at Ludgershall (near Andover, Wiltshire) a couple of days later. At that stage the 6th Cavalry Brigade was made up of the 10th Hussars and the 1st Royal

Dragoons. On the 8th October the two units landed at Ostend and proceeded to Ypres,

by the 14th October being stationed at Wytschaete, protecting a line southeast of the town between Warneton and Gheluvelt. As part of the

action known as the ‘First Ypres’ they moved to various positions during the time when the war was still fluid, suffering their first real losses on the 21st

October at Zandvoorde. This was the time of a major enemy offensive which came closest to a clear victory. Alongside the French the smaller British force was stretched to the limit holding a line around Ypres. The culmination was the battle of Gheluvelt where large concentrations of

enemy assault troops had been assembled and pushed the British back. The main attack on the eastern edge of the village came on the 30th

October overwhelming the defenders by mid day. The 6th Brigade was ordered by Allenby to head south in support of a counter attack on

Gheluvelt. Elements from the 6th Cavalry Brigade arrived just in time to support a counter attack on the 31st October as part of Haig’s plan to pull

out of Gheluvelt and form a new line just west of the town. Trumpeter P. Holmes was wounded in fighting on the 31st October 1914 and subsequently died, age 23, along with nine other men killed and 14

wounded from the regiment. The line around Ypre held against overwhelming numbers and the last opportunity for a decisive German

victory passed. For further reading see the 10th Hussars and Essex Yeomanry 1914-1918 by Lieutenant-Colonel F.H.D.C Whitmore

(Colchester:1920), available online.

George’s Medal Index Card shows he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He is buried at Ypres Town Cemetery Extension II. A. 27. He is commemorated on both Mistley & Manningtree War Memorials.

Son of W. W. and Lillian Holmes, of 1, Railway Terrace, Oxford Rd., Mistley, Manningtree, Essex.

George’s brother Edward had two sons, Derek Worthy Holmes, employed

at Manningtree Water Works and Percy Holmes, well known postman, whose children still live locally.

27. Kerridge P.

Percy William Kerridge

Killed in action 23rd June 1917

Aged 31

Born 1886 Wangford,

Suffolk

At Sea - 50 miles SW of Bombay

Mercantile Marine

SS ‘Mongolia’ (Greenock)

Quartermaster

1891: Percy (aged 5) was living with his father William (a Butcher), mother

Emily and sisters May (aged 9) and Minnie (aged 7), in Mistley.

1901: Percy (aged 14) was living with his father William (Cattle Dealer) and his sister Mary (May?)(aged 19), together with a lodger Edward Sorrell at

The Quay, Mistley. Percy’s occupation is shown as Dog Dealer.

1911: Percy’s mother, Emily, is shown as living at 107 London Road, Ipswich as a Servant/Housekeeper.

Percy was killed at sea when the ship he was serving on, SS Mongolia, struck a mine laid by the German raider SMS Wolf. The P&O Liner, with

passengers and the mails for India, China and Australia, lost 3 passengers, 3 Engineer Officers, 14 Native and 3 European crew, and all the mail went

down with the ship.

Percy has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

28. Laflin W

William Laflin

Died of wounds 7th May 1917

Aged 20 Born 1897

Woodbridge, Suffolk.

France

Enlisted

Colchester

Royal Fusiliers (City of London

Regiment) 9th Battalion

Private 2530

1901: William (aged 4) was living with his father Arthur (a Farm Labourer),

mother Charlotte, brother Edward (aged 6) and sisters Kate (aged 5), Bertha (aged 3), Bessie (aged 2) and Edith (aged 1) at Hicks farm Cottage,

Layer de la Hay. 1911: William (aged 14), was living with his father Arthur ( a Farm

Labourer), mother Charlotte, brothers Edward (aged 16) and Arthur (aged 9), sisters Bertha (aged 13), Bessie (aged 12), and Edith (aged 11) at

Horsley Cross Road, Mistley, and is also, like his father, employed as a Farm Labourer.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery XIX. P. 10A

William is also commemorated on plaques inside St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, where it was placed after the church in Horsley Cross was closed.

29. Lankester

O A H

Orman Alfred Henry Lankester

Killed in action 6th August 1915

Aged 23

Born 1891/2 Wix

Gallipoli

Enlisted Warley

Essex Regiment

1st Battalion

Corporal

9230

1901: Orman (aged 8) is shown as living with his father Alfred (a Licensed Hawker), mother Sarah, sister Agnes (aged 4) and brother Percy (aged 1)

at Mill House, Wix.

1911: Orman (shown as Alfred) is shown on a return of Officers and Men as a Soldier of 1 Essex Regiment and being 20 years of age.

1911: His father Alfred (a Malsters Labourer), mother Sarah, brothers Percy

(aged 11) and Claude (aged 1) are shown as living at Drake House, The Street, Bradfield.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British

War Medal and Victory Medal, Entered Theatre (Balkans) 25th April 1915.

Orman was killed at Gallipoli, with ‘W’ Company, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, and has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles

Memorial, Turkey Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233.

At the time of his death his parents are shown as living at 3 Rugby (possibly meant to be Rigby) Road, Mistley.

30. Lay Flurrie

R M

Reginald Flurrie Lay

Killed in action 21st March 1918

Aged 19

Born 1899 Mistley

France

Enlisted

Colchester

Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

6th Battalion

Private 127188

1901: Reginald F (aged 2) is shown as living with his mother Louisa F Lay, sisters Ada (aged 14), Grave (aged 7), Gertrude (aged 6) and step-sister

Hilda Fordham (aged 12) and his grandfather Thomas Fordham, at Aberdeen Villas, Mistley. Reginald’s father, Thomas Flurrie Lay, is shown

as being ‘Husband mariner at Sea’.

1911: Reginald (aged 12) is shown as living with his mother Louisa Lay Flurrie, and brother Albert (aged 9) at Aberdeen Villas, Mistley. (Note - The

surname is now shown as Lay Flurrie).

His Medal Index card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Reginald has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras

Memorial, France Bay 10

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flurrie Lay, of Alpha Cottage, California Rd., Mistley, Manningtree, Essex; husband of Mrs. Flurrie Lay, of Hamilton,

Ontario, Canada.

See below for more on the Lay-Flurrie family

31. Lay Flurrie

T

Thomas Flurrie

Killed in action 4th November

1914 Aged 30

Born 1884 Mistley

Ypres Belgium

Enlisted Ipswich

Royal Engineers Signal Company,

First Army HQ

Sapper 15738

Part of the Lay-Flurrie family from the Manningtree Quay area, Thomas John Edward was born in Mistley (probably Mill Lane), working at the turn of the century as a Mate on a Colchester/ Mistley coastal sailing barge named

the ‘Echo’. He later married Ellen Maud Green from Belstead, known to him as Nell. By 1911 the couple were living at 4 Rose Lane, Ipswich, with their three

young children, Thomas Green Flurrie (aged 4), Ethel Green Flurrie (aged 2) and Ellen (9 ½ months) Thomas by then 27 years old, employed by

Great Eastern Railways, at the Ipswich station as a Goods Porter. Thomas may well have already spent time in the army and as a reservist,

was one of the first to be called up. He served as a sapper in the 3rd Signal Company, Royal Engineers and was at Bulford Camp, within a few days. From there he wrote a poignant letter to his

wife on the 9th August 1914. 15738 Sapper T Flurrie 3rd Signals Coy R E, Bulford Camp, Salisbury Plain. My Dear Wife just a few lines to let

you know we are quite well at present. Dear Nell we have got

our war kit out of stores and I have sent my suit home. We shall not

be away from here for a few days yet. It is all sort of rumours as yet.

Some say it will be next week before we go. I am feeling more

myself now. Dear Nell you will have nothing to worry about as they asked me if they should send a pound and I signed a paper so you will get it in a day or so and after that you will get about 18 shillings a week but I cannot say whether you will get it weekly or monthly but you will get it so you will have nothing to worry about. It will

leave me about 2s 6d a week for myself. We are doing nothing but

sleep as yet but the rumour is the first move will be Belgium. We are all to have horses. In our Coy we have got breeches and spurs and rifles and everybody seems happy. I shall be happy enough if I only know you and children are alright. It cannot last long so cheer up my old girl. I see in the papers that there is hundreds of firms

are going to allow half pay to reservists all time the war last so you must not let no one know what you will get. You must make out as if you are hard up. Give Tommy and Nellie and Ethel a kiss for me.

You can write back if you write at once. Love from your loving husband Tom.

Thomas was right about where they were destined and he landed at Le Havre on the 16th August with the first part of the British Expeditionary

Force of one cavalry and four infantry divisions. By the 23rd August they were deployed on a 20 mile front at Mons-Conde Canal, facing a much larger force and had to retreat after a fierce battle in which they inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. The retreat with the French stopped just

outside Paris on the Rive Marne where the two allied armies beat off another determined attack. The Germans were forced to retreat back the way they had come and the British Army followed them taking up a new

position that included the Belgium town of Ypres. Thomas was killed as part of the battle around the town on 4th November 1914. The Ipswich Evening Star of the 20th of November details the event.

DIED LIKE A GALLANT SOLDIER

Mrs. Flurrie, of Rose Lane, Ipswich, has received from the Rev. Arthur H. Boyd, one of the chaplains serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France, a letter describing the death of her husband. The letter states that the Germans shelled the town in

which Flurrie was engaged, and that one of the shells burst, causing injuries which proved fatal – he was killed instantly. The

Chaplain, on coming up, took charge of the body, and made arrangements for the funeral; he afterwards conducted the burial

service at the internment in the cemetery at Ypres. The deceased, says the Chaplain, died like a gallant soldier in the performance of

his duty, and in the service of his King and country.

Thomas’ sister, Grace, moved from Manningtree to live with Nell in Ipswich, where she could both help with the care of her young nephew and nieces

and help the war effort, through work in a local munitions factory. Thomas’s younger brother Reggie died at Arras in 1918.

Information provided by John Lay-Flurrie, with help from Dave Clark and fellow members

of the Lay-Flurrie family network.

Lay-Flurrie’s in the Great War By John Lay-Flurrie May 2014

By the start of the Great War in 1914 the Lay-Flurrie name had become familiar to many

people in Mistley and the surrounding villages, after its first use in 1850 by Thomas. Although he had died in a tragic accident on the Stour in 1877, his wife Sarah (Oxley)

brought up their 8 children and his son by his first wife, Sarah (Calver), at their home in Mill Lane, Mistley, after their move from The Quay, Manningtree.

Thomas’ children were themselves too old to serve in the war, so it was his

grandchildren who carried the family name into the services. To avoid being picked on or stigmatised, like many families with a foreign sounding name, many of the family used the name Flurrie when enlisting and some like, Cecil, continued this after the war had

ended.

We cannot know the daily impact of the war on the Lay-Flurries, Flurrie-Lays and Flurries as it changed from the initial optimism of being over before Christmas to

the weariness of increasing casualties, conscription and shortages at home. Everyone in the country was affected, not just men fighting in France, including

the women who took on much of the work that the men serving in the forces had done.

The first grandson, Thomas, was killed during the first battle of Ypres on 4th

November 1914 and his story is told in more detail above. His widow Nellie was soon joined in her Ipswich home by Grace May, Thomas’ sister. She moved from

Manningtree to Ipswich, where engineering works provided employment in munitions manufacturing. We know from Grace’s marriage certificate that she was

a munitions worker in aeroplane manufacturing, and lived with her sister-in-law Nellie at 15 Rose Lane, Ipswich, when

she met and married William Arthur Ranns a private in the Army Veterinary

Corps in 1917. While Thomas’ service began (and ended) at the

start of the war his younger brother Reginald Maurice Flurrie Lay was only 16 when the war

began, so was 18 when he was conscripted and posted to France as a private in the Machine

Gun Corps.

In March 1918 he was serving at Arras in western France when the German army

launched a fierce attack aimed at destroying the British army, using troops and artillery released

by the surrender of Russia after its army collapsed. The attack began with a five hour

artillery barrage on Thursday 21st March, from 4.40am to 9.40am, including the use of gas, after

which specially trained storm troopers emerged from their trenches and attacked the positions of the dazed British soldiers. In all, over 7,000 British infantrymen, including

Reggie died on that day. Where and how Reggie died we do not know as his body was never identified. His name is listed amongst those missing on the memorial at Arras, but is probable that he was killed during the bombardment. Having lost Thomas, at the start

of the war, Thomas Flurrie-Lay and wife Louisa had now lost another son.

Like Reggie other, younger, members of the family joined up later in the war, with different experiences for all of them. For Horace Flurrie, Horry, enlistment as a driver in

the RASC in 1915, after his marriage to Bessie (Wood) the previous year. was a temporary disturbance as he was soon medically discharged because of poor sight in

one eye. He went on to pursue his career as a driving instructor.

For Jane (Rout) and her husband William Walter, shown bottom left in this picture with his three sons, Francis Walter, (Frankie) in uniform and possibly his

two brothers, Arthur and Edward, it meant the worry of what was happening to their children.

Frankie left his work at the Edme company as a maltster to enlist in his local Essex Regiment where it

is believed he served as a driver, not of lorries but horse and cart, probably bringing food or replacement

ammunition to the trenches. Like Reggie it is believed he was killed in an artillery

bombardment on 19th June 1917 at the Battle of Arras.

Arthur Flurry also enlisted, in March 1915 in the Middlesex Regiment and served through the was as a

private and was demobbed safely at the end of the war.

For my own grandfather, Cecil, enlistment in the Royal West Kent Regiment was followed by transfer to the Machine Gun Corps, the same as his cousin Reggie.

For them specialist training in using the Vickers Machine Gun in the machine gun schools at Grantham, in Lincolnshire, or Wisques, Calais, was followed by transfer to

support infantry in the trenches. The machine guns used by both sides were, like aircraft and tanks, a new addition to warfare, in the case of the Vickers MG firing 500 bullets

every minute. As a teenager interested in the war I remember asking my grandad Cecil about his experiences as a soldier. Grandad, normally a very quiet and

withdrawn man, didn’t answer at first then in a very quiet voice stared at me and said, “I remember being on top of a hill and firing my machine gun at a line of men and they

all fell down line a row of dolls. Then I realised they were all men and I’d killed them. Don’t ever ask me about it again.” I didn’t, as I remembered that even after

that time he had tears in his eyes.

For my grandmother Eva (Clow) it meant a move from her home in Gt Glenham to the port of Felixstowe, where she was a waitress in the Chocolate Box, one of the café’s established to meet the needs of troops embarking or returning from France. Is that

where she met Grandad? Alas we’ll never know. To other members of the family, such as Thomas Flurry Lay’s younger sister Ada, the war initially appeared to have been kinder. Her husband and cousin William Scott, who she had married in 1916, survived his service as a soldier in Egypt. Sadly the effects of the war continued after hostilities ceased and William returned from Egypt to find that Ada had died in the flue pandemic of 1918, leaving behind a young child who had also

died after 6 days.

For the Lay-Flurrie family the 1st World War resulted in many stories and some sad endings, some of which we have been able to tell you, but most are unknown to me. If

you know anything more about what happened to our family during or after the war please let me know on ‘flurried@tiscali.co.uk’.

John Lay-Flurrie with help from Dave Clark and fellow members of the Lay-Flurrie

family network: June 2014.

32.Liggins W

Walter Liggins Died

27th Oct 1918 Aged 44

Born 1874 Leicester

Italy

Enlisted London

Royal Engineers Postal Section

Pioneer

Pioneer 137936

1911: Walter (aged 37) was living with his wife Alice, and their three young

children, Walter (aged 5), Joseph (aged 3) and Mary (aged 2), at Park House, Mistley. Walter was employed as a Postman.

His service records show he signed his Attestation on 23rd November 1915

and stated that he had previously served with 2nd Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment.

Also that he had married Alice on 7th August 1904 at Mistley Parish Church. His height was 5 feet 9 inches, and he had refused to be vaccinated, and

gave his religion as Church of England.

On 27th October 1918 at 51 Stationary Hospital B Section Italy Walter died of Lobar Pneumonia, leaving a widow Alice, and five young children Walter

(aged 12), Joseph (aged 11), Mary (aged 9), Thomas (aged 7) and Benjamin (aged 4).

His Medal Index Card shows he was awarded the British War Medal and

Victory Medal. He is buried in Arquata Scrivia Communal Cemetery Extension I. E. 2.

On 14th December 1918 the Probate on his will was granted at Ipswich to

Alice Liggins widow, effects being £133 18 shillings 1 d (pence).

His widow, Alice, still living at Park House, Mistley, is shown as signing for his articles on 14th June 1919 at Manningtree, and also being awarded a

pension of 39 shillings and 2d (pence) per week from 5th May 1919 for her and the five children.

On a document, dated 4th March 1920, and signed by his widow Alice, are details of his living relatives. His mother Letitia was shown living at Willow

Street, Leicester (there are no details of his father), his brothers J R Liggins (aged 43) living at 31 Coral Street, Leicester, F W Liggins (aged 35) living at

432 Foxhall Road, Ipswich and his sister Alice Butcher (aged 39) living at Merton Cottage, Buckinghamshire.

33. Lucas H S

Harry Sidney Lucas

Killed in action 23rd Oct. 1916

Aged 23

Born 1893 Stapleford

France & Flanders

Enlisted Colchester

Essex Regiment

2nd Battalion

Lance Corporal

24047

1901: Harry (aged 8) was living with his father George (a Painter) who was a local man whilst his mother Frances was from Norfolk. His sisters Maud (aged 12) was born whilst the family were in Romford. Nora (aged 3) was

born local after the family moved to Harwich Road, Mistley.

1911: Harry aged 18) was living with his father George (still working as a Painter at the Maltings), mother Frances, and sister Nora (aged 13) in

Harwich Road, Mistley. He is shown as being employed as an Assistant Engine Driver (Maltings).

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal.

Harry has no known grave is and commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 10 D.

His older sister Maud Frances Lucas married Henry William Blake from

Hampshire in 1912. He was killed in November 1914 – see above.

34. Manning H

Percy Herbert Manning

Killed in action 27th September

1918 Aged 27

Born 1891 Great Bentley

France

Enlisted Colchester

Royal Warwickshire Regiment

16th Battalion Formerly 5542 South Staffordshire

Private 27613

1901: Percy (aged 11) was living with his father Reginald (a Journeyman

Baker), mother Elizabeth, brothers Frank (aged 9) and Philip (aged 6), and sister Eva C (aged 4), at Station Field, Great Bentley.

1911: Percy (aged 21) was living with his father Reginald (a Bakers

Assistant), mother Elizabeth, brother Frank (aged 19) and sister Charlotte Eva (aged 14) at Newton Villa, Great Bentley.

Percy’s occupation is shown as a General Labourer.

In 1916 (within the first three months) it would appear he married Phyllis B Carter, the marriage being registered in Colchester.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal.

Percy has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial Panel 3.

Son of R F Manning. Husband of Phyllis B Prior (formerly Manning) of 8

Council Houses, Harwich Road, Mistley, Essex.

35.Marchant H

Henry John Marchant

Killed in action 9th June 1915

Aged 29 Born 1886 Highbury, London

Belgium

Enlisted Stratford on

Avon, Warwickshire

Royal Warwickshire Regiment

1st/7th Battalion

Private 3237

1891: Henry (aged 5) was living with his father Henry (a Merchant), his mother Charlotte, brother Cyril (aged 3) and sister Lottie (aged 1) and a

General Servant Lucy Playle (aged 15) at High Street, Mistley.

1911: Henry (shown as Harry and aged 25) was living with his father Henry (a Malsters Bookkeeper), mother Charlotte, and sister Lottie (aged 21) at High Street, Mistley. His occupation is shown as Cycle Maker and Agent,

and he would appear to have been ‘self-employed’.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, entered Theatre (France) on 22nd March

1915. Henry is buried at Rifle House Cemetery, Belgium II. G. 2.

Son of Henry John and Charlotte Matilda Marchant, of Russell House,

Mistley, Manningtree, Essex.

36. Mason S H

Sidney Walter Mason

Killed in action 21st Sept 1917

Aged 30 Born 1887 Bradfield

Belgium

Enlisted Warley

Middlesex Regiment

23rd Battalion

Lance Corporal G/50158

1901: Sidney (aged 14) was living with his father James (a Gardener), his

mother Matilda, and his sisters Constance (aged 8), Gertrude (aged 4), Lily (aged 1) and brother William (Aged 3) at California Road, Mistley.

1911: Sidney (aged 24) is shown as living with his wife, Ellen Louisa, and two daughters, Ena (aged 3) and Nettie (aged 5 ½ months) at California

Road, Mistley. His occupation is shown as that of Malsters Labourer. Upon this Census it is shown that Sidney and Ellen had been married for 4

years, so it is presumed they married sometime in 1907.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the

Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 113 to 115.

37. Moore D A

David Abraham Moore

Killed in action 22nd March 1918

Aged 35 Born 1884 Gorleston,

Suffolk

Somme

Enlisted

Canterbury Kent

East Surrey Regiment

8th Battalion

Lance Corporal

22922

1891: David (aged 7) was living with his father Arthur (a Malt Maker),

mother Elizabeth, sister Ethel (aged 8), brothers Percy (aged 5), Frank (aged 2) and William (aged 1 month) at Churchgate Street, near Harlow,

Essex.

1901: David (aged 17) was living with his father Arthur a Malt Maker), mother Elizabeth, brothers Percy (aged 14), Frank (aged 12), William (aged 10), Albert (aged 7), Chalres (aged 5) and sister Lily (aged 3) at Springhall

Road, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. He was employed as a Malsters Labourer.

1911: David ( aged 27) is shown as living

with his wife Ada and son David (aged 4) at Yorke Terrace, Mistley, employed as a

Malsters Labourer. (It is shown that he had been married for 5

years, so it is presumed they married sometime in 1906.)

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. David has no known grave and is

commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France Panel 44 and 45.

Son of Arthur and Elizabeth Moore, of 42,

Camden Rd, Yarmouth; husband of the late Ada Moore.

38.Mullett H W

Harry William Mullett

Killed in action 18th Feb. 1915

Aged 32 Born July 1882

Ardleigh, Essex

Belgium

Enlisted Lowestoft

Suffolk Regiment 1st Battalion

Private 16145

1891: Harry (aged 8) is shown living with his father William (a

Coachman/Groom) and also a Widower, his brother Herbert W (aged 12) and sister Jessie (aged 4) and a housekeeper, Mary Ann Theobald, at

Signalman Houses, Station Road, Ardleigh. It would appear his mother, Margaret, shown on the 1881 Census, died in

the 2nd quarter of 1887, when Harry was aged just 5. 1901: Harry’s father, William, is shown as living in High Street, March,

Cambridgeshire with his wife Florence (Harry’s stepmother).

1911: Harry (Aged 28) is shown as living as a Boarder at St Margarets, Norfolk, the home of the Marshall family, employed as a Builders Carpenter.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory

Medal. Harry has no known grave and is

commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Panel 21. On Harry’s Medal Index Card is a

note regarding Application re disposal of medals by OIC

Records Warley 17.9.23, followed by OIC Records Warley fwdsd AFB 104/112 (1915 Star,BW &

VM) dated 9.10.23. Also shown is NOK- brother, Herbert William Mullett Box 320 Copper Clift,

Ontario, Canada. Stepmother Mrs F Abbott Harkstead nr Ipswich. It would appear that Harry’s father, William, died in the first quarter of

1917, the death being registered in Tendring.

39.Notley S C

Sidney Charles Notley

Killed in action 22nd March 1918

Aged 22 Born 1895 Salhouse,

Norfolk

France

Enlisted

Haverhill, Suffolk

Suffolk Regiment

7th Battalion

Private 24286

1901: Sidney (aged 5) is shown as living with his father Charles Edward

(Station Master) and mother Annie Emily at Railway Station, Sutton, Norfolk.

1903: Sidney’s father died on 30th October at Docking, Norfolk. At the time it

would appear he was the Stationmaster at Burnham Market, Norfolk and Probate on his will was granted on 30th December, to Annie Emily Notley,

effects of £151.

1911: Sidney’s mother is shown as living at Church Street, Eye, Suffolk as a Housekeeper to Bertram Yorke, Solicitor.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal.

He is buried at Estaires Communal Cemetery and Extension V. C. 1.

Son of Mrs. Annie Emily Notley, of White House, The Green, Mistley, Essex.

40.Neville B W

Bertie James Neville (Newell)

Killed in action 19th October

1915 Aged 24

Born 1891 Mistley

Pas de Calais

France

Enlisted Colchester

Grenadier Guards

2nd Battalion

Private 16960

1911: Bert (aged 20) was living with his father James (a Jobbing Gardener) and mother Emma at 8 Oxford Road, Mistley and working as a Labourer at

Celluloid Works.

He served as Bertie James Newell and his Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, entered

Theatre (France) 24th May 1915.

He is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, I. B. 13

Son of James and Emma Neville, of Railway St., Mistley, Essex.

41.Osborne C S

Claude Stanley Osborne

Died of wounds 16th May 1915

Aged 18 Born 1897

Mistley

France Enlisted

Colchester 23rd June 1914

King’s Royal Rifle Corps

1st Battalion

Rifleman

11644

1901: Claude (aged 5) was living with his father William (a Malsters Labourer), mother Sarah, brothers William (aged 11), Percy (aged 9) and

sister Daisy (aged 2) at Harwich Road, Mistley.

1911: Claude (aged 15) was living, as a Boarder, at 2 Georges Terrace, Mistley, and employed as a Malsters Labourer, with William and Alice

Osborne who are presumed to be his relatives. Also shown as living as a boarder is his sister Daisy (aged 12).

Claude’s Service Record has survived it appears on 9th April 1913 he joined 5th Battalion Essex Regiment (a Territorial Battalion) at Manningtree, giving

his occupation as Malster, employed by Messrs W Brooks. He was declared fit for Territorial Force of the 5th Battalion Essex Regiment

by John M Heron, Captain 9413 at Manningtree (see above for details of Major Heron).

On 23rd June 1914 Claude was declared fit for the Army by R M Erskine, Civil Practitioner at Manningtree, and joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps at

Winchester on the 27th June. His service with 5th Battalion Essex Regiment towards engagement was 1

year and 77 days. He obtained a Swimming Certificate on 16th July 1914 and was posted with

the 1st Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corp, on 3rd February 1915.

On 16th May 1915 he died of wounds and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France Panel 32 and 33. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. These, together with a Scroll, were sent to

his father who signed for them on 3rd May 1919. Son of William Osborne, of Georges Terrace, Mistley

His brother William Osborne also served with the Royal Fusiliers.

42. Palmer J

James Palmer

Killed in action 20th July 1916

Aged 29 Born 1887

Mistley

Somme

Enlisted Warley

Essex Regiment

10th Battalion

Company Sergeant Major

8972

1891: James (aged 4) was living with his father John (a Railway

Signalman), mother Sarah, brother Frederick (aged 7) and sister Elizabeth (aged 5), together with two Boarders, at 2 Wiltshire Terrace, Mistley.

1901: James (aged 14) was living with his father John (Railway Signalman), an Aunt Jessie Beard (shown as sister in law to father John) and a Lodger

at Wiltshire Terrace, Mistley. James’ occupation being given as Baker-Assistant Breadmaker.

It would appear that James’ mother died in 1899 when he was 12.

1911: James’ father John (Retired Railway Signalman) was living at

Wiltshire Terrace with Jessie Beard (his sister in law), who is shown as Housekeeper. and John Beard (aged 6 and shown as son).

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British

War Medal and Victory Medal, entered Theatre (France) on 25th July 1915.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 10 D.

43. Pooley P O

Percy Octavius Pooley

Killed in action 7th June 1915

Aged 26 Born 1882/3

Lowestoft Frances & Flanders

Enlisted

Colchester

Royal Fusiliers 26th Battalion (City of London

Regiment) (Formerly 36468TR)

Corporal G/52711

1891: Percy (aged 8) was living with

his father Fredrick (Licensed Victualler), mother Emma, brother

Claude (aged 14) and sister Gertrude (aged 7) at the Greyhound Inn,

Gorleston, Great Yarmouth.

1901: Percy’s father Fredrick (Licensed Victualler), mother Emma and sister Gertrude (aged 17) were living at 14 High Road, Gorleston.

In 1904 Percy married Emma Ellen

Durrant in Yarmouth, Norfolk.

1911: Percy (aged 28) is shown as living with his wife Emma (nee Durrant) and son Charles (aged

5), at Alpha Cottage, Asylum Road, Mistley. He is shown as a

Malsters Labourer.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War

Medal and Victory Medal. He is buried in Voormezeele

Enclosure Number 3.

44. Robinson F

Frank Oscar Robinson

Died of Wounds 14th October

1916 Aged 18

Born 1898 Mistley

Somme

Enlisted Manningtree

Essex Regiment

2nd Battalion

Private 40099

1901: Frank (aged 3) was living with his father Edward ( a Shepherd), mother Eliza, and his brothers William (aged 14), John (aged 8), Bertie (aged 8), Charles (aged 6) and sister Bessie (aged 9 months) at Cross

Road, Mistley.

1911: Frank (aged 13) was living with his father Edward (a Shepherd), mother Eliza, his brothers William (aged 26), John (aged 19), Charles (aged

16), Herbert (aged 7) and sister Bessie (aged 9) at Jaywick, Clacton on Sea. His occupation is given as Golf Caddie.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal.

Frank has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 10 D.

45. Sage A A

Arthur Alexander Sage

Killed in action 26th August 1914

Aged 20 Born 1894

Bury St Edmunds

France

Enlisted Ipswich

Suffolk Regiment

‘D’ Company 2nd Battalion

Lance Corporal

8587

1901: Arthur (aged 6) was living with his father James (a Pub Bell Retailer), mother Alice, his older brothers Charles (aged 12), Neville (aged 10), Cecil (aged 8), and his younger sisters Queenie (aged 5) and Ruby (age 2), in

South Street, Manningtree.

Photo of Arthur Sage aged about 12 years (c1906) front row sitting in between his sisters. In my late mother-in-law's writing, on the back - "Relatives of my father - an aunt and uncle who lived at Mistley. The two army men were killed in 1st World War". From left to right: Charles (1888-?), Cecil (1892-?), James (1855-1915), Alice née King (1867-1940), Neville (1890-1948). In front: Queenie (1896-1970), Arthur (1894-1914), Ruby (1898-1973). (Information and photograph provided by Lindsay Wilson : August 2014)

1911: Arthur (aged 16) was living with his father James (a Foreman at the Grist Mill), mother Alice, and his sisters Queenie (aged 15) and Ruby (aged 12) in High Street, Mistley. His occupation is shown as Labourer at the local

Grist Mill, where malt was ground down. His three older brothers are shown on this Census but crossed out and it would appear that all three were already serving as soldiers. Charles with 1st Life Guards, Neville with 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment and

Cecil with an unknown unit. Arthur fought with the Suffolk regiment and entered theatre on the 15th

August 1914. His Medal Index Card shows he was awarded the 1914 Star (with Clasp), British War Medal & Victory Medal,

Arthur has no known grave and is commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial. Son of James and Alice Sage, of High St., Mistley.

The 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment was part of 14th Brigade, 5th Division. On arrival in France they numbered 28 officers and 971 Other Ranks.

Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel C.A.H.Brett DSO, it moved up to take part in the Battle of Mons, where it had two companies in the line along the Mons-

Conde canal. It then began the retreat from Mons,

reaching the Le Cateau by the 25th August. After

bivouacking at the cross-roads west of Le Cateau, it moved to the high ground nearby on the 26th and came under repeated

attacks, from infantry, shell fire and machine gun fire.

Attacks came from the front and right flanks, but

the battalion was only finally overrun when the

Germans worked their way round to the rear of the Suffolk’s positions. The survivors got away to Bohain, and mustered for a roll call in St Quentin

which only showed 2 Officers and 111 Other Ranks left. The majority of the losses were men who were wounded and taken prisoner; it is estimated that

more than 500 men from the battalion became prisoners of war in this action.

46. Sargent W A

Walter Ansell Sargent

Died 21st April 1916

Aged 23 Born 1893

Little Bromley

England

Enlisted

Royal Engineers 1 Field Squadron

Sapper 22462

1911: Walter (aged 18) was living with his father Joseph (a Pressmans Acid

Shop worker at British Xylonite), mother Selina and older brother Joseph Stanley (aged 19), at 3 York Street, Mistley. Walter was employed as a

Harness Maker and Repairer.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1914 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, qualifying date being 15th August 1914, so it

is presumed that he was with the initial British Expeditionary Force. It also shows that he was discharged however no date is given.

He died on 21st April 1916, his death being registered in Epping.

He is buried in Mistley (St Mary) Churchyard with his brother Joseph, who also served, and died but is not commemorated on Mistley War Memorial.

47.Saunders H

Harry Saunders

Died of wounds 18th July 1917

Aged 23 Born 1893

Manningtree

Enlisted

Colchester

Essex Regiment

9th Battalion

Private 24508

1901: Harry (aged 7) was living with his father Harry (a Fisherman), mother Gertrude, sister Ethel (aged 3) and brother Jack (aged 7 months) at Alma

Square, Mistley.

1911: Harry (aged 17) was living with his father (a Fisherman), mother Gertfude, and sisters Ethel (aged 13), Sybil (aged 7), Kathleen (aged 1),

and brother Jack (aged 10), at Alma Square, Mistley. His occupation is the same as his father, a Fisherman.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal.

Harry has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 7.

He is also commemorated on the War Memorial in Manningtree.

48. Scotney G

Graham John Scotney

Killed in action 14th September

1914 Aged 19

Born 1894 Great Bentley

France & Flanders

Enlisted

Colchester

Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Battalion

Private 9414

Graham John Scotney is registered as being born in the first quarter of 1894, in Tendring.

1901: Graham (aged 7) is living with his mother Mary Brook, brother William (aged 12), sister Ivy (aged 10) and stepbrother Bryan Brook (aged 3) in

California Road, Mistley. His mother stated that ‘Husband on active service in S. Africa’.

1911: Graham (aged 17) is living with his stepfather Alfred Brooke (Malsters

Labourer),mother Mary Brooke, and stepbrother Bryan Brooke (aged 14) and stepsister May Brooke (aged 9) at Albert Villa, Mistley (opposite the

Anchor Pub). He is shown employed as a Malsters Labourer. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British Star (1914

Star?) and Victory Medal, disembarkation date 6th September 1914 (Campaign BEF 1914).

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Memorial at La Ferter-Sous-

Jouarre.

At the time of Graham’s death it would appear his stepfather

Alfred and mother Mary Ann

were living at Lower Road,

Mistley. His stepbrother Bryan Brooke also fell (see

above).

49. Scurrell W

Walter Scurrell

Killed in action 31st July 1918

Age 26 Born 1892 Lawford

Somme France

Enlisted

Colchester

Essex Regiment

1st Battalion

Private 29273

1901: Walter (aged 10) was living with his father Thomas (a Quay Lumper), mother Louisa, sisters Emily (aged 22), Kate (aged 12) and brother Victor

(aged 6) in Lawford Street, Lawford.

1911: Walter (aged 19) was living with his father Thomas (a General Labourer), his sisters Emily (aged 31), Kate (aged 22 and a widow), brother Victor (aged 15) and his niece (Kate’s daughter) Ethel (aged 9 ½ months) in Colchester Road, Lawford. He is shown as working as a General Labourer

in the local Iron Foundry. His mother appears to have died in 1910.

Walter Married Agnes Mary Spendley on the 2nd August 1915, who came

from Manningtree, working at one time as a servant/housemaid in Gt Bromley, and they may have lived together in Oxford Road, Mistley.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal

and Victory Medal. Walter had no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres

Memorial, France Panel 51 and 52.

Son of Thomas and Louisa Scurrell, of Colchester Rd., Manningtree, Essex; husband of Agnes Mary Scurrell, of Oxford Rd., Mistley.

Walter is also commemorated on Manningtree War Memorial.

50. Smith W

William Smith

Killed in action 23rd October

1918 Age 28

Born 1890 Chelmsford

Belgium

Enlisted Shoreditch

Machine Gun Corps 55th Battalion

(formerly 19051, Lincolnshire Regiment)

Private 11936

Believed to be

Son of George Smith, Denehurst, Long Road, Lawford

Buried at Esplechin Churchyard I. A. 9. Belgium.

51. Souter W S

William Stanley Souter

Killed in action 30th May 1915

Aged 19

Born 1896 Mistley

Gallipoli

Enlisted

Colchester

Essex Regiment

1st Battalion

Private 3/1937

1901: William (aged 4) was living with his father James (Worker on Farm-Horse); mother Eliza, brother James Frederick (aged 8) at Cross Road,

Mistley. 1911: William (aged 14) was living with his father James (a Horseman),

mother Eliza and brother James (aged 18 and also a Horseman) at Horsley Cross Road, Mistley. William is shown employed as a General Farm Hand.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, entered Theatre (Balkans) 25th April 1915. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial,

Turkey Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233. Son of James and Eliza Souter, of Horsley Cross, Mistley. James Fredrick Souter also went to war and

returned home. William is commemorated on a plaque inside St Lawrence Church,

Bradfield, where the plaques were placed after the church in Horsley Cross was closed.

52. Spooner C

Charles Albert Victor

Spooner

Killed in action 15th October

1914 Aged 16

Born 26th June 1897

Brighton

North Sea

Royal Navy HMS Hawke

Boy 1st Class J.26754 (Ch)

Charles Albert Victor Spooner is listed on both Manningtree and Mistley

memorials, this may be due to the impact his young death early in the war had on the local population. Not much is known about his early life or his

father. Charles was actually born on the south coast in Brighton on the 26th June 1897; his father was Ernest Albert Spooner and his mother Emily Kate

Shotter. She was born in Heston in Hertfordshire, the couple married in Brighton in early 1897, not long before Charles was born.

At three years of age Charles moved into Park View house in Guilford, to

live with this grandmother Catherine Shotter, who worked as a private nurse, and his maiden Aunt, Kate Ethel Shotter. This may have been due to the working demands on his parents, his mother working as a live-in servant

a few miles away in Albury, his father perhaps also a servant at a public house in Eastbourne.

A few years later and Charles was shifted over to live with John and

Elizabeth Amos who lived in South Street, Manningtree. They were both in their early sixties so may have found Charles a handful, John was working

at the Xylonite factory as a ‘Colour man’, Having married in about 1870, they had had their own family with one surviving daughter Jessie. Having come from London to work in the late 1880’s they first lived in Brantham before moving over to Lawford. It is not absolutely clear how they were

related to Charles, who is however designated as their ‘Nephew’.

From South Street at a young age Charles joined the Royal navy and started his training down the river at Ganges, Shotley on the 29th August 1913 as a ‘Boy’ 2nd class. He progressed to ‘Boy’ 1st class J.26754 on the

14th April 1914. The next day he was posted to HMS Hawke, a British Cruiser, joined at some stage by another local boy, Harold Ainger from

Horsley Cross

HMS Hawke displaced 7,350 tons, the cruiser steamed at 20 knots when new, and was armed with two 9.2in. and ten 6in. Launched in 1891 at

Chatham, she was completed two years later at a cost of £400,702. Built with protective decks and, like the Titanic, the hull for added safety was

divided into 192 compartments, with 98 watertight doors.

HMS Hawke

By 1914 she was primarily used for training and many of the crew were cadets. She became part of the 10th Cruiser Squadron, attached to the

Third Fleet, operating on blockade duties between the Shetland Islands and Norway. Under the command of Captain Hugh Williams, on the 15th October

1914 she was in the North Sea off the east coast of Scotland, meeting up with HMS Endymion to transfer mail.

At about 11.00 am she was hit by a torpedo fired by SM-U9 and sunk within only a few minutes. The torpedo appears to have hit one of the ships

magazines, causing a large explosion giving little chance for the crew to escape. Nearly 500 of the 600 crew were lost or died later, some having

been many hours in the water before being found. Three officers, together with 49 men of the crew, were picked up by a Norwegian steamer and

landed the next day at Aberdeen by a local trawler. As was the order of the day, other Naval ships waited until it was clear the submarine had left the area before trying to pick up survivors. An account of the sinking was later

given by crewmen from the submarine.

Only son of Emily Kate Spooner, of Albury, and the late Ernest Spooner. No known grave, commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial 3.

53. Stone J E

James Edmund Stone

Died of Wounds 2nd August 1916

Aged 22 Born 1894

Poplar Somme, France

Enlisted Grays,

Essex

Royal Horse Artillery

‘B’ Battery, 15th Brigade

Gunner 101869

1901: James (aged 7) was living with his

mother Eliza Stone (nee Smith), and brothers Sidney (aged 11), Charlie

(aged 9) and Bernard (aged 5) at 2 The Green, Mistley. His father is recorded,

as ‘Husband Master Mariner’.

1911: James (now aged 17) was living with his father Charles (a Coal

Merchant), mother Eliza, and brother Bernard (aged 15), at Norman Road, Mistley. His occupation is shown as

Coaler.

Detail provided from Essex Police

Website: James was the Vice Captain of Manningtree Football Club, and joined Essex Constabulary on 8th

December 1914, as Police Constable 139.

On May 31st he volunteered for Military Service and joined the Royal Horse Artillery, 15th Brigade, which at that time was in Gallipoli, as part of

29th Division. 29th Division subsequently moved to France in

preparation for the planned offensive on the Somme.

‘B’ Battery took part in the initial bombardment positioned facing Beaumont Hamel near Auchonvillers. On 6th July he was seriously wounded. After treatment at

a Casualty Clearing Station he was removed from the battle area making the slow and painful journey to a field hospital located on the outskirts of Rouen, some

eighty miles to the South West. He died of his wounds.

He is buried in St Sever Cemetery, Rouen B. 36. 11. The inscription on his headstone, inscribed at the request of his family, reads “ Lord Within Thy Tender Care Thou Our

Loved One Keepest” .

On 16th December 1916 the Chief Constable of Essex reported to the Police

Authority ‘Constable Stone died from wounds on 2nd August 1916. He was

single’.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, entered Theatre, 22nd

October 1915. Son of Charles and Eliza Stone,

of Norman Rd., Mistley, Manningtree

On 16th September 1916 the

Probate on his Will was granted at Ipswich to Charles Stone Coal

Merchant (his father) Effects £119 9 shillings.

54. Starling/J

J Starling

See Manningtree

Killed in action

55. Tippins J John Tippins 26th Nov 1914 Aged 27

Born 10th March 1887,

Winsford, Somerset

Near

Armentieres Belgium

Enlisted Warley Essex

Essex Regiment

2nd Battalion

Corporal

3/3105

1891: John (aged 4) was living with his father Luke (an Elementary School Teacher), mother Rose, sister Rose (aged 6) and Lily Bond (aged 15 and a

Domestic) at Norman School House, Mistley.

1901: John (aged 14) was living with his father ( School teacher in an Elementary School), mother Rose and sister Rose (now aged 16) at School

House, Mistley.

1911: John (aged 24) was living with his father (Schoolmaster & Rifle Maker), mother Rose (Schoolmistress) sister Rose (aged 26, also a

Schoolmistress) at School House, Mistley. John is shown as a Rifle Maker.

De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour has the following entry: “TIPPINS, John, Corpl and Acting Sergt, No 3105, 2nd Battn, Essex

Regt,s.of Luke R. Tippins of Mistley, Essex, Schoolmaster and Rifle Expert; b. Winsford, co. Somerset, 10 March, 1887;educ.Norman School, Mistley,

and privately: served first in 2nd Vol Battn, Essex Regt, then in the 5th Essex (TF) as Machine Gun Sergt, and finally in 8th Essex (TF) as Motor Cycle

Sergt; joined 2nd Battn as Private 18 Sept, 1914, in order to get at once to the front, and was appointed Corpl., and left for France the following day, and was killed in action at a farm near Armentieres, 26 Nov. 1914, having

been appointed Acting Sergt, in charge of a machine gun a few days previously. Buried in 2nd Essex Cemetery, near Armentieres; unm. John

Tippins was one of the finest rifleshots in the United Kingdom. He qualified for the final stage of the King’s Prize Competition at Bisley in the years 1908-11 inclusive and in 1913; he won the Wimbledon Cup, 1909, the

Aggregate Service Rifle Championship, 1911, and took first place in the second stage of the Albert Competition the same year. He shot in the Elcho, Mackinnon, and Challenge Trophy teams, and was one of the Empire Team

chosen to go out to Australia, whose departure was prevented by the outbreak of war. On the night he fell, he had gone himself to get water for the Maxim in his charge, as it was a dangerous job in daylight, and was

killed on his return. Capt Binstead (since killed) wrote: He had already gained for himself a reputation as a

daring sniper and splendid shot, which had spread far beyond his own regt, and which had he not been shot, would, I feel, have

obtained for him a coveted distinction’.

His Medal Index card shows that he was awarded the 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal, date of entry (to theatre) 22nd September

1914. John is buried in Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery,

Belgium I. C. 6.

On 4th February 1915 the Probate on his Will was granted

at Ipswich to Luke Ricketts Tippins schoolmaster. Effects

£444 2 shillings and 3d (pence).

John is also commemorated on

a Plaque within St Mary & St Michael Church, Mistley, behind

where the Choir is situated.

56. Turner F E

Frederick Ernest Turner

Killed in action 20th Nov. 1917

Aged 19 Born 1898

Mistley

France

Enlisted Colchester

Essex Regiment

1st Battalion

Private 24115

1901: Frederick (aged 3) was living with his father Ernest

(Domestic Coachman), mother Edith (nee Sissen), and brothers Arthur (aged 2) and Claud (aged 8 months) at Alma Cut, Mistley. 1911: Frederick (age 13) was

living with his father Ernest (Coachman), mother Edith, brothers Arthur (age 12),

Claude (age 10) and sister Marjorie(age 5).

In 1913 Frederick’s father

appears to have died. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War

Medal and Victory Medal.

He is buried in Flesquieres Hill, British Cemetery, France VIII.A.6.

Son of Mrs. E. R. Lloyd, of 4, Oxford Rd., Mistley, Manningtree.

57.Thomas A

E

A E Thomas

As yet unidentified

If you have any information about this family please contact Manningtree Museum.

58. Viall A E

Albert Edward Viall

Died of Wounds 30th July 1917

Aged 27

Born 1890 Mistley

Pas de Calais

France

Enlisted Manningtree

Suffolk Regiment

7th Battalion (formerly 858 Suffolk Cycle Battalion)

Private 43261

1891: Albert (aged 1) is living with his father John (Gas Stoker), mother

Emma, and brothers John (aged 12) and Fred (aged 7) at Mill Lane, Manningtree.

1901: Albert (aged 11) is living with his father John (General Labourer), mother Emma and brother Fred (aged 19) in Brook Street, Manningtree.

1911: Albert (aged 21) is living with his oldest brother John, sister-in-law

Beatrice and nephew Horace, at 2 Barnfield Cottages, Mistley. He is shown as working as a Coal Carter.

Albert’s father John is shown as having died in March 1917 in Romford,

Essex.

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal, also shown are the initial TFWM, the Territorial Force

War Medal. (The Territorial Force War Medal was awarded to servicemen who were

members of the Territorial Force either on or before 30th September 1914 and who served in an operational theatre abroad between 5th August 1914

and 11th November 1918).

Albert is buried in Duisans British Cemetery, France V. A. 47.

Son of Mrs. E. Viall, of Brook St., Manningtree.

Albert is also commemorated on Manningtree War Memorial

59. White R C

R C White

As yet unidentified

If you have any information please contact Manningtree Museum

May be R. White mentioned in the newspaper – Private, 10th Royal Sussex.

10th (Reserve) Battalion Formed in Dover in October 1914 as Service Battalion of K4, part of 97th Brigade of original

32nd Division. 10 April 1915 : became Reserve battalion. Moved to Colchester.

1 September 1916 : at Shoreham, converted into 23rd Training Reserve Battalion of 5th Reserve Brigade.

60. Wilson F

F Wilson

As yet unidentified

If you have any information please contact Manningtree Museum

61. Not on War

Memorial

Stanley Joseph Sargent

Died 12th April 1920

Aged 28

Born 1892 Little Bromley

Essex

Enlisted 1st November

1915

Essex Yeomanry

Private 81145

1911: Joseph (aged 19) was living with his father Joseph (a Pressmans Acid Shop worker at British Xylonite), mother Selina and younger brother Walter (aged 18), at 3 York Street, Mistley. Joseph was employed as a

Grocers Assistant for an International Company.

Joseph enlisted on 1st November 1915 and was discharged on 6th March 1918 under AO 265/17 Para (b) 1. He was awarded Silver War Badge

number 373350.

Part of Joseph’s Pension record has survived and from that it has been established that on 1st April 1917 he was transferred to Class P (TF

Reserve), receiving a pension (aged 26) of 5 shillings a week. It also shows that he had four months Foreign Service (14.12.1916).

A report from the Medical Board dated 16th February 1917 shows that he

was medically unfit due to Supernumerary Rib from 7th Cervical vertebrae, pains in fingers and some obstruction to circulation.

“Origin congenital. Has a jointed rib springing from 7th Cervical Vertebra on

L side about 3 inches long and over it is strong pulsation L.Radial pulse cannot be felt, this is due to ablation of Radial artery from sepsis from

wounds in a case of direct transfusion in which he was the first. (11.11.16 circa).

Not result of but aggravated by wearing a pack on active service. Permanent, without operation, Prevents ¼ at present. Operation declined

reasonably. AFB103 Neuritis & volunteered to supply blood for transfusion. Invalided to

Unit 14.12.1916

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Joseph died on 12th April 1920, his death being registered in Tendring.

Joseph is buried in Mistley (St Mary) Churchyard with his brother Walter, who also served, and died and is commemorated on Mistley War Memorial.

Son of Joseph and Selina Mary Sargent, of 3, York St., Mistley

62. Not on War

Memorial

John Thomas Townsend

Died 9th August 1920

Aged 44

Born 1874, Wisbech,

Cambridgeshire

Colchester Essex

Enlisted

Colchester

Leicestershire Regiment

3rd Battalion

Private 18038

1881: John (aged 6) was living with his father James ( a Farm Labourer and

Widower), and sisters Elizabeth (aged 11), Mahalala (aged 9), Harriett (aged 8) and Anne (aged 5), together with his grandmother Amy Curtis, at

Roman Bank, Leverington, WIsbech, Cambridgeshire. 1891: John (aged 16) was living with his sister Elizabeth and her husband

Alfred Thompson (a Cycle maker), and niece Daisy (aged 1) at 239 Freeman Street, Great Grimsby. He is shown employed as a Bicycle

Makers Assistant. 1901: On 21st April 1904 John married Martha Matilda Scholes at Holy

Trinity Church Guernsey, and on 21st May 1905 their daughter Muriel Maud May was born in Colchester.

1911: John (aged 36) is shown as living with his wife Martha and daughter Muriel (aged 5) in Quarters at Goojerat Barracks, Station Hospital, Circular

Road, Colchester.

John’s service records survive and from those the following has been discovered: John attested in Colchester on 22nd April 1915, giving his

address as the Crown Hotel, Manningtree and his occupation as Licensed Victualler. He stated that he had previously served with the Leicestershire

Regiment and joined the Depot as a Lance Corporal. On 17th May 1915 he was appointed Acting Corporal and on 21st October he

was posted to the 3rd Battalion. On 15th November he was deprived of his acting rank of Corporal and reverted to Private (it is not yet known why).

On 5th December 1915 he was posted to 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment and at some stage was posted overseas.

On 30th September 1917 he was posted to the Labour Corps (Private

380067). On 20th February 1919 he was admitted to 7 Canadian? General Hospital

from the area of Etaples with Bronchitis, and four days later on the 24th February, he was invalided back to the UK.

On 26th May 1920 a request was made for particulars of enlistment, discharge disability and overseas service to be sent to PIO, Baker Street.

On 9th August 1920 John died at Severalls Mental Hospital, Colchester.

On 22nd October the Probate on his will was granted at Ipswich to Martha

Matilda Townsend widow, his effects being £327 3 shillings and 6d (pence).

His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, entered Theatre (France) on 6th December 1915. It also shows that he was transferred to Class Z on 18th April 1919.

On 8th September 1920 his widow Martha signed for the award of the 1915 Star, and on 15th July 1922 did the same for the British War Medal and

Victory Medal. John is buried in Mistley (St Mary) Churchyard, Mistley.

Son of James Townsend; husband of M. M. Townsend, of The Crown Hotel, Manningtree.