St Michaels Aylsham War Memorial 2
Cromer Lifeboat Station, Cromer, England
Any reference to (RoH) means the Roll of Honour Website, to which I am deeply indebted. www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Aylsham.html The Roll of Honour site refers to the War memorial in the churchyard. Although there is also a wooden memorial plaque in the church, this appears to be identical in practically every detail, other than adding that the Korean War individual died in 1952. 1914 - 1918 Percy Willie Baker, MM………………………(RoH) Private 41356. 10th Bn., Essex Regiment. Formerly 5995 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 31 July 1917. Born and lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Awarded the Military medal (MM). Buried: LA BRIQUE MILITARY CEMETERY No.2, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. II. A. 2. On Churchyard War Memorial P.Baker On Church Memorial board P Baker CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=451001 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census 6 year Percy W is recorded at “The Rookery”, Aylsham, the town of his birth. His parents are John, (aged 42, an ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Erpingham) and Matilda, (aged 39 and from Wood Dalling). John and Matilda have another son, James R, (aged 6), as well as a Matilda’s son from an earlier relationship, John H Frostick, (aged 18). On the Day This was the first day of Third Ypres, more commonly known as Passchendaele. The 10th Essex were in the 53rd Brigade, whose role was to build on the success of the initial attack. 53 Bde’s task was to leapfrog 30th Div once Glencorse Wood had been taken. Although the lead elements, (8th Suffolks and 6th Berkshires, were orderd in, they found the woods still in enemy hands and were very soon forced to dig in. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535 Horace BALLS…………..…………………………….....(RoH) Private 2245. "D Coy. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died Thursday 12 August 1915 (CD gives 28 August 1915) in Gallipoli. Age 20. Born and enlisted Norwich. Son of Edward C. Balls, of Hungate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44. On Churchyard War Memorial H Balls On Church Memorial board H Balls CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=698446 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The most likely match is a 5 year old, born Norwich, living at 74 Angel Road, Angel Gardens, Norwich. His parents are Edward, (age 28, born Norwich and an Innkeeper), and Laura, (aged 27). Horace has a brother, John, (aged 3) and a sister, Violet, (aged 0) On the day This is the date associated with the “disappearance” of the 1st/5ths - at least in popular mythology. user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm www.drdavidclarke.co.uk/vanbat.htm Leonard Henry Barber……………………...........(RoH) Private 241848. 12th Bn., Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Thursday 11 April 1918. Born Reepham. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Buried: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 4. On Churchyard War Memorial L Barber On Church Memorial board L Barber CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=874198 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 8 year old Leonard H, born Hackford, is listed at The Ollands, Gromes Cottage, Hackford. His parents are Frederick J, (a 37 year old Domestic Coachman from Thurston, Suffolk), and Eliza, (aged 33 and from Hingham). Frederick and Eliza’s other children are Earnest J, (aged under 1), Frederick C, (aged 5), Hilda F, (aged 6), Mary P, (aged 2), and Sidney R, (aged 3) - all born Hackford. On the Day Divisional Battle Honours include:- Battle of Estaires. 9-11 Apr 1918, including the first defence of Givenchy orbat.com/site/warpath/divs/40_div.htm Leonard is also commemorated in the Parish of Reepham - although this has him down as dying on the 8th, and not in a major battle. There are also a number of pictures of Leonard, of family, medals and paperwork. www.reephambenefice.org.uk/lhbarber.html Frederick James Barrett……………………….(RoH) (There is a picture of Frederick on the RoH site) Private 8118.1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 5 May 1915. Age 25. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Husband of Mrs. L. Barrett, of Unicorn Yard, Hungate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 4. On Churchyard War Memorial F Barrett On Church Memorial board F Barrett CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=926788 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 10 year old Frederick is listed in an “Institution” as a Pauper - possibly the Union Work House Aylsham. His status is son of a Domestic Servant. His 28 year old mother, Sophia, (marital status listed as Single), is also resident, along with possibly a sister of Sophia, Sarah, aged 22 who is described as “feeble-minded”. All were born in Cawston. On the Day the 1st Norfolks were engaged in the battle of St Julian, (part of 2nd Ypres), which had seen the first use of poison gas on the Western Front. This part of 2nd Ypres was coming to an end, with troops being pulled back to more defensible lines after several holes had been punched in the Allied front. I can find no reference specifically to the 1st Norfolks on this date, but the 1st Bedfords, in the same Brigade were definitely in the front line and being subject to gas attack. www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbtn/1stbtn1915diary.html Robert BODDY……………………………….....(RoH) [BODY on CD & CWGC.] Private 196858th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds Saturday 11 August 1917. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 4. On Churchyard War Memorial R Boddy On Church Memorial board R Boddy CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=928306 (Robert Body is listed as being part of 8th Battalion) Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 8 year old Robert Body, (no Robert Boddy’s listed with a Norfolk connection), is listed at Commercial Road, Aylsham., His parents are Richard Body, ( a 39 year old House Painter from Aylsham) and Eliza, (aged 40 and from Oulton). Their other children are Annie, (aged 11), Blanch, (aged 8)and Florence, (aged 9). Eliza’s mother, Rachel Riseborough, a 79 year old Widow is also living with them. On the DaySaturday 11th August 1917 - Day 12 Third Ypres Westhoek During the relief of 7th Bedfords by 8th Norfolks at 4.30am the Germans attacked and captured a pillbox. The Norfolks recaptured it at 6am. forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535 Frank Thomas BOND…………………………..(RoH) There is a picture of Frank on the RoH web-site [F.E. Bond on Memorial] Private 3/8122. 7th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds Tuesday 9 November 1915. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. IV. F. 87. On Churchyard War Memorial F E Bond On Church Memorial board F E Bond CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=62223 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 13 year old Frank T. born Aylsham, is now living at 4 Rose Villas, Suffield Park, Cromer. His parents are Dennis J, ( a 46 year old Carpenter from Oxnead), and Sarah, (aged 44 and from Sheringham). Their other children are George E, (aged 22 and a Plasterers Labourer), Granville C, (aged 9), Mabel B. (aged 6), Robert D, (aged 24 and a Carpenter), Rose E, ( a 16 year old Kitchen Servant), and William J, (aged 20 and a Bricklayer). All the children were born Aylsham. On the Day The 7th Norfolks had suffered considerable losses during their first action the previous month, on the 13th, which included over 190 Other Ranks wounded. It is a possibility that Private Bond was one of these who subsequently succumbed. www.freewebs.com/lou90/flaxmannames.htm 1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42270 For much of the First World War, Bethune was comparatively free from bombardment and remained an important railway and hospital centre, as well as a corps and divisional headquarters. The 33rd Casualty Clearing Station was in the town until December 1917. www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=6000&a... Henry Harold Brawn……………………………..(RoH) [Harry Harold Brawn on CD.] Serjeant 7570 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Monday 14 September 1914. Age 23. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Rebecca Brawn, of Oakfield Rd., Aylsham, Norfolk, and the late Serjt. Maj. Henry Brawn (1st Bn. Norfolk Regt.). Commemorated: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL, Seine-et- Marne, France. On Churchyard War Memorial H Brawn On Church Memorial board H Brawn CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=877844 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census There is no Henry, Harry or Harold recorded - but the 1st Battalion were overseas In 1901, and as a Senior NCO, Serjeant Major Brawn may well have taken his wife with him. On the dayThe division of which the Norfolks were part were involved in Battle of the Aisne. 12-15 Sep 1914, including the capture of the Aisne Heights including the Chemin des Dames. warpath.orbat.com/divs/5_div.htm www.firstworldwar.com/battles/aisne1.htm Walter Cecil CHAMBERLAIN……………………………….........(RoH) Private 2520. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died in Gallipoli on Thursday 12 August 1915 (CD gives 28 August 1915) Age 18. Enlisted Aylsham. Son of Walter Chamberlain, of Fox Lake, Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44. On Churchyard War Memorial W Chamberlain On Church Memorial board W Chamberlain CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=697021 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 3 year old Walter is listed at Union yard, Aylsham. His parents are Walter, (aged 36 and Ordinary Agricultural Labourer), and Martha, (aged 39 and from Holt). Their other children are Ethel, (aged 6), Hannah, (aged 1), Margaret, (under 1), Thomas, (aged 7), as well as four children from Martha’s previous marriage, Ernest Pike, (aged 9), Frederick Pike, (aged 13), George Pike, (aged 12) and James, (aged 14) - the last three all born at Shouldham, Norfolk. On the night of the Census they also have a visitor staying - the 72 year widow Hannah Doughty, originally from Edgefield and therefore possibly a relative of the George William listed further down. On the dayThis is the date associated with the “disappearance” of the 1st/5ths - at least in popular mythology. user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm www.drdavidclarke.co.uk/vanbat.htm Noel Hannant COOKE………………………………..................(RoH) (There is a picture of Noel on the RoH site) Private 46643. 36th Field Amb, Royal Army Medical Corps. Formerly 13912 Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Friday 1 October 1915. Age 22. Born Marsham. Enlisted Lowestoft. Son of Ward Hannant Cooke and Lucy Maria Cooke, of Hungate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. I. H. 34. On Churchyard War Memorial N H Cooke On Church Memorial board N H Cook CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=251304 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 8 year old Noel, born Marsham, is listed at Fengate, Marsham. His parents are Ward, ( a 35 year old Bricklayer from Hainford), and Lucy, (37 and from Blickling). Their other children are Dora, (aged 6, Aylsham), Francis, (under 1,Marsham), Harold, (aged 5, Aylsham), Hugh, (aged 3, Erpingham), Kenneth, (age 1, Erpingham)and Lucy, (aged 9, Marsham). On the day 5th Field Ambulance was attached to the 18th (Eastern) Division. I’ve had a quick check but I can’t see that the Division was in action, (other than the daily routine of manning trenches and coping with bombardment and sniping for some of them!) Ernest Hugh COPEMAN……………………………….................(RoH) (There is also a separate memorial plaque in the church) Second Lieutenant. 6th Bn., Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) attd. 37th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). Killed in action near Loos in France on Saturday 18 March 1916. (Church memorial gives 19 March 1916). Born 18 August 1888. Son of Thomas & Mariana Copeman. B.A. Cantab. Commemorated: LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 95 to 97. On Churchyard War Memorial E H Copeman On Church Memorial board E H Copeman CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=730348 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 12 year old Ernest is now resident as a pupil at a school near Hurstpierrepoint, West Sussex. On the 1891 Census, the 2 year old Ernest was resident at Blickling Road, Buxton. His parents are Thomas, (aged 65, born Aylsham and Living on Own Means, described as being “Short-sighted from birth) and Marian A, (aged 42 and from Aldborough). Their other children appear to be Robert A, (aged 7), “Martial”(?), (aged 6) and John G, (aged 4). The Copeman’s have a live on Governess and two live in servants. The church memorial reads: “In memory of Ernest Hugh Copeman, BA Cantab 2nd Lt R W Kent Regt & Machine Gun Corps Born 18th August 1888 Killed in action near Loos in France 19th March 1916 Also of Herbert Guy Hele Copeman BA (Oxon) 2nd Lt Oxford and Bucks L.I. Born 21st May 1891 Killed in action at Guillemont 3rd Sept.1916 The fourth and youngest sons of Thomas and Marianna Copeman Late of Aylsham Haec manus ob patriam” Herbert Guy Hele COPEMAN………………………………...........(RoH) (There is also a separate memorial plaque in the church - see above) Second Lieutenant 6th Bn., Oxford. and Bucks Light Infantry. Killed in action at Guillemont on Sunday 3 September 1916. Age 25. Son of Thomas and Mariana A. Copeman. Born at Aylsham 21 May 1891. B.A. Oxon. Buried: GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme, France. Ref. Sp. Mem. 7. On Churchyard War Memorial H G H Copeman On Church Memorial board H G H Copeman CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=534245 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census Herbert G H Copeman, aged 9, is living at Blickling Road, Buxton. His widowed mother Mariana is given as the head of household. Robert S is now aged 17 and employed as a Bank Clerk - see Ernest above for details of the household make-up at the time of the 1891 census, when Robert was listed with the middle initial A. Mariana still retains two household servants. On the day20th Div was tasked with taking Guillemont. Zero Hour was noon. 59 Bde reinforced by 6th Bn, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (60 Bde) and 7th Bn, Somerset Light Infantry (61 Bde) attacked the southern endof Guillemont while 47 Bde of the 16th (Irish) Div was attached to the 20th Div from Corps Reserve. 10th Bn, King’s Royal Rifle Corps and 6th Bn, Connaught Rangers advanced before the bombardment lifted thus surprising the Germans at Zero Hour. The KRRC with 10th and 11th Bns, the Rifle Brigade reached their objective, the Hardecourt Road in 20 minutes. The KRRC mopped up here while the two Rifle battalions wheeled north to Mount Street. North of Mount Street 6th Connaughts and 7th Leinsters advanced rapidly into Guillemont bypassing the quarry.In the face of heavy artillery and MG fire, the troops consolidated near North St and South St by 1.15pm. The advance resumed at 2.50pm on the Ginchy –Wedge Wood Road, which was reached at 3.30pm. 7th Bn, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry moved into the village to assist in consolidation. Counter attacks at 5.30 and 6.30 pm were repelled. W CORKE……………………………….......................................(RoH) Possibly: William Corke. Private 18394. 2nd Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died in Mesopotamia on Monday 4 September 1916. Age 36. Born Instead, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Husband of Mrs. Matthewman (formerly Corke), of True's Cottages, High St., Wickford, Essex. Buried: AMARA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Ref. IX. H. 32. On Churchyard War Memorial W Corke On Church Memorial board W Corke CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=627932 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census No obvious match for either William or any other W born circa 1879/81 On the dayMany of the 2nd battalion had become prisoners of the Turks following the fall of the besieged city of Kut . It has been estimated that over 70% of the Norfolks who surrendered at Kut died either on the subsequent march to prison camps, or in captivity. www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm www.oldbuckenham-pri.norfolk.procms.co.uk/pages/viewpage.... George William DOUGHTY………………………………............(RoH) Private 40186. 4th Bn., Bedfordshire Regiment. Formerly 28205 Essex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Tuesday 30 October 1917. Born Suffield. Lived Oulton. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A. On Churchyard War Memorial G W Doughty On Church Memorial board G W Doughty CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1630276 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 14 year-old George Wm. is recorded at Hungate Street, Aylsham, having been born at Suffield. George is employed as a Bricklayers Apprentice. His parents are Walter, (aged 41 and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Foulsham) and Sarah Ann, (aged 42 and from Suffield). Their other children are Ethel M, (aged 9, born Banningham), and Rose Louisa, (aged 16 and born Suffield). On the day Battalion War Diary 30 Oct. Battn. attacked at 5.50am 7RF on left, Artists Rifles on right, Canadian Corps on right of Artists. Canadians reached [unreadable] objectives but our attack was held up by very heavy and boggy ground surrounding the PADDEBEEK and a total advance of about 150-200 yards only was made. CASUALTIES - Officers Killed; Capt. L.C.T. [Leslie Charles Thomas] GATE, 2Lt A.E. TEE. Wounded; Capt. J. SCOTT, Lt C.H. WAREING, Lt K.V.R. GOLD, 2Lt E.A. GLOSSOP, 2Lt ? BORNETT, 2Lt NEW, 2Lt RADWELL. OR Killed 52, wounded 180, missing 23. Battn relieved by NELSON Battn. at 7pm and marched out to IRISH FARM. www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/4thbtn/4thbtn1917diary.html C C DUCKER……………………………….....................................(RoH) Possibly: Cecil Civel Ducker. Private16949. "A Coy. 7th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Wednesday 13 October 1915. Age 24. Born Hempnall, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Emily Ducker, of 34, Marlowe Rd., Newnham Croft, Cambridge, and the late William Ducker. Commemorated: LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 30 and 31. On Churchyard War Memorial C C Ducker On Church Memorial board C C Ducker CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2941542 Norlink No archive items. 1901 Census The 10 year old Cecil Civel is living at The Street, Ingworth and is recorded as being at School. There is no place of birth shown for him, but it is likely that it is Martham, the same as his sister Dora Daymer, (aged 24 and a Draper). Their parents are William, (aged 49 and a Police Pensioner from Cawston), and Emily, (aged 47 and a Grocer from Ingworth).