Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

DOWNHAM MARKET WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2- Detailed Information
Compiled and Copyright © Martin Edwards 2004

Downham Market has a memorial recreation area containing a small garden with a memorial to those who died in World War 2 and a main war memorial at the end of the High Street near to where the Howdale Home was listing those who died in World War 1 and 2. All the names from the World War 2 list on the memorial appear on the recreation ground memorial except the one marked *. A new plaque was unveiled 4th November 2001 to those men who died in the Far East in World War 2, it can be found on the wall ebhind the main memorial; the inscription reads: "THIS PLAQUE COMMEMORATES THOSE MEN/ OF THE ROYAL NORFOLK, CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND SUFFOLK REGIMENTS, AND OTHER SERVING MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE LOCAL AREA WHO SUFFERED GREATLY IN THE FAR EAST DURING AND AFTER THE 1939-45 WAR". Pictures of the main Downham memorial at the time of its initial unveiling can be seen on a separate page. Downham Market, in fact Bexwell, was also home to 218, 608 and 635 Squadrons during World War 2.

Photographs Copyright © Martin Edwards 2004
Click here to see more photographs of the unveiling of this memorial

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN
GRATEFUL AND LASTING REMEMBRANCE
OF OUR BRAVE FELLOW TOWNSMEN
WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES
FOR KING AND COUNTRY IN THE
GREAT WAR 1914-1918

ADAMS

Lambert Victor
Private 24199, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died 21st october 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Lynn, enlisted Downham Market. Commemeorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

AKRED

Albert John
Private 30436, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds 18th February 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 21. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Norwich. Son of John and Elizabeth Mary Akred, of Fen Drove, Downham West, Norfolk. Buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XXI, Row G. Grave 5.

ALLEN

Frederick Samuel
Corporal 290300, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds 2nd September 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 19. Born King's Lynn, enlisted East Dereham. Son of Samuel Edward and Rosalie Allen, of 3, Windsor St., Downham Market, Norfolk. Buried in Red Cross Corner Cemtery, Beugny, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row A. Grave 3.

ASHBY

Arthur John
Private 148832, Base Depot, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 20th May 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 34. Born Rugby, enlisted Downham Market. Son of Thomas and Ellen Ashby, of Rugby; husband of Ethel L. Ashby, of 6, Park Rd., Chelmsford, Essex. Formerly 5/4/186240, Royal Army Service Corps. Buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot LXVII. Row D. Grave 14.

AVEIS

Walter Albert
Private 92109, 13th Battalion, King's (Liverpool Regiment). Died of wounds 5th May 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 20. Born King's Lynn, enlisted Norwich, resident Dowmnham Market. Son of Walter Albert and Charlotte Aveis, of 9, Windsor St., Downham Market, Norfolk. Formerly S/44/039743, Royal Army Service Corps. Buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VII. Row F. Grave 4.

BAILEY

Ernest
Driver M2/116994, Royal Army Service Corps attached 33rd Casualty Clearing Station. Killed in action 7th August 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Hockwold-cum-Wilton (Downham Market)(sic). Husband of M. N Bailey, of Bridge Street, Downham, Norfolk. Buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row H. Grave 6.

BELLHAM

Frank
[Spelt BELHAM on SDGW] Lance Corporal 201303, 2nd/4th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 8th June 1917 in France & Flanders. Enlsited Sleaford, Lincolnshire, resident Downham Market. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C.

BOWMAN

Walter
Private 54361 [SDGW states 45361], 51st Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Died of wounds 14th November 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Markham (sic - either Martham or Marham), enlisted Downham Market. Formerly 25709, Norfolk Regiment. Buried in Contay British Cemetery, Contay, Somme, France. Plot II. Row F. Grave 29.

BROWN

James [Reginald]
[Listed as BROWNE on SDGW & CWGC] Rifleman 46436, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Killed in action 24th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Attleborough. Buried in Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, Somme, France. Plot II. Row K. Grave 13.

BRYAN

Charles William
Sergeant 7509, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 27th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Bourne, Lincolnshire, enlisted Downham Market. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

CLARKE

William Osborne
Private 8436, 2nd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 17th November 1914 in Mesopotamia. Aged 22. Born and enlisted Downham Market. Son of William C. and Susan Clark, of "Crossways," Lynn Rd., Downham, Norfolk. Commemorated on Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panel 10.

COLLEN

Charles Thomas
Private 29955, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds at home 5th April 1918. Born Gayton, enlisted East Dereham. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Collen, of York Villa, Bridge Road, Downham Market. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 18. Grave 34.

CORLEY

George J
Private 8535, 2nd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died 31st October 1916 in Mesopotamia. Born Denver, enlisted Downham Market. Commemorated on Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panel 10.

CORLEY

John
Private 241024, 1st/5th Battalion (Territorial Force), Norfolk Regiment. Died 19th April 1917 in Palestine. Aged 25. Enlisted East Dereham. Husband of Mrs. Florence Corley, of Wisbech Rd., Downham West, Norfolk. Commemorated on Jerusalem memorial, Israel. Panels 12 to 15.

CRABB

Thomas
Private 3/8071, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 20th October 1915 in France & Flanders. Aged 32. Born Littleport, Cambridgeshire, enlisted Norwich. Son of George and Sarah Crabb, of Bridge Rd., Downham Market, Norfolk. Buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Plot XVIII. Row F. Grave 4.

CULLING

Arthur
Private S/5174, "D" Company, 8th [SDGW states 9th] Battalion, Seathforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany's). Died of wounds 6th October 1915 in France & Flanders. Aged 25. Born Downham Market, enlisted Fort George, Inverness-shire. Son of Harry W. and Sarah A. Culling, of 5, Priory Terrace, Downham Market, Norfolk. Buried in Le Treport Military Cemetery, Seine-Maritime, France. Plot 1. Row M. Grave 4.

CULLING

Thomas [Tom]
Private 232932, 2nd (City of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers), London Regiment. Killed in action 16th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Deptford. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 52.

DIXON

George
Private 36168, "A" Company, 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 7th October 1916 in France & Flanders. Aged 28. Born Swaffham, enlisted and resident Downham Market. Son of Mrs. Emma Dixon, of Priory Road, Downham Market, Norfolk. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.

DOUGHTY

Donald Ernest
Private 2273, 1st/5th Battalion (Territorial Force), Norfolk Regiment. Died 28th August 1915 at Gallipoli. Aged 20. Born Downham Market, enlisted East Dereham. Son of William and Frances Doughty. Commemorated on Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44.

EAGLE

Percy
probably Percy EAGLE, Private 241446, 1st/6th Battalion, Prince of Wales's (North Staffordshire Regiment). Killed in action 1st July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Massingham, Norfolk, enlisted Burton-on-Trent, resident Welney. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 14 B and 14 C

FINCHAM

Herbert
probably Herbert FINCHAM, Private 3/10586, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 12th October 1916 in France & Flanders. Born fiuncham, enlisted Norwich. Buried in Grevillers British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XVIII. Row E. Grave 18.

FREEMAN

Edgar
Gunner RMA/10425, H.M.S. "Invincible", Royal MArine Artillery. Died 31st May 1916. Aged 30. Son of John and Elizabeth J. Freeman, of Ten Mile Bank, Downham, Norfolk. Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval memorial, Hampshire. Panel 21.

Note: At the Battle of Jutland on 31st May 1916, Invincible, Indomitable, and Inflexible were steaming ahead of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe's Grand Fleet when Invincible came under sustained fire from the German battleships Derfflinger Lützow, and König. At 18:33 a shell scored a direct hit on Q turret. The antiflash devices between turrets and magazines were inadequate and there was an almost instantaneous explosion that blew the ship in half. There were only six survivors; 1,021 crew were lost.

FROST

John
No further information currently.

FIRTH

Frederick Alexander
Born in Downham Market the last quarter of 1888. A photo copy of a newspaper clipping regarding his funeral in Doncaster states that he was Sgt. Frederick Firth of the Norfolk Regiment, he had not been out of the Army for very long when he was employed at Doncaster Tramways as a Conductor. He had served several years in the Army before the war and was called up, as a reservist, at the outbreak of war and was sent out for service with the original expeditionary force and afterward being attached to the Royal Engineers. After 2¼ years service in France he was invalided home with trench fever and bronchitis. He was discharged as unfit for service in February 1917. He tried but could not resume his job on the Tramways due to his health and died November 30, 1917 and was buried December 4, 1917. The exact date of the newspaper is unknown. The newspaper clipping says he was buried with "full military honours, the remains being bourne on a gun carriage and a firing party being supplied by his old Regiment the Norfolks, the procession was headed by the fine band of the 24th Battalion, The service was conducted by the Rev. E. E. Law, chaplain to the Forces." He was a lodger with Mrs. Pease, 43 Urban Road, Doncaster, he was a colleague of her son Private Percy Pease prior to the war. Percy Pease was killed in action in July 1916. Sgt Firth had three brothers in the army one at Salonica, one in France and one on Home Service.

GODDARD

John
Private 25693, 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment transferred to 530363, Northern command Labour Centre, Labour Corps. Died 16th May 1919. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 10. Grave 31.

GODDARD

William [Smith]
Private 45768, 9th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died 3rd January 1919. Aged 30. Son of Fanny Moore (formerly Goddard), of Railway Road, Downham Market, and the late Fred Goddard. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 10. Grave 40.

GOODRUM

Nathan
Private 2819, 1st/5th Battalion, Prince of Wales's (North Staffordshire Regiment). Killed in action 13th October 1915 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Hanley, Staffordshire. Son of the late Mr. G. and Mrs. H. Goodrum, of Downham, Norfolk. Commemorated on Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 103 to 105.

GOODRUM

Robert
Private 34452, 6th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 10th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 30. Born Downham Market, enlisted Dover, resident Sandgate, Kent. Son of George and Harriett Goodrum, of Downham Market, Norfolk; husband of Daisy Victoria Nelson (formerly Goodrum), of 1544, Casgrain Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. Formerly 5697, Royal Fusiliers. Buried in Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-Les-Mofflaines, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row D. Grave 3.

GROMETT

Charles
[Spelt GROMMET on CWGC] Sergeant 8713, 1st Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. Died of wounds 27th September 1914 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Bury St Edmunds. Buried in St. Nazaire (Toutes-Aides) Cemetery, Loire-Atlantique, France. Row B. Grave 27.

GROMETT

Ernest
Private 104251, 2nd Battalion, Candian Pioneers. Died 22nd May 1918. Born 22nd November 1885 in Hull. Passed fit on 2nd August 1915 and enlisted 3rd August 1915 in Regina, Canada, aged 29. Son of Charles Gromett and wife, of Bridge Street, Downham Market, Norfolk. Trackman by trade. Single. Height 5 feet 3 inches, girth 35½ inches, complexion pale, eyes blue, hair brow, religion church of England. Buried in Bellacourt Military Cemetery, Riviere, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row K. Grave 7. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 3854 - 43

GROOM

Ernest George
Corporal 347, 6th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Motors). Died at home of wounds received 20th October 1918. Aged 31. Born Downham Market, enlisted London. Son of Henry and Matilda Groom, of Bridge Street, Downham Market. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 37. Grave 12.

GROOM

William John
Private 32101, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 9th March 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 41. Enlisted Downham Market. Husband of Ethel Groom, of Paradise Road, Downham Market, Norfolk. Commemorated in Queen's Cemetery, Bucquoy, Pas de Calais, France. Special Memorial 4. Special memorials record the names of six soldiers from the United Kingdom, buried in Miraumont German Cemetery, whose graves were destroyed by shell fire.

HARNWELL

George
Private 2125, 1st/5th Battalion (Territorial Force), Norfolk Regiment. Died 21st August 1915 at Gallipoli. Aged 16. Born and enlisted Downham Market. Son of George and Mary Elizabeth Harnwell, of Bridge Road, Downham West, Norfolk. Commemorated on a special memorial in Haidar Pasha Cemetery, Turkey.

Note: The war graves plot also contains the HAIDAR PASHA MEMORIAL, which was erected to commemorate more than 30 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War who died fighting in South Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, and in post Armistice operations in Russia and Transcaucasia, whose graves are not known. An Addenda panel was later added to commemorate over 170 Commonwealth casualties who are buried in cemeteries in South Russia and Transcaucasia whose graves can no longer be maintained.

HAWES

John
possibly either John HAWES, Lance Corporal 9054, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Killed in acion 27th July 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 27. Born Denver, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich, resident Woodford, Essex. Husband of Rosetta New (formerly Hawes), of Cook's Farm, Methwold, Hythe, Brandon, Suffolk. Buried in Bleuet Far Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot I. Row C. Grave 16. or J H HAWES, Gunner 211834, "D" Battery, 170th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died 5th April 1919. Son of Mrs. I. Hawes, of The Fifties Farm, Manea, March, Cambs. Buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cmetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row F. Grave 56.

HAYLETT

Walter Ernest

Gunner 79091, 140th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 8th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted King's Lynn. Husband of Mrs. E. Haylett, of 50, Florence Road, Wimbledon, London. Buried in Achiet-Le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Plot Iv. Row K. Grave 10.

HEWING

Ernest

Rifleman 608006, 18th (County of London) Battalion (London Irish Rifles), London Regiment. Died of wounds 15th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Enlisted King's Lynn, resident Downham Market. Formerly 656, Army Service Corps posted 14th Battalion, Irish Rifles. Buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot V. Row D. Grave 9.

HOWCROFT

Ernest

probably Ernest HOWCROFT, Private 240894, 1st/5th Battalion (Territorial Force), Norfolk Regiment. Died 2nd September 1917 in Palestine. Enlisted East Dereham. Buried in Baghda (North gate) War Cemetery, Iraq. Plot XXI. Row U. Grave 37.

HUBBARD

Harry

Private 2152, 1st/5th Battalion (territorial Force), Norfolk Regiment. Died 28th August 1915 at Gallipoli. Aged 19. Born Wereham, enlisted Downham Market. Son of Harry and Elizabeth Hubbard, of 16, Windsor Terrace, Downham Market, Norfolk. Commemorated on Helles memorial, Turkey, Panel 42 to 44.

JOHNSON, MM

Walter Edwin

Acting Corporal 32925, 2nd Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 27th May 1918 in France & Flanders. Enlisted Norwich, resident Downham Market. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Commemorated on Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France.

KENDLE

Fred[erick]

Private 353505, 7th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment. Died 29th December 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Downham Market, enlsited Ilford, Essex, resident Barking, Essex. Husband of M. J. Kendle, of 34B, Morat St., Clapham, London. Buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XXXI. Row E. Grave 17A.

KENT

Albert William

Private 8843, "A" Company, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died of wounds 23rd May 1915 in France & Flanders. Aged 21. Born Battersea, enlisted Downham Market. Son of Albert Benjamin and Mrs. B. Kent, of Railway Rd., Downham Market, Norfolk. Buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery, Koln (Cologne), Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Plot XV. Row B. Grave 33.

KING

Arthur Ernest Gromett

Private TF/202353, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 28th March 1918 witht he B.E.F. Born Salter's Lode, enlisted Norwich. Buried in Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Plot III. Row B. Grave 20.

LACK

Frederick

Private 45750, 18th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 16th October 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and enlisted Downham Market. Formerly 1792, Norfolk Regiment. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

LANKFER

Ernest [Ernie]

Lance Corporal 202592, 18th Battalion (4th Glasgow), Highland Light Infantry. Killed in action 1st October 1918 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted East Dereham. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 131 to 132.

LEVERICK

Arthur

Lance Corporal G/61744, 23rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 28th January 1917 in france & Flanders. Born Brandon creek, enlisted Downham Market. Formerly G/11693, 10th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.

MARTIN

James Nelson

Second Lieutenant, 61st Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 21st March 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 25. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Martin. Commemorated on Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 7 to 10.

MOORE

George

Sergeant SS/13872, 18th Labour Company, Royal Army Service Corps. Died at sea 13th August 1915. Born Downham Market, enlisted London, resident Maidenhead. Commemorated on Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 199 or 233 to 236 and 331

MOULTON

Theodore

Private G/41736, 20th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 4th January 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 32. Born Fenham (sic - probably Fincham), enlisted Waterford, Ireland, resident Downham Market. Son of Robert and Jessie Moulton, of 47, Tachbrook St., Pimlico, London. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 12 D and 13 B.

NICKLIN

William

Second Lieutenant, "C" Company, Special Brigade, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 24th August 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 40. Born at Stamford. Son of Alfred Nicklin, of Bexwell Road, Downham, Norfolk. Buried in Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, Somme, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 4.

PACK

Alfred Edward
Private 67322, posted 1st London Regiment, Royal Fusliers (City of London Regiment). Died 16th March 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 29. Born Downham Market, enlisted Wisbech. Son of William and Emma Pack; husband of Mabel Harriet Roughton (formerly Pack) of 19, Victoria Rd., Wisbech. Formerly 87461, 24th Training Reserve Battalion, Buried in Hamburg Cemetery, Hamburg, Germany. Plot I. Row E. Grave 13.

Note: During the First World War, Hamburg Cemetery was used for the burial of over 300 Allied servicemen who died as prisoners of war. In 1923, it was decided that the graves of Commonwealth servicemen who had died all over Germany should be brought together into four permanent cemeteries. Hamburg was one of those chosen, and burials were brought into the cemetery from 120 burial grounds* in Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg, Oldenburg, Hanover, Saxony, Brunswick and Westphalia.

The following cemeteries are among those from which graves were brought to Hamburg: GUSTROW PRISONERS OF WAR CEMETERY, Mecklenburg-Schwerin. 59 burials of 1914-1918. Gustrow was one of the main camps in which prisoners in Germany were registered. HANNOVER (LIMMER) MILITARY CEMETERY, Hannover. 31 burials of 1914-1918. HELIGOLAND CHURCHYARD, Helgoland. one burial of 1916. MINDERHEIDE PRISONERS OF WAR CEMETERY, Westphalia. 55 burials of 1916-1918. MUNSTER CAMP PRISONERS OF WAR CEMETERY, Hannover. 130 burials of 1917-1919. PARCHIM PRISONERS OF WAR CEMETERY, Mecklenburg Schwerin. 83 burials of 1917-1919. SOLTAU PRISONERS OF WAR CEMETERY, Hannover. 25 burials of 1916-1918. VERDEN GARRISON CEMETERY, Hannover. 29 burials of 1916-1918.

PACK

Horace Algernon
Private 40575, 70th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 31st July 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 31. Born Downham Market, enlisted King's Lynn. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Pack, of Downham Market, Norfolk; husband of Edith 0. Tucker (formerly Pack), of 48, Nelson Rd., Gorleston-on-Sea. Formerly 45230, Suffolk Regiment. Commemorated on Ypresd (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 43 and 45.

PORTER

Harold
possibly Harold PORTER, Lance Corporal 41235, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action 9th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 37. Born Hilgay, enlisted and resident Cambridge. Son of Robert Porter, of Hilgay, Norfolk; husband of Mary Elizabeth Porter, of 34, South St., East Rd., Cambridge. Formerly 33557, Suffolk Regiment. Buried in Feuchy British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 11.

RUMBELOW

William Ernest
Private 20557, 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Killed in action 16th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 25. Born and enlisted Downham Market. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rumbelow, of Lynn Roadd, Downham Market; husband of Valentine Silveys Rumbelow, of Bridge Street, Downham Market. Formerly 27864, Essex Regiment. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 88 to 90 and 162

SHELDRAKE

Leonard [Harry]
Gunner 147339, 23rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died of wounds 9th November 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 25. Born Stoke Ferry, enlisted King's Lynn, resident Downham Market. Husband of Olive Ada Sheldrake, of Stow Bridge, Downham Market. Buried in Lijssenthoek Military cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XXII. Row CC. Grave 6.

SHELDRAKE

Sessions S
Private 59470, 23rd Battalion (Tyneside Scottish), Northumberland Fusliers. Died 8th April 1918 in france & Flanders. Aged 29. Born Stoke Ferry, enlisted London. Son of William and Louisa Sheldrake, of Cyprus House, Downham Market. Commemorated on Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 2.

SMITH

William
No further information currently.

SPINKS

George William
Driver 210322, "B" Battery, 93rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 22nd March 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Downham Market, enlisted Attleborough. Commemorated on Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 7 to 10.

STEWARD

Charles Edward
Private 3/10012, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 8th October 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 45. Born Downham Market, enlisted Norwich. Husband of Rose Matilda Steward, of Bridge Rd., Downham Market. Commemorated on Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 4.

STOCKING

Alan John
[Spelt Allen John on SDGW & CWGC] Private 20896, 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action 22nd October 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 25. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Norwich. Son of C. T. Stocking, of Bridge Street, Downham Market; husband of Mrs. A. Francis (formerly Stocking), of Lynn Road, Downham Market. Formerly 16672, Norfolk Regiment. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 98 to 99.

THORPE

Frederick John
Warrant Officer Class II (S. Sergeant Major) 325199, Worcester Yeomanry (The Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars), Cavalry. Killed in action 23rd April 1916 in Egypt. Aged 28. Born Downham Market, enlisted Worcester, resident Hindolveston. Husband of Alice Jane Thorpe, of Pear Tree House, Hindolvestone, Guist, Norfolk. Commemorated on Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. Panel 3 and 5.

WALES

Richard Henry
Private 21302, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 15th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Aged 25. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Norwich. Husband of Elizabeth Ann Wales, of 30, Winchester Street, Brighton. Formerly 17637, Suffolk Regiment. Buried in A.I.F. Burial ground, Flers, Somme, France. Plot XII. Row H. Grave 1.

WALKER

Cyril
No further information currently.

WATSON

Charles Vince
Gunner 147186, "V" 1st Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 18th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 38. Born and enlisted Downham Market. Son of the late James and Elizabeth Vince Watson; husband of Cecily Annie Watson, of Verdun House, Bridge Road, Downham Market, Norfolk. Mineral water manufacturer. Buried in Cambrin Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Row O. Grave 7.

WATSON

Harry [Parsons]
[Listed as Henry Parsons WATSON on SDGW] Private G/62170, 20th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 20th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 18. Born and resident Downham Market, enlisted Maidstone, Kent. Grandson of Mrs. S. Watson, of Lynn Road, Downham, Norfolk. Buried in Hagle Dump Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row G. Grave 2.

WATTS

Frederick
Private 31056, 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action 8th May 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 37. Born Westacre, Norfolk, enlisted Peckham, Surrey. Son of Mrs. A. Watts, of Lynn Road, Downham Market. Commemorated on Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6.

WAY

Horace [Elijah]
Sergeant 3471, 246th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 28th July 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 30. Born and resident Dawnham (sic - should be Downham), enlisted Birmingham. Son of Mr. P. C. and Mrs. R. Way, of 75, High Street, Downham Market. Formerly 16440, Norfolk Regiment. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 56.

WHEATLAND

Alfred James
Private 3/8098, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 27th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Aged 41. Born Godstone, Surrey, enlisted Norwich. Son of Mrs. Martha Wheatland, of Downham Market; husband of Minnie Wheatland, of 2, Bennett Street, Downham Market. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D

WILSON

Herbert
Private 436204, 1st Canadian General Hospital, Canadian Army Medical Corps. Killed in action 19th May 1918 probably during an air raid on the 1st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples, France. Husband of Ethel M Wilson of 36 Cleveland St, Englewood, New Jersey, USA (her previous address was 1626 94th St, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). He was born on 23rd August 1874. His civilian trade was clerk. He previously served in the 5th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He enlisted into the Canadian Army on 6th January 1915 at Edmonton, Alberta. Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot LXVI. Row D. Grave 17.

WRIGHT

Edward Charles
Private 40257, 1st Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Died of wounds 30th June 1917 in Frrance & Flanders. Aged 26. Born Downham Market, enlsited Peterborough. Son of George and Emma Wright. Formerly 23109, Northamptonshire Regiment. Buried in Reading Cemetery, Berkshire. Plot 72. Now A/C. Screen Wall.

Note: The grave references marked A/C. Screen Wall are casualties, buried in Plot 72, now Alternativly Commemorated on a Screen Wall, near to the Cross of Sacrifice; these graves are otherwise no longer marked.

YOUNG

Thomas William
[SDGW states Acting Corporal] Sergeant 3/8094, 3rd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died at home 8th September 1915. Aged 46. Born Downham market, enlisted Norwich. Husband of Harriet Grace Young, of Ryston End, Downham Market. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 20. Grave 24.

YOUNG

William Thomas
No further information currently.

WORLD WAR 1939 - 1945

~

IN PROUD
AND
LOVING MEMORY
OF
THE MEN & WOMEN
OF
DOWNHAM MARKET
WHO GAVE THEIR
LIVES IN THE
WORLD WAR
1939 - 1945

ALLEN

E G
possibly Edward George ALLEN, Private 5770776, 2nd Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Died 19th May 1940. Aged 24. Buried in Le Paradis War Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot 2. Row G. Grave 11.

ATKIN

Stanley Bernard
Corporal 5774795, 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Died between 2nd and 11th August 1940. Aged 25. Son of John and Harriet Atkin; husband of Phyllis Maud Atkin, of Watlington, Norfolk. Buried in London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, Somme, France. Plot 13. Row E. Grave 12.

BECKETT

Alfred Laurence
Private 5777362, 5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. Died 23rd March 1943. Aged 23. Son of John and Julia Ada Beckett, of Downham Market. Buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia. Plot I Row F Grave 14.

BLAND

Joseph [Jesse]
Lance Sergeant 2657780, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Died 19th march 1943. Age 26. Son of Francis Frank and Bertha Ellen Bland, of Downham Market. Buried in Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia. Plot VI. Row D. Grave 10.

BYE

H
possibly Harold BYE, Driver T/3969000, 78 Division H.Q., Royal Army Service Corps. Died 14th December 1944. Aged 28. Son of Albert and Rose Bye; husband of Muriel Elsie Bye. Buried in Santerno Valley War Cemetery, Italy. Plot II Row E Grave 13.

COLLEN

Jim
Private 5774979, 5th Battalion, Royal No4rfolk Regiment. Died while a Prisoner of War 11th March 1944. Age 25. Buried in Chungkai War Cemetery, Thailand. Plot 8 Row M Grave 9.

COWELL

Walter Robert
Sergeant 628277, 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died 20th July 1940. Aged 20. Son of Robert John and Sarah Elizabeth Cowell, of Porter Street, Downham Market. Commemorated on Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Panel 13.

DACK

Doreen M
No further information currently possibly had a twin sister.

DENNIS

Ronald Arthur
Leading Telegraphist P/JX 155585, H.M. Submarine "Turbulent", Royal Navay. Died 23rd March 1943. Aged 21. Son of William Arthur and Gertrude Alice Dennis, of Denver, Norfolk. Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hamsphire. Panel 77. Column 1.

DORMAN

Peter Anselm
Sergeant (Pilot) 1269608, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 17th July 1942. Age 22. Son of the Reverend Wildrid Bertram Salsibury Dorman, A.K.C., and Alice Marguerite Dorman, of Downham Market Rectory. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 3. Grave 41.

HAWKINS*

Marcus Hugh
Lieutenant 245354, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Died 27th August 1944. Son of Lancelot Goulder Hawkins and Mabelle Babington Hawkins, of King's Lynn, Norfolk. Buried in Arezzo War Cemetery, Italy. Plot II. Row E. Grave 8.

HEMMANT

Eric Charles
Sergeant (Air Gunner) 3000858, 100 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 1st February 1945. Aged 22. Son of Harold George and Ida Dorothy Hemmant, of Downham Market. Buried in Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany. Plot 1. Row D. Grave 13.

HUNTER

Douglas Frederick
Signalman 3778844, 2nd Division Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. Died 27th February 1945. Aged 31. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Walter Hunter; husband of Alice Maude Hunter, of Downham Market. Commemorated on Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar (formelry Burma). Face 4.

JACKSON

Joseph Walter
Telegraphist P/JX 215221, H.M.S. "Dunedin", Royal Navy. Died 24th November 1941. Aged 25. Son of Percy and May M. Jackson, of Downham Market. Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. Panel 52. Column 3.

Note: HMS Dunedin was a 'D' Class Cruiser. On 24th November 1941, in the Central Atlantic off St Paul's Rocks, north east of Recife, Brazil she was sunk by 2 torpedoes from German U-124.

JOPLIN

Joseph Henry
Captain 210122, Royal Army Service Corps. Died 28th April 1944. Aged 32. Son of John Joseph and Caroline Elizabeth Joplin; husband of Elsie Lucina Joplin, of Wimbotsham. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 5. Grave 4.

MOUNCER

Frederick [Ernest]
Corporal 1644730, 276 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 17th April 1944. Aged 35. Son of Herbert and Emma Ethel Mouncer, husband of Mary Alexandra Mouncer, of Denver. Buried in St Leonard's Churchyard, Mundford, Norfolk. Section F Row F Grave 3

MANSELL

Reginald Harry
Gunner 1114536, 80 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died the day after the fall of Singapore 16th February 1942. Aged 26. Son of Harry Mansell, and of Florence Evangeline Mansell, of Downham Market. Commemorated on Singapore CML Hospital Grave Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 2.

RIX

Donald James
Private 14440557, 7th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Died 2nd October 1944. Aged 18. Son of Sidney Thomas Rix and Florence Jane Rix, of Downham Market. Buried in Mook War Cemetery, Limburg, Netherlands. Plot I. Row E. Grave 3.

WADSWORTH

Peter Robert
Marine CH/X 112639, H.M.S. "Copra", Royal MArines. Died 6th June 1944. Aged 19. Son of Percy Williamson Wadsworth and Edith Norah Wadsworth, of Downham Market. Youngest (15) Home Guard in County of Norfolk. Commemorated on Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. Panel 84.

WALES

Richard Garneys
[Although the memorial appears to be Garneys CWGC says Carnbys] Pilot Officer 87420, 254 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 22nd May 1941. Aged 29. Son of Dr. Edward G. Wales, M.B., B.Ch., and Annie Wales, of Southwold, Suffolk. Commemorated on Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Panel 35.

WALKER

Donald Ernest
Flight Lieutenant 60574, 205 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 27th March 1944. Aged 26. Son of Edward Albert and Sarah Ellen Walker, of Downham Market; husband of Ena Florence Walker. Commemorated on Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 432.

WAY

Claude [Reginald]
Petty Officer Steward C/LX 22927, H.M.S. "Ivanhoe", Royal Navy. Died 2nd September 1940. Aged 58. Son of Frederick and Rose Way; husband of Elsie May Way, of Downham Market. Commemorated on Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. Column 39 Panel 2.

WHITEHEAD, DFM

Harold [Hopper]
Pilot Officer 48895, 83 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died 26th July 1942. Aged 27. Son of Mr. and Mrs T. C Whitehead, of Downham Market. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (D.F.M.). Commemorated on Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Panel 72.

WOODWARD

Peter [William]
Private 5774875, 6th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Died as a Prisoner of War 23rd August 1943. Aged 22. Son of William James Woodward and Mildred Sarah Woodward, of Downham Market. Buried in Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Thailand. Plot B3. Row W. Grave 4.
Buried or commemorated in in Downham Market Cemetery but not on memorial
ANDREWS
Harold James
Pilot Officer 410292, Royal Australian Air Force. Died 18th June 1943. Aged 21. Son of William Howard and Lydia Grace Andrews, of South Yara, Victoria, Australia. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 5. Grave 2.
BECK
George
Stoker 1st Class SS/113064, H.M.S. Queen Mary, Royal Navy. Killed in action on board his ship, at the Battle of Jutland, 31st May 1916. Aged 27. Son of Elizabeth Beck, of Salter's Lode, Downham West, Norfolk. Commemorated on John William Beck's headstone (see below and on Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. Panel 17.
BECK
John William
Sergeant 50150, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Died 25th August 1919. Age 25. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 26. Grave 6.
BLOY
Harold
Private 14643713, Royal Pioneer Corps. Died 14th June 1947. Aged 25. Stepson of Mrs. B. Herring, of Downham Market. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 7. Grave 6.
GREENWOOD
James Clark
Pilot Officer (Pilot) J/23230, Royal Canadian Air Force. Died 14th June 1943. Aged 19. Son of Oswald and Agnes Greenwood, of Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 5. Grave 1.
MURRELL
Evelyn Ivine
Member 5145, Women's Royal Air Force. Died 27th November 1918. Aged 23. Daughter of William Murrell, of High Street, Downham Market. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row C. Grave 23.
OYLOTT
Walter Thomas
Flying Officer (Air Bomber) 151238, 635 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 4th June 1944. Aged 21. Son of Thomas and Maude Olyott, of colchester, Essex. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 6. Grave 5.
SADLER
Robert
Flight Sergeant (Wirless Operator/Air Gunner) 1526058, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 4th June 1944. Aged 23. Son of Richard and Sarah Sadler; husband of Ada Sadler, of Flixton, Lancashire. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 6. Grave 3.
WATSON
Edward
Air Craftman 1st Class 1490237, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 18th June 1944. Aged 20. Son of Edward and Elizabeth Ann Watson, of Seaton, Workington, Cumberland. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 5. Grave 3.
WHARTON
Stanley
Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1578013, 635 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 4th June 1944. Aged 30. Son of Edwin and Fanny Elizabeth Wharton, of Willenhall, Staffordshire. Buried in Downham Market Cemetery. Row 6. Grave 1.

Last updated 16 August, 2019

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