Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

ORMESBY WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2 - Detailed Information
Compiled and Copyright © Steve Smith 2008

From the A149, as you head in the direction of Great Yarmouth, turn left where it is signposted Ormesby St Margaret. The memorial can be found on an island opposite the petrol station on Cromer Road. The memorial takes the form of a Celtic cross on a rectangular base with the inscription on the plinth. Thirty five names are listed for World War 1 and seventeen for World War 2.

Photographs Copyright © Steve Smith 2008

To the glory of God and the memory of
those Sailors and Soldiers of Ormesby St Margaret,
Ormesby, St Michael, Scratby and California
who gave their lives for their country in the
Great War 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.

1914-1918

ALLEN

Fred

Private, SE/1942, No. 7. Veterinary Hospital, Army Veterinary Corps who ‘Died’ on 26/04/1915. Fred is now laid to rest in grave II in the FORGES-LES-EAUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY in France.

BECK

Frederick Arthur James

Pioneer, 128685, "F" Special Coy, Royal Engineers who ‘Died of Wounds’ on 04/11/1917 at the age of 22. Frederick born in Great Ormesby and enlisted in Great Yarmouth. He was the son of John and Martha Beck, of "The Laurels," Great Ormesby, Great Yarmouth. He is now laid to rest in grave IV. K. 5 in COXYDE MILITARY CEMETERY in Belgium.

BECK

George

Lance Corporal, 180532nd Bn, Norfolk Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action on 13/03/1916 at the age of 31. George was born in Ormesby and enlisted in Great Yarmouth. He was the husband of H. M. Shreeve (formerly Beck), of Back Rd., Rollesby, Great Yarmouth. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 10 on the BASRA MEMORIAL in Iraq.

BRISTOW

Reba

Private, 40859, 1st/1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment Secondary Regiment: Hertfordshire Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action, on 30/04/1918 at the age of 33. Reba was born in Stalham and resided in Great Ormesby; he had enlisted in Norwich as Private, 39328 BRISTOW Northamptonshire Regiment. He was the son of Alfred and Emma Bristow, of Mill House, Stalham and was the husband of Fulleretta Russell Bristow, of Great Ormesby Mill, Great Yarmouth. Reba has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 48 to 50 and 162A on the TYNE COT MEMORIAL in Belgium.

CROWE

Alfred James

Lance Corporal, 7454, 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment who ‘Died’ on 19/12/1916 at the age of 32. Alfred was born in Ormesby and enlisted in Norwich. He was the son of Alfred Crowe, of Low Rd., Ormesby St. Michael, Great Yarmouth, and the late Mrs. Crowe. He is now laid to rest in grave D. 78 of the ALEXANDRIA (HADRA) WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY in Egypt.

CROWE

Percy William

Private, 26250, 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment who ‘Died of Wounds’ on 15/10/1918 21. Percy resided in Ormesby and enlisted in Norwich. He was the son of Alfred Crowe, of Low Rd., Little Ormesby, St. Michael, Great Yarmouth, and the late Mrs. Crowe and the brother of Alfred. He is now laid to rest in grave I. F. 35. in DOINGT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION in France.

CROW

George William

Private, 29815, 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment Who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 15/04/1918 at the age of 20. George enlisted in Norwich and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Crow, of Scratby, Great Ormesby, Great Yarmouth. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 34 to 35 and 162A on the TYNE COT MEMORIAL in Belgium. Unusually, George is also commemorated on the Caister War Memorial as well.

DERRY

Robert Charles

Private, 33878, 3rd Battalion East Surrey Regiment who ‘Died’ at home on 20/05/1917 at the age of 29. Robert was born at Great Ormesby and enlisted in Norwich. He was the son of John and Esther Derry; husband of J. Nichols (formerly Derry), of The Lodge, Ormesby Hall, Great Ormesby, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.

DYBLE

Charles Robert

Deck Hand, 6478DA, Royal Naval Reserve of H.M. Trawler "Bush." 01/11/1916 at the age of 23. Charles was the son of Henry and Emma E. Dyble, of North Rd., Great Ormesby, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave D. 66 ALEXANDRIA (HADRA) WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY.

Charles was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, along with other members of the RNR, and this was gazetted on FRIDAY, 14 JULY, 1916. The Gazette entry for the RNR stated:

‘The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have received with much satisfaction from the officers in charge of the Auxiliary Patrol areas at home and abroad reports on the services performed by the officers and men serving under their orders during the period 1st January, 1915, to 31st January, 1916. These reports show that the officers and men serving in Armed Yachts, Trawlers and Drifters of the Auxiliary Patrol during the period in question have carried out their duties under extremely arduous and hazardous conditions of weather and exposure to enemy attack and mines with marked zeal, gallantry and success.’

DYBALL

Ernest William

This is probably Rifleman, 891, 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade who was ‘Killed in Action on 26/04/1915. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 46 - 48 and 50 on the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL in Belgium.

FARMAN

Ernest Pembroke

Private, 28998, 8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 15/09/1916 at the age of 34. Ernest was born and resided in Norwich and enlisted in Norwich. He was the son of William P. and Caroline Farman, of Great Ormesby, Norfolk. Ernest has no known grave and is now commemorated on Pier and Face 2 C of the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL on the Somme. On the day he was killed his battalion were in action around Guillemont and assisted in attacking the German strongpoint known as the ‘Quadrilateral’.

GRIMMER

Albert Edward

Private, 22270, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment Who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 04/06/1916 at the age of 20. Albert was born in Rollesby and enlisted in Norwich. He was the son of Walter and Georgiana Grimmer, of Elm Cottage, Little Ormesby, Great Ormesby. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Bay 3 of the ARRAS MEMORIAL in France.

HEWITT

Alfred James

Listed as Private, 80160, 31st Battalion (Alberta Regiment) who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 13/06/1916. Alfred has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 24 - 28 – 30 on the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL in Belgium. His family name is actually HEWETT and he was the son of James and Florence HEWETT of Great Ormesby.

HEWITT

Arthur

Lance Corporal, 15652, 9th Battalion Norfolk Who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 27/09/1915 at the age of 19. Arthur was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Hewitt, of Brickfield, Great Ormesby, Norfolk. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 30 and 31 on the LOOS MEMORIAL in France.

HOWARD-VINCENT

Victor Norman Erskine

There is not much on Victor, but we know that he was born in 1897 in St George, Hanover Square, London, Middlesex. He was educated at Eton and left there in 1914. He then served as a Lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. He died of influenza on 21 February 1920 at Cannes, France. His burial place is unknown. A notice of his death was published in The Times on Tuesday 24 February 1920.

KERRISON

Walter Thomas

Private, 16038, 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 01/10/1915. Walter was born in Ormesby and enlisted in Great Yarmouth. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 30 and 31 of the LOOS MEMORIAL.

LACON

Sidney John Boileau

Major, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Secondary Regiment, Army Service Corps Secondary Unit Text: attached. VIII. Corps. Mechanical Transport who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 12/04/1918 at the age of 28. Sidney was the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. H. Lacon, late of Ormesby Hall, Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk; husband of Doris Lacon, of Chauntry House, Bray, Berks. He is now laid to rest in grave X. A. 4. in NINE ELMS BRITISH CEMETERY in Belgium.

MICKLEBURGH

William Lawrence

Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve of H.M. Trawler "Quintia" who was killed on 26/11/1918 at the age of 26. William is now laid to rest in grave 538 in ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.

NICKERSON

James Jacob

Private 20672, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 17/10/1916. James was born in Thurne and enlisted in Great Yarmouth originally joining as Private, 17715, Norfolk Regiment, resident Great Ormesby, Norfolk. Born 28/02/1897. Admitted 2/5/1902 to Thurne & Oby School, Thurne, Norfolk, son of Benjamin, resident Thurn. In the 1901 census he was aged 4, born Thirne, Norfolk, son of Benjamin and [Martha] Jane Nickerson, resident Street, Thurne, Flegg, Norfolk. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, born Thurne, Norfolk, a Farm Labourer, son of Martha Jane Nickerson (a widow), resident Ormesby St Michael, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in IX. G. 15 in BANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY.

NICKERSON

John Robert Walter

Private, 15662, 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 26/09/1915 at the age of 19. John was born in Ormesby and enlisted in Norwich. He was the son of Jane Elizabeth Nickerson, of Great Ormesby, Great Yarmouth, and the late Watty Robert Nickerson and the brother of James. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 30 and 31 of the LOOS MEMORIAL.

PAGE

Basil Arthur

Private, 27464, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment who ‘Died of Wounds’ on 10/09/1918 at the age of 20. Basil was born in Ormesby and enlisted in Great Yarmouth. He was the son of George William and Lydia Emma Page, of Great Ormesby, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave III. E. 6. TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE.

PAGE

Sydney Walter Oliver

Private, 41850, 2nd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 30/11/1917. Sidney was born in Ormesby and enlisted in Norwich. He was the son of George William and Lydia Emma Page, of Great Ormesby, Norfolk and was the brother of Basil. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 7 of the CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL in France.

PIGGIN

Robert Watson

Gunner, 20213, 149th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 22/09/1917 36. Robert was born in Martham and enlisted in Great Yarmouth. He was the son of Robert Piggin; husband of H. E. Ransome (formerly Piggin), of Broad Rd., Fleggburgh, Yarmouth, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave XI. G. 1 of VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY in Belgium.

PULFORD

George Bensley

Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve of H.M. Drifter "Girl Eva." Who ‘Died’ on 02/10/1916 at the age of 35. He was the husband of Lily May Bensley Pulford, of Beach Rd., Scratby, Norfolk. He has no known grave and commemorated on Panel 18 of the CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL.

RISING, DSO, MiD

Robert Edward

Major Robert Edward Rising
Major Robert Edward Rising
© IWM (HU 124971)
Major Robert Edward Rising - photograph from Yarmouth Independent - Saturday 21 November 1914, page 5
Major, 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Died on service 7 November 1914. Aged 43. Born 23 May 1871. Son of Thomas and Kate Rising, of The Manor House, Great Ormesby, Norfolk; husband of Constance Elizabeth Rising, of The Old Hall, Great Ormesby. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.), Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). In the 1871 census he was newborn, born Suffolk, son of Thomas and Eliza Rising, resident Steam Mill Road, Gorleston with Southtown, Mutford, Suffolk & Norfolk. In the 1881 census he was aged 19, born Gorleston, Suffolk, a Scholar, boarding at 5, Moores Court, Gorleston, Mutford, Suffolk & Norfolk.Buried in ZILLEBEKE CHURCHYARD, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Row E. Grave 5. See also Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey [Not on Trinity College, Cambridge Memorial].

Extract from the Charterhouse Register, Cricket Quarter 1885:

Rising, Robert Edward. b. 23 May, 1871. (Weekites); Football XI, 1899-'90; Left C.Q., 1890. Trin. Coll., Camb.-Joined Gloucestershire Regt., 1892; served in S. African War, 1899-1900; Capt., 1900.
Capt. R. E. Rising, Ormesby, Great Yarmouth.

Major RISING was awarded the D.S.O., which was Gazetted on 6 November 1914. The citation reads:

‘Captain Robert Edward Rising, 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment. Went up with supports and conspicuously controlled the defence of the Battalion's trenches against a determined attack by the Enemy. But for this stout defence the line must have been penetrated.’

Extract from The Bond of Sacrifice Volume 1, page 332-333:

MAJOR ROBERT EDWARD RISING, D.S.O., 1st BATTN. GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT, was born on the 23rd May, 1871, the son of Thomas and Kate Rising, of The Manor House, Ormesby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. He was educated at Charterhouse, where he was in the Football XV and in the Cadet Corps; and at Trinity College, Cambridge. He passed into the R.M.C., Sandhurst, sixth on the list, and passed out twelfth with honours, receiving his commission in the Gloucestershire Regiment in November, 1892. He obtained his Company in February, 1900.

Major Rising took part in the South African War, being present at the relief of Kimberley, and at operations in the Orange Free State, including actions at Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, and Driefontein, and also in Natal. He received the Queen's medal with four clasps. He obtained the "extra" certificate in musketry in 1898, and in November, 1902, passed the examination for promotion, attaining the higher standard of proficiency, carrying a special certificate. In April, 1906, he passed the signalling course, also with the special certificate.

In the earlier part of the Great War Major Rising was awarded the D.S.O. for gallant action at the defence of Langemarck on the 23rd October, 1914, when he went up with supports, and conspicuously controlled the defence of the battalion's trenches against a determined attack by the enemy. But for this stout defence the line would have been penetrated. He received his Majority in November, 1914, the promotion not being gazetted till after his death.

Major Rising, who had been wounded at Klein Zillebeke, was killed in action at the first Battle of Ypres on the 7th November, 1914.

He was twice married: in 1896 to Amy Worship, who died the following year; and in 1901 to Constance Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Colonel R. W. Edis, C.B., of The Old Hall, Ormesby, Great Yarmouth; and left two children: Robert Edis, born August, 1905; and Elsie Mary Elizabeth, born July, 1909.

Major Rising was mentioned in Sir John French's Despatch of the 14th January, 1915.

Extract from Dublin Daily Express - Tuesday 10 November 1914, page 5, also Daily Citizen (Manchester) - Tuesday 10 November 1914, page 1:

Captain Robert Edward Rising, 1st Battalion Gloucester Regiment, who went up with supports and conspicuously controlled the defence of the battalion’s trenches against a determined attack by the enemy. But for this stout defence the line must have been penetrated.
Extract from Dundee Courier - Tuesday 10 November 1914, page 3:
Captain Robert Edward Rising, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, who went up with supports and conspicuously controlled , the defence of the battalion's trenches.

Extract from Yarmouth Independent - Saturday 21 November 1914, page 5:

CAPTAIN RISING D.S.O.

Yarmouth and the County heard with the deepest regret, on Saturday, of the death of Captain Robert Edward Rising, the 1st Batt. Gloucestershire Regiment. A few days previously the Distinguished Service Order had been conferred upon him for a gallant action which preserved the Britiah line at the front unbroken during one of the most desperate German attacks on the 23rd October. His name appeared in yesterday's casualty list as having been wounded the 7th November and his family have been informed that he died of his wounds on the 8th or 9th, but no further particulars have yet been received.

Extract from Yarmouth Independent - Saturday 5 December 1914, page 5:

THE LATE
CAPTAIN RISING D.S.O.
MEMORIAL SERVICE AT ORMESBY

Very touching was the service held in Ormesby St. Margaret’s Church yesterday (Thursday) in memory of the late Captain Rising, D.S.O., who died recently after most gallantly serving King and country. A very large congregation showed their sympathy and regard. Among the many present were Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Rising (father and mother), Mr. A. P. Rising (brother). Colonel R. W. Edis, C.B., Bishop Fisher and Miss Fisher, Mrs. Nightingale, Mr. and Mrs. S.R. Nightingale, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Orde, Mr. A. R. Watling, Mr. R. Watling, Sir F. and Lady Vincent, Major Anley, R.G.A. and other officers, Mr. and Mrs. F. Arnold, Mr. H. P. Frederick, Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Hacker, Rev. J. N. Dredge, Rev. W J. Karran, Mr. and Mrs. Scrimgeour, Mr. W. W. Gosaage [sic], Mr. and Mrs. W. Wyllys, Mr. and Mrs. H. Wyllys, Mr. G. Wyllys, Mr. Brownsword, Captain and Mrs. Hugh Worship, Mr. J. M. Bond, Mr. A. E. Lark, Mr. J. C. Hawkesley, Mrs. Kaines Thomas, Captain Percy Arnold, Miss Skinner, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fabb, Mr. and Mrs. D. Wales, the staff of Messrs. Worship, Rising and Frederick, at Great Yarmouth, and the domestic servants at the Manor House, and many others. The simple service was very impressively conducted by the Vicar of Ormesby, Rev. Canon Moore, assisted by the Rev. J. Kecch. The choral music included two of the most beautiful of hymns,—“For all the Saints,” and “Abide with me,” and memorial music was sympathetically played by the organist.

Captain Robert Edward Rising, D.S.O., of the 1st Battalion Gloucestershire (28th) Regiment, who died from wounds received in action on the 7th November, was the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Rising, of the Manor House, Ormesby, Norfolk. He was educated at Charterhouse, and Trinity College, Cambridge, passing as a University candidate (6th on the list) into Sandhurst in June, 1891, where he was Senior Under Officer. In July, 1892, he passed out 12th with honours and was gazetted second lieutenant in the Gloucestershire Regiment then stationed at Dublin, subsequently serving in Jersey, Malta, Egypt, India, South Africa, etc. During the Boer war he took part in the operations for the relief of Kimberley and the surrender of Cronje at Paardeburg, and also in the actions of Poplar Grove, Driefontein and the occupation of Bloemfontein, and received the Queen’s South African medal with four clasps. He served as Adjutant of the Volunteer Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment at Bristol from 1903 to 1910. During the present war he took part in the retirement from Mons and the battles of the Marne and the Aisne and the engagements near Ypres. On the 23rd October the D.S.O. was conferred upon Captain Rising tor his gallant action at Langemarke, which preserved the British lines from being broken during one of tho most desperate German attacks. On 7th November he was wounded in action near Zillebeke and died the same day. Captain Rising married the youngest daughter of Colonel R. W. Edis, C.B. of The Old Hall Ormesby, Norfolk.

Extract from London Evening Standard - Thursday 10 December 1914, page 8:

OFFICERS KILLED

Captain Robert Edward Rising, of the 1st Gloucestershire Regiment, died from wounds received near Ypres on November 7. He saw service in the South African war, being present in the operations in the Orange Free State, including those at Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, and Driefontein, and also in Natal. He was awarded the D.S.O. for his gallant defence of his battalion's trenches at Langemarck on October 13 of this year, when his action prevented the line being broken.

SHREEVE

Charles William

Lance Corporal, 22910, 7th Battalion Norfolk who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 10/10/1916 at the age of 22.Charles was born in Rollesby and enlisted in Great Yarmouth. He was the son of George and Mary Ann Shreeve, of Ormesby St. Michael, Great Yarmouth. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D of the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL in France.

SIZER

Alfred James

Private, 16458, 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment who ‘Died’ on 09/04/1916 at the age of 25. He was the son of George and Mary Sizer, of Scratby, Gt. Ormesby, Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave I. E. 7. in ETRETAT CHURCHYARD.

SIZER

Ernest William

This is almost certainly Ernest William Sizer who was born in Tunstead in Norfolk and was aged 15 and residing in Scratby as a Gardener at the time of the 1901 Census. The 1901 Census also records he was the brother Alfred and would have been the son of George and Mary Sizer, of Scratby, Gt. Ormesby, Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk. He is recorded as Private, 25650, 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 24/04/1918. He enlisted in Exeter and resided in Starcross in Devon and is also listed on the Starcross War Memorial. He is now laid to rest in grave II. M. 10 in ADELAIDE CEMETERY, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX in France.

SMITH

Robert T

This is possibly Private, 43242, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 04/09/1916. Enlisted North Walsham, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave XXVII. B. 8 in DELVILLE WOOD CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL in France. Married Eliza Ward 11 November 1893 in Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby. In the 1901 census Robert Smith was aged 35, born Ormesby, Norfolk, an Agricultural Labourer, married to Eliza Smith with two daughters and one son, resident North Road B, Ormesby St Margaret, Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby, Flegg, Norfolk.

SYMONDS

William Edgar

Deck Hand, 5099/DA, Royal Naval Reserve of H.M.S. "Dreel Castle" who ‘Died’ on 17/02/1917 at the age of 38. Wlliam was the sof Edgar William and Ellen Elizabeth Symonds, of Ormesby. He is now laid to rest in grave 490 in ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.

THURSTON

Albert Arthur

Private, 29289, 1st/7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment who was ‘Killed in action’ on 08/10/1917 at the age of 19. Albert was born and resided in Ormesby and enlisted in Great Yarmouth Son of George and Marion Thurston, of North Rd., Great Ormesby, Norfolk. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 23 to 28 and 163A on the TYNE COT MEMORIAL in Belgium.

THURSTON

George Alfred

Private, 10156, 6th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 03/08/1917 at the age of 26. George was born in and enlisted in Great Yarmouth. He was the son of George and Marion Thurston, of North Rd., Great Ormesby, Norfolk and the brother of Albert. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on Panel 33 on the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL in Belgium.

WATSON

Harry W

There is no information on Harry at present.

WHITBY

Francis (Frank)

Gunner, 41424, Royal Garrison Artillery of the Command Depot, Ripon, who ‘Died’ on 21/09/1918 at the age of 22. He was the son of Walter and Sarah Elizabeth Whitby, of "Rossville," Ormesby St. Margarets. He is now laid to rest in the North-West corner of ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.
1939-1945

BENNS

Norman

Driver, T/70507, Royal Army Service Corps who also served in the Pioneer Corps who was ‘Killed in Action on 17/06/1940 at the age of 24. He is now laid to rest in Sec. 18. Plot 1. Row A. Grave 64 in RENNES EASTERN COMMUNAL CEMETERY in France.

BURROWS

David

Able Seaman, C/JX 155387, Royal Navy of H.M.S. Juno who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 21/05/1941 aged 21. He was the son of Claude and Elizabeth Burrows, of Caister on Sea, Norfolk. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 42, 2 on the CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL. H.M.S. Juno was launched in 1938, and was a J-Class Destroyer and she was spotted and attacked by a German Junkers Ju 88 bomber and was heavily damaged by the bombs She sank North of Crete. 

CLARKE

Roger Edward Frederick

Seaman, LT/JX 189896, Royal Naval Patrol of H.M. Trawler Ben Brachie who ‘Died’ on 07/08/1940 at the age of 25. Roger was the husband of Elsie Flowerdew Clarke, of Ormesby. He is now laid to rest in ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.

EMPSON

Claude

Trooper, 305308, Royal Horse Guards Who ‘died’ on 28/01/1947 at the age of 25. Claude was the son of Sidney Ernest and Julia Empson, of Winterton and is now laid to rest in WINTERTON (ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD.

HUGGINS

George William

Corporal, 7538447, Army Dental Corps who ‘Died’ on 24/02/1946 at the age of 26. George was the son of Charles William and Georgena Margaret Huggins, of Great Ormesby. He is now laid to rest in ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.

LEBAN

Leon Phillip

Private, 5778862, 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 04/05/1944 at the age of 29. Leon was the son of Andre Joseph Leban and Louise Elizabeth Leban; husband of Edna Noreen Leban, of Ormesby-St. Michael, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave 2. C. 16. in KOHIMA WAR CEMETERY.

LARNER

Charles Henry

Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve of H.M.S. Ut Prosim who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 24/04/1940 at the age of 55. Charles was the husband of D. N. Larner, of Great Ormesby. He is now laid to rest in ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.

MYHILL

Ernest Herbert

Able Seaman, C/JX 265843 Royal Navy, of H.M.S. President III who ‘Died’ on 27/11/1944 at the age of 33. Ernest was the son of Herbert Percival and Ethel Ellen Maud Myhill, of Ormesby St. Margaret. He is now laid to rest in ORMESBY ST. MARGARET CHURCHYARD.

PICTON

Eric Frank

Corporal, 5773052, 6th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment who ‘Died’ on 02/12/1942 at the age of 20. Eric was the son of Osbert and Maud Picton; husband of Joyce Elizabeth May Picton, of Swaffham, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in the British Section, grave A. C. 8. of YOKOHAMA WAR CEMETERY in Japan.

PLAYFORD

Jack

Pilot Officer, (Pilot), 175969, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, D.F.M. Who was ‘Killed in Action’ on 10/09/1944 at the age of 23. Jack was the son of Robert Charles and Ethel Edith Playford j husband of Phyllis Maud Playford, of Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave 7. B. 7. of DELHI WAR CEMETERY in India.

His D.F.M. citation stated:

‘1332630 Flight Sergeant Jack PLAYFORD, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 151 Squadron. Warrant Officer Kelsey and Flight Sergeant Playford have participated in very many sorties. As observer and pilot respectively they have displayed great skill and their example of keenness and determination to engage the enemy has been worthy of high praise. They have destroyed2 enemy aircraft.’

PLAYFORD

James Henry

Able Seaman, C/JX 235766, Royal Navy of the S.S. Empire Hall who died on 23/02/1942 at the age of 25. James was the son of Robert Charles and Ethel Edith Playford, of Ormesby St. Michael, Norfolk. He has no known grave and is now commemorated on panel 55, 3. of the CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL.

SALES

Sidney Ernest

Sergeant (Air Gnr.), 520346, Royal Air Force who ‘died’ on 17/10/1941 at the age of 27. Sidney was the son of Thomas James Sales and Emma Jane Sales, of Great Ormsby, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in grave Grave 597 in HARWELL CEMETERY in Berkshire.

TURNER

William

There is no information on William at present.

WOOLTORTON

William

Ordinary Signalman, C/JX 152600, Royal Navy of H.M.S. Sphinx who ‘Died of Wounds’ on 04/02/1940 at the age of 19. William was the son of Frederick and Winifred Wooltorton, of Little Ormesby, Norfolk. He is now laid to rest in Section O. Coll. Grave 7 in WICK CEMETERY.

From: www.halcyon-class.co.uk/sphinx/hms_sphinx.htm

‘At about 0800 on 3rd February 1940, SPHINX, Speedwell and Skipjack commenced sweeping north of Kinnaird Head. At 0912 a bomb struck the SPHINX forward. It went through the back of the T.S., through the front of the bridge, through the forecastle deck and burst on the Mess Deck. The explosion folded the forecastle back on to the bridge and badly crippled the whole fore end of the ship. The Captain (Taylor) was killed outright on the bridge. Attempts were made to tow the ship. At about 0430 on 4th February a large wave struck the ship forward and she immediately capsized. Five officers and forty-nine ratings were killed. She was the first Halcyon Class to be lost.’

Last updated 7 June, 2022

Friends of the War Memorials
War Memorials Trust
Main page
Commonweath War Graves Commission
Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Copyright © Roll-of-Honour.com 2002- | GDPR Cookies
Email: webmaster@roll-of-honour.com