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British Legion
The Royal British Legion

MATTISHALL WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2 - Detailed Information
Compiled and Copyright © Martin Edwards 2023

Mattishall is a village 5 miles east by south of East Derehm and 11 miles west of Norwich. Contained within the village are two war memorials, one in the Church of England church of All Saints and the other within the Methodist church. The first within All Saints Church, Back Lane, Mattishall, is in the form of a baord with an arched top with a wreath carved in relief of the top, centre, and a cross at the centre. There are 20 names listed for World War 1 and 6 names for World War 2. The memorial within the Methodist Church lists only those men who died in World War 1 and contains the same 20 names as All Saints. The methodist memorial is in the form of a light wooden surround with a grey insert. Those on both memorials are marked '' The Mattishall Village website has details of these men plus other men see - http://www.mattishall-village.co.uk/mattishall-war-dead-1.htm

Photograph Copyright © Simon Knott 2014
Mattishall Methodist Church © My Methodist History (WMR-95077)

Methodist inscription:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND INM LOVING MEMORY OF
MATTISHALL MEN
WHO FELL IN THE
GREAT WAR 1914-1919

All Saints inscription and names:

IN REMEMBRANCE

1914-1918

BATSON

Lawrence [John]

[Also spelt Laurence in some records] Stoker 2nd Class SS/119424, H.M.S. Pembroke, Royal Navy. Died from Pneumonia in Sailor's Home, Chatham, Kent, 17 December 1918. Aged 16. Born 23 October 1900 in Norwich, Norfolk [probably 1902 but service record says 1900 as he was under age]. Son of John and Caroline Batson, of Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Formerly a Railway Porter, enlisted 13 November 1918 for 5 years and 7 years Reserve, height 4 feet 9 inches, chest 36 inches, brown hair, grey eyes, dark comoplexion. In the 1911 census he was aged 9, born Attleborough, Norfolk, son of John and Caroline S Batson, resident Eight Ringers Inn, Dereham Road, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Joined the National Union of Railwaymen 1 March 1918, aged 16, Norwich 1 branch, a Porter, Great Eastern Railway. Buried 20 December 1918 in GILLINGHAM (WOODLANDS) CEMETERY, Kent. Naval. Row 5. Grave 266.

COLE

Sydney Marshall

Private G/12597, 8th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 19 March 1917. Aged 22. Born and resident Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich 15 May 1916. Son of Marshall and Florence Cole, of Lime Tree Farm, Wellgate Road, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Mattishall, Norfolk. son of Marshall and Florence J Cole, resident Norwich Street, Yaxham, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a Farmer's son working on farm, son of Marshall and Florence Jessie Cole, resident Wellgate, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Attested 15 May 1916 at Norwich, aged 21 years 5 months, a Horseman by trade, height 5 feet 2¼ inches, weight 119 lbs, chest 35½ inches, religion Congregationalist. Called up for service 16 May 1916, posted 16th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers 16 May 1918 posted 9th Battalion 26 August 1916, transferred to 8th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 12 September 1916 embarked 24 August 1916,. disembarked 25 August 1916 in France, with British Expeditionary Force, France, until his death. Buried in BULLY-GRENAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY, BRITISH EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row C. Grave 1.

CURTIS, MM

Edward [George]

[Spelt CURTISS on Methodist memorial] Gunner 160324, 331st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died of wounds 8 November 1917. Aged 35. Born Felixstowe, Suffolk, enlisted Norwich. Husband of Edith Curtis, of 95, Thorpe Rd., Norwich. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). In the 1891 census he was aged 8, born Suffolk, a scholar, grandson of William and Susan Bailey, son of George and Mary Curtis, resident Dereham Road, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1901 he was aged 18, born Felixstowe, Suffolk, a Grocer's assistant, a servant to John Meale, resident Church Square, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. Buried in ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Section P. Plot III. Row N. Grave 7A.

DAYNES

Bertie

[Listed as Private on Methodist memorial] Able Seaman R/747, Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Killed in action 26 October 1917. Aged 25. Born 24 November 1891 in Mattishall, Norfolk. Baptised 5 February 1893 in Mattishall. Son of Walter and Emily Daynes of Mill Road Corner, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk; husband of Alice H (nee Arthurton) Daynes, married October to December Quarter 1914 in Mitford Registration District, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 8, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of Walter and Emily Daynes, resident Dereham Road, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 18, born Mattishall, a Labourer, lodging at France Green, East Tuddenham, East Dereham, Norfolk. Enrolled 16 February 1917 in Royal Naval Division, previously Army Reserve, Able Seaman 7 May 1917, residence Mill Road Corner, Mattishall, East Dereham, height 5 feet 7¼ inches, chest 36 inches, fresh complexion, dark brown hair, blue eyes, an Agricultural Labourer, religious denomination Church of England. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 2 to 3.

EDWARDS

James [William]

Private 29343, 1st/8th (Territorial) Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment formerly 45346, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action 27 August 1917. Born and resident Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Attleborough, Norfolk. Married Sarah Smith 22 October 1900 in Mattishall. His stepson James Smith also fell (see below). In the 1881 census he was newborn, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of John and Hannah Edwards, resident Common, Welborne, Forehoe, Norfolk. In the 1891 census he was aged 10, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a scholar, son of John and Hannah Edwards, resident Welbourne Road, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 21, born Ringland (?), Norfolk, a Cattleman on farm, married to Sarah with a step son, resident Welborne Road, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 30, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a Cowman on farm, married to Sarah with one step son, one daughter and one son, resident Mill Road, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28.

FISHER

Donald

probably [Known as Donald in some records and Thomas Donald in others] Private 33940, 11th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action 18 April 1917. Aged 21. Born Hockering, Norfolk, resident and enlisted Chelmsford. Son of Thomas and Georgina Fisher, of 42, Cramphome Rd., Rainsford End, Chelmsford. Baptised 28 October 1895 in Mattishall, Norfolk, son of Thomas and Georgina Fisher. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Hockering, Norfolk, a scholar, son of Thomas and Georgina Fisher, resident The Street, Hockering, Mitford, Norfolk (his father was born in Mattishall). In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Hockering, Norfolk, Assisting in his father's business as a butcher, son of Thomas and Georgina Fisher, resident Butcher and Dealer, Hockering Street, East Dereham, Hockering, Norfolk (his father was born in Mattishall). Buried in PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row N. Grave 2.

FRANCIS

George [Edward]

[Listed as Frances on SDGW] Private 13246, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died at No. 13 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, of shot wounds to the head with cerebal hemorrhage, 27 September 1915. Aged 19. Born 17 April 1895 in Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich, Norfolk. Son of William and Jane Elizabeth Francis, of Wellgate Rd., Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Crabbe Castle, Wells, Norfolk, (sic) a Farm Labourer, son of William and Jane Elizabeth Francis, resident Wellgate, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Attested 2 September 1914 in Norwich, aged 19 years 38 days, a Labourer by trade, single, resident Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk, height 5 feet 2½ inches, weight 188 lbs, chest 31-33 inches, fresh complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VIII. Row B. Grave 81.

GARNER

Willie [Robert] aka William

Gunner 39431, 34th Company, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died in United Kingdom 2 December 1914. Born London, resident Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Portsmouth. Son of Robert William and Louisa Annie Garner. Buried in PARKHURST MILITARY CEMETERY, Isle of Wight. Plot III. Row H. Grave 68.

GUNTON

Urban [Harry]

Private 205361, 2nd/7th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment formerly 475339, 2nd East Anglian Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died on service in Mesopotamia 11 August 1918. Aged 24. Born and resident Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich. Son of Harry William and Harriett Jane Gunton, of Welgate, Mattishall, East Dereham. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of Henry and Jane Gunton, resident Dereham Road, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, a Baker Assistant, visting the Baldry family at 49 Southwell Road, Norwich, Norfolk. Buried in BASRA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Plot I. Row M. Grave 19.

JUBY

Dennis [Albert]

Lance Corporal 13661, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds 22 October 1917. Aged 22. Born Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich, Norfolk. Son of John and Selina Juby, of Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of John and Selina Juby, resident Yaxham Road, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a Tailor's improver, son of John and Selina Juby, resident Dereham Road, Mattishall, East Dereham, Mattishall, Norfolk. Buried in DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XI. Row E. Grave 23.

MINNS

William

Private G/53793, 1st/19th (London) Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment), formerly 37616, 3rd Reserve Cavalry. Died of wounds 24 August 1918. Born Shipman, Norfolk, resident Dereham, Norfolk, enlisted Scarborough, Yorkshire. Baptised 4 June 1899 in Mattishall, Norfolk, son of William and Susannah Minns. In the 1901 census he was aged 1, born Shipdham, Norfolk, son of William and Susannah Minns, resident Thorpe Row, Shipdham, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 11, born Shipdham, Norfolk, son of William Minns (a widower), resident Welborne, Dereham, Norfolk. Buried in MONT HUON MILITARY CEMETERY, LE TREPORT, Seine-Maritime, France. Plot VII. Row D. Grave 12A.

MIDDLETON

George [Herbert]

[Listed as Private on Methodist Memorial] Lance Corporal 7773, 2nd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died on service in Mesopotamia 30 September 1916. Born Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich, Norfolk. Brother of Robert Henry Middleton (below). In the 1891 census he was aged 3, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of Walter and Ann Maria Middleton, resident South Green, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 13, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of Walter and Ann M Middleton, resident South Green, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 24, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a serving soldier, Private, 2nd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, billetted at Belgaum India. Buried in BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Plot XXI. Row O. Grave 36.

MIDDLETON

Robert [Henry]

Private 21385, 8th Battalion, Border Regiment formerly 18955, Norfolkm Regiment. Killed in action 6 June 1917. Aged 26. Born and resident Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Holloway, Middlesex. Son of Ann Maria Middleton, of South Green, Mallishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Brother of George herbert Middleton (above). In the 1901 census he was aged 9, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of Walter and Ann M Middleton, resident South Green, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a Labourer on farm, son of Walter and Anna Maria Middleton, resident South Green, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Buried in ST. QUENTIN CABARET MILITARY CEMETERY, Hainaut, Belgium. Plot II. Row J. Grave 19.

PEARCE

George [Samuel]

Private 19540, "A" Company, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died 5 May 1917. Aged 20. Son of James Lucas Pearce and Eliza Pearce, of Norwich Rd., Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 4, born Swanton Morley, Norfolk, son of James L and Eliza R Pearce, resident Wellgate, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, born Swanton Morley, Norfolk, a Market gardener, son of James Lucas and Eliza Pearce, resident Norwich Road, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Buried in DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row K. Grave 22.

SMITH

James

Private 13823, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 30 June 1916. Born Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich, Norfolk, Norfolk. His step father, James edwards, also fell (see above). In the 1901 census he was aged 4, born Ringland, Norfolk (sic), stepson of James Edwards, son of Sarah Edwards, resident Welborne Road, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, born Mattishall, Norfolk, an Assistant cowman of farm, son of Hames William and Sarah Edwards, resident Mill Road, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Buried in CARNOY MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme, France. Row G. Grave 23.

SMITH

Robert [John]

Private 265248, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Missing in action 21 March 1918. Aged 34. Born Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted 17 December 1914 at Norwich, Norfolk, aged 36 years 6 months. Christened 14 May 1885 in Mattishall. Son of the late Robert and Susannah Smith, of Mattishall; husband of Ethel Maud Smith, of Wellgate Rd., Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk, married 27 November 1909 in Heigham, St Thomas. Religious denomination Church of England, two children from marriage. In the 1891 census he was aged 6, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a scholar, son of Robert and Susanna Smith, resident Church Square, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 16, born Mattishall Burgh, Norfolk, an agricultural labourer, son of Robert and Susanna Smith, resident Dereham Road, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 26, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a Roadman married to Ethel, resident Common Road E Tuddenham E Dereham, East Tuddenham, Norfolk. At enlistment he was aged 30 years 6 months, a County Council Roadman, married, height 5 feet 8 inches, weight 147 lbs, chest 37½ to 39½ inches. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3.

SAVORY

Frederick [William] aka Fred

Private 24045, 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action 3 July 1916. Aged 21. Born North Tuddenham, Norfolk, enlisted Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire. Baptised 5 September 1895 in Mattishall, son of William and Jane Savory. Son of William and Jane Savory, of Turnpike Rd., Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Norfolk, son of William and Jane Savory, resident Dereham Road, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. Buried in OVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot XV. Row G. Grave 9.

STACKWOOD

George [Edward]

Private 43973, 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment formery 13549, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action 16 April 1918. Aged 29. Born Hockering, Norfolk, resident Mattishall, Norfolk, enlisted Norwich, Norfolk. Born 25 February 1887, baptised 1 May 1894 in Mattishall, son of William and Ann Stackwood. Son of Ann Stackwood, of Ebenezer Cottage, Welgate, Mattishall, Dereham, Norfolk, and the late J. W. Stackwood. In the 1891 census he was aged 4, born Hockering, Norfolk, son of William and Anna Stackwood, resident South Green, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 14, born Hockering,. Norfolk, a cattle feeder on farm, son of William and Ann Stackwood, resident Wellgate, Mattis Hall, Mattishall, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 24, born Hockering, Norfolk. a Farm Labourer, son of William and Ann Stackwood, resident Wellgate, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 35 to 37.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1920:

STACKWOOD George of Mattishall Norfolk private Lincolnshire regiment died on or since 16 April 1918 in France Probate Norwich 2I December to George Bunn milkman.
Effects £48 10s. 2d.

TILNEY

Percy [William]

Private 201254, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds as a Prisoner of War 16 August 1918. Aged 19. Born 21 September 1898 in Mattishall. Enlisted Norwich, Norfolk. Son of William and Sarah Tilney, of Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of William and Sarah Tilney, resident Mattishall Burgh, Mitford, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, born Mattishall, Norfolk, at school, son of William and Sarah Tilney, resident Welborne Road, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Taken Prisoner of War 21 March 1918 at Vaulx. Interred first in Res Laz Denain then MüNster III. Buried in COLOGNE SOUTHERN CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot XVII. Row B. Grave 20.

TUTTLE

Edward James

[Private on Methodist memorial] Lance Corporal 20637, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment formerly 17596, Norfolk Regiment. Died at sea 13 August 1915. Born East Tuddenham, Norfolk, resident and enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of Edward and Georgina Tuttle, of Norwich Rd., Welborne, Dereham, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Mattishall, Norfolk, a Shop Assistant, son of Edward R and Georgina Tuttle, resident Welborne, Dereham, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Panel 146 to 151 or 229 to 233.

1939-1945

EBBAGE

Geoffrey [George]

Able Seaman C/JX 159852, H.M.S. Calcutta, Royal Navy. Died at sea when his ship was sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft off Alexandria, Egypt 1 June 1941. Aged 18. Born 23 August 1922 in Guist, Norfolk. Son of John and Fanny Ebbage, of Mattishall, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 42, Column 3.

GRIMES

Eric [Harvey William]

Leading Aircraftman 619292, 36 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Killed in action on the ground at Seletar in the north-east of Singapore, during the Japanese invasion, 26 January 1942. Aged 21. Born 4 February 1920, baptised 7 March 1920 in Shipdham, Norfolk. Son of Geoffrey Henry and Annie Elizabeth Mary Grimes, of Mattishall, Norfolk. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 416.

MOY

Gerald [William George]

Marine CH/X103916, H.Q. 5th Royal Marine A.A. Brigade, Royal Marines. Killed in action in Belgium 23 February 1945. Aged 23. Born 23 May 1921 in Runhall, Norwich, Norfolk. Son of William George and Ada Agnes Moy, of Mattishall, Norfolk. In the 1921 census he was new born, born Runhall, Norfolk, son of Ada Agnes Moy, resident Runhall, Hardingham, Norfolk. In the 1939 Register he was a Coal Jointing Machinist Furniture Factory, single, resident with his parents at The Heath, Mattishall, Mitford and Launditch R.D., Norfolk. Buried in SCHOONSELHOF CEMETERY, Antwerpen, Belgium. Plot IV. Row A. Grave 5.

NORTON

John [Templar]

Lance Bombardier 1472388, 65 (The Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. Killed in action in Belgium 30 May 1940. Aged 29. Born and resident Mattishall, Norfolk. Son of Richard Leslie and Addie Maud Norton, of Mattishall, Norfolk; husband of Evelyn Joyce (nee Rudderford) Norton, of Mattishall, married 17 January 1938 in Mattishall Burgh, resident Mattishall; he was a Bank Clerk at the time of his marriage. In the 1911 census he was new born, born Mattishall, Norfolk, son of Richard and Addie Maud Norton, resident Church Square, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk. Buried in COXYDE MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VI. Row C. Grave 3.

PALGRAVE

Thomas [George]

Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1167098, 102 (Ceylon) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Flying in a Handley Page Halifax II, serial number HX173, he was killed when, having taken off from R.A.F. Pocklington on night operations to Hanover, crashed south of Lichtenhorst, Germany 9 October 1943. Aged 27. Born 14 May 1916, baptised 6 August 1916 in Mattishall, son of Albert William and Beatrice Eliza Palgrave. Son of Albert and Beatrice Palgrave; husband of Elizabeth Palgrave, of East Tuddenham, Norfolk. In the 1939 Register he was a Milling Machinist (Beet Sugar Industry), unmarried, resident Badley Moor, Mattishall, Mitford and Launditch R.D., Norfolk. Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY, Niedersachsen, Germany. Plot 5. Row B. Grave 2.

MEACHEN

Edwin Leslie

Gunner 1136253, 8 Survey Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died of wounds at Pontecagnano, Italy, 20 September 1943. Aged 20. Born Mattishall Burgh, Norfolk, resident Dereham, Norfolk. Son of Jesse and Winifred Meachen, of Mattishall-Burgh, Norfolk. Buried in SALERNO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot IV. Row A. Grave 1.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944:

MEACHEN Edwin Leslie of Mattishall Burgh Norfolk died 20 September 1943 on war service Probate Norwich 11 July to Bertie Meachen roadman. Effects £233 1s. 8d.

"They shall grow not old, as we that
are left to grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor
the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them."

Not on memorial but with Mattishall connection
WRIGHTON Frank Henry (Norman)

Sergeant Wrighton has not been named on the Mattishall War Memorial but it is probably listed here.

Sergeant 1241, County of London Yeomanry 2/3rd Bn. T.F. Suffered from Pleurisy and Pneumonia aggravated by exposure on ordinary military service leading to his death 2 November 1917. Husband of Winifred Bernice Wrighton of Mattishall Burgh, Norfolk. Buried in TORQUAY CEMETERY, Devon.

Frank Henry Wrighton was born on June 27th 1879 at Cannock Stratford son of Thomas H G Wrighton (1845) a Chemist and Dentist born at Dublin, Ireland, although he was not of Irish descent, and his wife Mary Jane Gayford Abbott (1852) born at Shipdham, Norfolk.

Before enlistment Frank was a well known actor, poet and playwright known by his stage name Norman Wrighton. Long before the First World War he wrote 'Wake Up Britain' a dramatic sketch dealing with the possible invasion of our shores at some future time, in other words predicting the war. It is because of this it seems he was enlisted by the army to help in the war effort in recruiting men. He was often seen in London and at Norwich market place at lunch times reciting his play. We also have it on record he spoke and Mattishall, his wife's home and our neighboring village of Hockering.

Norman was discharged from the army as medically unfit due to exposure, he would never recover from this as a few months later his ill health brought on his early death. He died in a nursing home at Torquay Devon.

 
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