HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 12th March 1920 HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED There were impressive scenes on Tuesday afternoon on the occasion of the memorial dedicated to the memory of the twenty-nine men of the parish who laid down their lives for their country in the war. Haughley may justly be proud of the part played by her menfolk during the war, and the record must compare more than favourably with any parish of its size in the country. The price paid was a heavy one and a crowded congregation assembled in the church at the dedication service to do honour to the memory of the fallen heroes. The memorial took the form of a Calvary cross. The cross which had been erected in the churchyard, overlooking the main street, was of Clipsham stone, and of a very beautiful design. A tablet at the base bore the names of the fallen, and many magnificent wreathes had been placed at the foot by relatives and friends. Previous to the unveiling ceremony which was performed by Brigadier-General Massy Lloyd CBE, a very impressive form of service was held in the church, at which the Vicar, the Rev. Hastings Kelk, officiated. The choir had been augmented by that of Stowmarket Parish Church and the choral portion was beautifully augmented. The hymns chosen were ‘Oh valiant heart’and ‘When I survey the wondrous Cross’and the singing of the ‘Requiem’by the massed choirs was particularly inspiring in the solemnity of its rendering. The lesson was read by the Rev. J. Snell (Congregational Church, Stowmarket) and Mr A.E. Collins, FRCO, organist at Stowmarket Parish Church, presided at the organ. Following upon the first portion of the service in the church, the choir and the clergy, followed by members of the congregation and headed by the band of No.1 Company of the Stowmarket Scouts, under the command of Scoutmaster Hugh Turner, formed a procession to ‘The Place.’After the solemn rolling of the drums, followed by a fanfare of bugles Brigadier-General Massy Lloyd performed the unveiling. In clear, soldierly tones which could be heard by all in the large crowd assembled, both in the churchyard and in the street. General Lloyd said, “This cross which I have just unveiled to the memory of twenty-nine men of Haughley is for all Christian men and women the great symbol of sacrifice and I am glad that it stands here in clear view of every passer-by to remind us in years to come of the sacrifice made by these, our comrades in brethren in our time of need. In a few years this cross will become a familiar object, something that many of us will see every day of our lives. I hope that its familiarity may never serve to lessen our sense of gratitude to and reverence for these brave men who yielded up not some little thing, not even some big thing, but everything, even life itself. I hope that it may never cease to inspire us in our daily life, and in a smaller way, to follow their glorious example of self sacrifice, and by so doing, to assist in the realisation of the ideal for which they died. After the blessing, the reveille was sounded by the buglers, and the singing of the first verse of the National Anthem, concluded a most impressive ceremony. The architect of the cross was Mr. J. Crowe, Lincoln’s Inn, and the builders Benfield and Loxley, of Oxford. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL A. AGER Lance Corporal G/16265 Alan Ager was born in Wetheringsett c1894. He enlisted in the 11th Royal Sussex Regiment in Hurstpierpoint. He served in Gallipoli from 8th August 1915 and later in France & Flanders where he was killed in action on 3rd April 1918 aged 24. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial Panel 46&47 and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Charles Ager and Kate Wilden (formerly Ager), of Old Street, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W. BALDRY Lance Corporal 9440 William Baldry was born in Haughley c1894. He enlisted in the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment in Stowmarket. He served in France & Flanders from 13th August 1914 and died of wounds on 1st March 1915 aged 20. He is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery Grave III. C. 74 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Louisa Baldry, of Haughley Green. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL R.W. BUTTERWORTH Private 4145 Reginald Willoughby Butterworth was born in Ipswich c1883. He enlisted in the 4th Suffolk Regiment in Bury St Edmunds. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 29th October 1916 aged 33. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 1C&2A and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of the late James and Martha Butterworth, of "Highcliffe", Felixstowe; husband of Rosa Winifred Butterworth, of Haughley Old Street. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL H.P. CREAGH Stowmarket Post Thursday 13th April 1916 pg5 LIEUT. HJP CREAGH WOUNDED We are most sorry to learn that Second Lieut. HJP Creagh has been wounded whilst ‘doing his bit’‘somewhere in France.’Lieut. Creagh, who is the only son of Major SH and Mrs Creagh, of Haughley House, is attached to C Company of the 8th Suffolks. The first intimation of the regretted occurrence was received by Major Creagh from the War Office. Later, letters arrived from No.2, British Red Cross Hospital, Rouen, to which hospital Lieut. Creagh was admitted. From particulars received it appears that Lieut. Creagh was in a dug-out when a shell exploded and it was found that he had been buried in the debris. A rescue party was soon at work and when he was extricated he was found to be suffering from a broken left thigh, injuries to the left arm and various cuts and bruises. Lieut. Creagh is progressing to recovery as well as can be expected and has written to his parents in most cheerful tones. His fellow officers and men under him were very grieved to learn of his injuries as he was much liked by them all. Much sympathy is extended to Major and Mrs Creagh with the hope that their son will have a rapid and complete recovery

Bury Post Saturday 21st November 1919 HAUGHLEY HEROES General Campbell Presents Decorations On Sunday morning a number of decorations were presented by General Campbell at a parade held at Colchester. Among the recipients was Major S.H. Creagh of Haughley House who was handed the Military Cross which had been awarded to the late Lieut. (Acting Captain) Henry James Percival Creagh whose death (as previously reported in our columns) from wounds received in action took place in France in November 1918. Lieut. (Acting Captain) H.J.P. Creagh was the only son of Major S.H. Creagh and Mrs Creagh. He had seen a lot of service in France and was an officer of marked merit, and beloved by all his men. The following is a copy of the official record of the achievement for which the Military Cross was awarded. “T.Lieut. (Acting Captain) Henry James Percival Creagh, 11th (S) Battalion Suffolk Regiment Commanded an assaulting company near Vendegies on October 24th (1918) with great dash and determination. He showed much skill in crossing the River Eccaillon, which was twenty feet wide and six feet deep in places, an operation of great difficulty under considerable hostile fire. He then reorganised his company and advanced against and overcame very strong resistance by enemy machine gunners. Later he was severely wounded in repelling a strong counter attack from his left rear, but refused to be moved so long as he could influence the fight. His gallantry, cheerfulness and utter contempt for danger were a great inspiration to his command.” Captain Henry James Percival Creagh was born in Bermuda c1893. He enlisted in the 8th Suffolk Regiment but was attached to the 11th Suffolks. He served in France & Flanders from July 1915 and died of wounds on 23rd November 1918 aged 25. He is buried at Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport Grave X. B. 11 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Stephen Henry and Florence Annie Creagh, of Haughley House, Haughley. He was awarded the Military Cross and was also Mentioned in Despatches. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL N. CUTTING Bury Post Friday 7th September 1917 pg7 HAUGHLEY THE LATE LC CORPL NW CUTTING Mr and Mrs Chas Cutting have now received official information of the death of their son Lc Corpl Nelson Walter Cutting of the Suffolk Cycles, 2nd Suffolks. The message states that it must now be concluded that his death took place on August 1st 1916 (or since). The same soldier was reported missing as from August 18th 1916 but a letter was received by the parents from an officer of the 2nd Suffolks stating that he was killed on September 21st 1916.

Lance Corporal 43302 Nelson Walter Cutting was born in c1893. He originally enlisted as 1307 in the Suffolk Cycles in Stowmarket, later transfering to the 2nd Suffolk Regiment. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 18th August 1916 aged 23. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 1C&2A and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Mrs. H. L. Cutting, of Old Street, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W.C. DENNY Bury Post Friday 10th March 1916 pg6 PTE. CLAUDDENNY DIES OF WOUNDS We reported in our columns a fortnight since that Private Claud Denny had been wounded whilst serving in France. It is with the deepest regret we now have to record his death. Private Denny was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Ernest Denny. He was by trade a butcher, having learnt his trade with his father, who has carried on a good business in Haughley for a number of years, being well known in the parish and surrounding district. After leaving home young Denny lived in Essex, working in Tollesbury, where he made a host of friends in his uprightness and cheerful disposition. He very early felt the call of duty and soon after the outbreak of war he joined Kitchener’s Army and was attached to the 8th South Staffords. He had been in France about seven months and had been through some of the stiffest fights, coming out unscathed until February 14th, when he received a gunshot wound in the head whilst helping in the repulsing of a German attack. He was taken to a general hospital where he succumbed on February 28th. A consoling feature is the fact that, through the facilities granted by the War Office, Mr Denny was enabled to travel to France to see his son. He reached the hospital on Thursday evening, February 24th, and was able to see his son and converse with him throughout the period of his stay. He left on Sunday night, preparing for the return journey when he was recalled to the hospital owing to the serious turn in his son’s condition which gradually became worse, death taking place on the Monday. This gallant young soldier gave his life for King and country at the early age of 21 years. He was a member of the ‘Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffalos’in the Tollesbury lodge. The secretary of the lodge has written a very kind and sympathetic letter to his parents saying that he was a personal friend of his. His parents have also received a most sympathetic letter from Sergt. J.W. Gregg, ‘B’Company, 8th South Staffords, to which company Private Denny belonged. Sergt. Gregg’s letter describing how he was wounded, says he was a personal chum of his, and was a good, honest worker, obedient and trustworthy. He will be sadly missed by his many friends in Haughley as well as in Tollesbury. Mr Denny emphasises the extreme kindness everywhere extended to him throughout his sad journey, both in Belgium and France, especially speaking of the kindly thought shown to him at the YMCA hostel where he was so well looked after. This is one of the hostels established in France which are doing such good work. On all sides much sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Denny and family in their sad loss. Private 18042 Claud Boggis Denny was born in Haughley c1895. He enlisted in the 8th South Staffordshire Regiment in Colchester. He served in France & Flanders from 14th July 1915 and died of wounds on 28th February 1916 aged 20. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery Grave VI. D. 26A and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Ernest and Caroline Denny, of Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL J. ELMER Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 3rd May 1918 pg8 ELMER On April 5th 1918 killed in action Lance Corporal JW Elmer Suffolk Regiment the dearly loved husband of Gertrude Elmer and elder son of the late Mr and Mrs Henry Elmer of Haughley, aged 24 years. Sleep on dear husband in a foreign land In a grave I may never see But as long as life and memory last We shall always remember thee We prayed to clasp the dear hand once more But the meeting must remain We rest in hope that our great loss Is his eternal gain From his sorrowing Wife, Children and Sisters Private 14468 John William Elmer was born in Haughley on 29th August 1894 and educated at Claydon School. He enlisted in the 7th Suffolk Regiment in Haughley on 12th September 1914. He served in France & Flanders from 25th July 1915 and was killed in action on 5th April 1918 aged 23. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial Panel 25 and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the eldest son of the late Henry Elmer and Mrs Alice Elmer and married Gertrude Codd at Old Newton and left two sons, John William Henry b. 10th August 1913 and Leonard Charles b. 10th October 1914. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W.H. ELMER Stowmarket Post Thursday 26th October 1916 pg5 HAUGHLEY A YOUNG HAUGHLEY SOLDDIER KILLED – It is with much regret that we learn of the death of another of Haughley’s soldier heroes, the news from the War Office announcing to his sisters, Miss M Elmer and Mrs Charles James, and Miss G Elmer, that their youngest brother, Private Walter Henry Elmer of the Suffolks was killed in action on September 30th last. He was the youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs Henry Elmer of this parish. His only brother is serving in France. Private WH Elmer joined His Majesty’s Forces in July 1915. A year later he was sent to France where he was wounded by a piece of shrapnel in the hand. After a short period in England he was again sent to France in August where he gave his short life for his King and country at the early age of 19 years. We tender our sympathies to his relatives.

Private 20942 Walter Henry Elmer was born in Haughley on 9th August 1897 and was educated at Haughley school. He worked as a grocer’s assistant before he enlisted in the 9th Suffolk Regiment in Stowmarket on 21st July 1915. He served in France & Flanders from June 1916 and was wounded on 1st July and invalided home. He returned to action early in August and was killed in action on 30th September 1916 aged 19. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 1C&2A and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the youngest son of the late Henry Elmer and Mrs Alice Elmer. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W.G.GOODE Bury Post Friday 30th March 1917 pg2 HAUGHLEY KILLED IN ACTION We deeply regret having to record the death of Private William Goode who was killed in action on February 28th inst. The sad tidings that this gallant young soldier had died whilst fighting for King and country was recently received by his brother Mr Samuel Goode, from the War Office with the King and Queen’s sympathy. Private Goode, who was 28 years of age, was of a most cheerful disposition and among his many friends his loss in sincerely felt and one and all are deeply grieved. The one consolation is that he died a true British soldier in a just cause. He was the youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs Alfred Goode of this parish. He joined the army on April 26th last year and went to France the following July, and was in the Royal Fusiliers. He was slightly wounded in August last and had been through some severe fighting. At the time of his enlistment he was working for his brother, Mr S Goode, miller in Haughley. Much sympathy is extended to the brothers and sisters. Private 36329 William George Goode was born in Haughley c1890. He enlisted in the 7th Royal Fusiliers in Bury St Edmunds. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 26th February 1917 aged 27. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 8C 9A & 16A and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Alfred Goode, of Duke Street, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL E.D.HARRISON Bury Post Friday 11th August 1916 pg3 LIEUT. E.D. HARRISON KILLED The parishioners of Haughley were grieved to learn of the death of Lieut. E. Donald Harrison, who has been killed in action in France. He was the youngest son of the late Mr S.J. Harrison, JP of Haughley House. He was well known in the parish and neighbourhood, and a great part of his boyhood was spent at Haughley. His elder brother, Mr S.J. Ward Harrison (now Lieut. S.J. Ward Harrison, RNVR) has his residence in Haughley. At the outbreak of the war Lieut. E.D. Harrison joined the Honourable Artillery Company. His training completed, he went out to France and went through many hot engagements in both France and Belgium. He was promoted Bombing Corporal in charge of a bombing party. Having spent 11 months in strenuous fighting, and coming through unscathed, he retuned to England for a few days well earned rest. He paid a short visit to Haughley quite early in January of the present year. He had developed into a soldier of marked ability, and was rewarded with a commission in the 3rd Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. He again went out to France, and at the time of his death was attached to the 19th Manchesters. The first intimation of the sad news was a War office official statement that he was ‘missing, killed in action.’A letter sent to Mr H. Segrew Harrison at Caterham, from another officer, however, leaves little doubt of his death, which is practically certain, that whilst leading his men in attack he was instantly killed. He was a gallant and courageous officer, and will be greatly missed. His loss will be very deeply felt in Caterham, Surrey, where during the past 14 years he has helped in the management of ‘Upwood Park School’the headmaster of which is his brother, Mr Herbert Segrew Harrison (who is also now recruiting officer for the Caterham district). Lieut. E.D. Harrison took the management of the games at the school where he was deservedly popular. He was of a jovial disposition, and was a good all-round sportsman, taking a great interest in cricket. He was a member of the Caterham C.C. He was born at Haughley House on August 29th 1875.

2nd Lieutenant Edward Donald Harrison was born in c1877. He enlisted in the 3rd Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment but was attached to the Manchesters. He served in France & Flanders from 23rd January 1915, receiving his commission on 26th October 1915 and was killed in action on 25th July 1916 aged 39. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 11C and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Samuel John Harrison, of Haughley House, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL H.L. HARRISON Lieutenant Herbert De Greu Harrison enlisted in the Royal Engineers. He served at Home and died on 12th March 1918. He is buried at East Finchley Cemetery & St. Marylebone Crematorium Grave G. 14. 170 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W.W. HAYWARD Private 6819 William W Hayward was born in c1883. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He served from 15th August 1914 and died at home on 25th July 1920 aged 37. He is buried at Haughley St Mary Churchyard and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the husband of Florence Hayward of Haughley HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL C. HONEYBALL Bury Post Friday 4th August 1916 pg5 HAUGHLEY KILLED IN ACTION The death is announced of Private CB Honeyball, only son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Honeyball. He was killed in action on July 1st. The sad news was received from the war office on Thursday of last week. This brave Haughley lad joined Kitchener’s Army early in September 1914 and went out to France about 12 months ago. At the time of his death he was in his 21st year. He was of a quiet and unassuming disposition and early heard the call of duty joining up with a number of his pals. He was drafted into the 8th East Surrey Regiment. Much sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Honeyball in the loss they have sustained through the death of their only son. Private 5240 Clifford Bruce Honeyball was born in Haughley c1896. He enlisted in the 8th East Surrey Regiment in Haughley. He served in France & Flanders from 27th July 1915 and was killed in action on 1st July 1916 aged 20. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 6B&6C and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Thomas Honeyball, of Walnut Tree Cottage, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL J. HUNNIBELL Bury Post Friday 4th August 1916 pg5 PTE JOB HUNNIBELL KILLED The death is also announced of Pte Job Hunnibell as killed in action on 1st July. He was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Chas. Hunnibell of Dagworth (an adjoining hamlet to Haughley). He joined Kitchener’s Army early in September 1914 and was drafted into the 8th East Surrey Regiment and had seen service in France about 12 months. Before joining the Army he helped his father in the work of a market gardener. His general manner made him many friends and he was well known in Haughley where for a number of years he had been a member of the 1st Haughley Coy. of the Boy’s Brigade. The parents received the news of his death from the Hounslow Depot. It is sad coincidence that Job Hunnibell and Clifford Honeyball who are cousins, joined up together, were drafted out together with the 6th 8th East Surreys, were both in their 21st year and gave their lives to their King and Country on the same date. The loss sustained by Mr and Mrs Charles Hunnibell is the more poignant when we recall that they lost their younger son Ernie in an accident of a fall of sand in a pit close by their home about a fortnight after his brother Job had enlisted. Private 5232 Job Sidney Hunnibell was born in Old Newton c1896. He enlisted in the 8th East Surrey Regiment in Haughley. He served in France & Flanders from 27th July 1915 and was killed in action on 1st July 1916 aged 20. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 6B&6C and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Charles and Lucy Hunnibell, of Dagworth, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL O. JEFFERIES Bury Post Friday 1st June 1917 pg3 HAUGHLEY MISSING – We extend our sympathy to Mr and Mrs Wm Jefferies at the news received officially that their son Pte O. Jefferies, is reported missing. News is anxiously awaited, as to the fate of this brave Haughley soldier, and it is earnestly hoped that news may soon be forthcoming as to our gallant ‘boys’ who quite at the commencement of the war heard the call of duty, and responded without delay. After a period of training he was sent to France, being wounded rather badly in the head; he returned to England, being treated at various hospitals. After recovery he went out again to France, being attached to the 11th Suffolks. He has during this long period been through a lot of stiff fights. Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Jefferies in their anxious period of suspense.

Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 6th July 1917 pg8 OC Jefferies Haughley, fifth son, Old Street, Haughley, missing 28th April, wounded, died of wounds, prisoner of war in Germany on 17th May aged 24.

Stowmarket Post Thursday 16th August 1917 pg3 Haughley Man Dies of Wounds In reproducing this photograph of Prvt. OC Jefferies of the Suffolk Regt. we offer our sympathy to his parents Mr and Mrs Wm Jefferies and family of Haughley. As reported in our columns of July 12th, news had been received that this gallant Haughley soldier had died in hospital after having been wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans. He had previously been reported missing after an attack on April 28th last. Now official notification has been received from the Record Office stating that the War Office had notified them that Prvt. OC Jefferies had died. Prvt. Jefferies was formerly a member of the 1st Haughley Co. Boys’Brigade, having joined in the early part of the Brigade era in Haughley. His membership being efficient he was made a lance corporal. Private 9046 Oliver Charles Jefferies was born in Haughley. He enlisted in the 11th Suffolk Regiment in Bury St Edmunds. He served in France & Flanders from 30th May 1915 and died on 17th May 1917 having been taken prisoner of war. He is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery Grave XIII. C. 14 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W. JEFFERIES Corporal 27058 William Arthur Jefferies was born in Haughley. He originally enlisted as 36373 in the Essex Regiment in Bury St Edmunds but later transferred to the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 29th October 1917. He is buried at Irish House Cemetery Grave C.15 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Mr. W. J. Jefferies, of Old Street, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL F.E. KEEBLE Private 71414 Percy Edward Keeble was born in Stowmarket. He originally enlisted as 26800 in the Norfolk Regiment in Bury St Edmunds, later transferring to the 9th Sherwood Foresters. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 27th April 1918. He is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe Grave III. D. 5 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Mr. J. Keeble, of Haughley Green. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL H. KEMP Gunner 201659 Harold Kemp was born in Newhaven. He enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery 43rd Anti Aircraft Section in Southampton. He served in France & Flanders and died on 11th November 1918. He is buried at St. Andre Communal Cemetery Grave I. A. 61 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL E. MORPHEW Stowmarket Post Thursday 2nd August 1917 pg3 FOUR STOWMARKET BROTHERS Mr and Mrs Morphew have three other sons engaged in the army. Pte George E Morphew who is 37 is in the Royal Fusiliers in the Expeditionary Force in France where he has been a year. He worked on Government work for a time at Felixstowe. Pte Albert P Morphew is in the Royal Field Artillery and is in France. He worked at the mill at Haughley. He is 30 years of age. Pte Bert W Morphew is another son engaged in the war and is in the expeditionary force in France and has been in the army 16 months. He is 22 years of age. He worked at Mr Merrick’s nursery gardens before he joined the forces. Private G/27007 George Edward Morphew was born in Nedging c1880. He enlisted in the 34th Labour Corps in Ipswich, later transferring to (60418) 101st Coy Regiment. He served in France & Flanders and died of wounds on 24th May 1918 aged 38. He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen Q. III. N. 26 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL J. MORPHEW Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 11th May 1917 pg8 MORPHEW Killed in action in France April 9th John Marchant Morphew Suffolk Regiment, third dearly beloved son of Mr and Mrs P Morphew, Tot Hill, Haughley, aged 25 years.

Stowmarket Post Thursday 2nd August 1917 pg3 We publish particulars of Private John M Morphew of the Suffolk Regiment, who was killed in action on Easter Monday. Pte JM Morphew is the son on Mr and Mrs P Morphew of Tot Hill, Stowmarket and has been in the army 16 months. He was 25 years of age. He formerly worked at the chemical works of Messrs Prentice Bros. The news of his death caused great sorrowto his parents and all those who knew the young soldier, and much sympathy is extended to them in their loss, and also to his fiancée. The following is a copy of a letter received from Captain P Gurrey, the Officer in Command of the Company to which Pte Morphew was attached:- “April 17th 1917. Dear Mr and Mrs Morphew. You have by now heard of the sad death of your son. I sympathise with you deeply, though that can in no way help you to bear your sorrow. You must try and remember that you have made a great sacrifice for the country, and he has made the greatest sacrifice in giving up his life. In order to win this war numbers have to give their lives; he is one of those so you must know that it was not in vain. No man can die better on the field of battle advancing towards the enemy. I am writing to tell you he died bravely and that his sacrifice is not in vain. Your son has been in my company for six months so that I came to know him quite well and have always found him a good soldier, cheerful and willing. He was a good gunner too. I only trust that your other son who is in my company also will be spared to you. I can also speak very highly in praise of his work and character, he is a good boy and I don’t want to lose him. Trusting you will not grieve over your loss too much.”

Private 23485 John Marchant Morphew was born in Nedging c1892. He enlisted in the 7th Suffolk Regiment in Stowmarket. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 10th April 1917 aged 25. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial Bay 4 and is on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Peter and Ellen Julian Morphew, of Tote Hill, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL J. MOSS Private 5819348 James Moss was born in c1889. He enlisted in the 2nd Suffolk Regiment. He served at home and died on 29th November 1920 aged 31. He is buried at Haughley St Mary Churchyard and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Mrs. J. Moss, of 30, Lower Violet Hill, Stowmarket. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W. PEARSON Private 14862 William C. Pearson was born in Catten. He enlisted in the 7th Suffolk Regiment in Haughley. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 4th May 1917. He is buried at Feuchy British Cemetery Grave II. A. 4 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL J. POLLARD History of the Suffolk Regiment by Lieut Col CCR Murphy 2nd Battalion pg 136

On the night of the 21st-22nd just after the battalion had returned to the line, a terrific explosion occurred. The ground shook violently and an immense column of earth shot up in front of the Bluff, carrying away the south-eastern face of it. The explosion was not followed by any bombardment or attack, and for the moment no one realized what had happened. Men in the trenches next to the canal were buried several feet deep; ammunition boxes were hurled hundreds of yards; and all the surrounding trenches upon which the battalion had spent so much labour, as well as the system of tunnels within the Bluff, collapsed completely. About 2am on the 22nd January 1916 the Germans exploded a mine under the trenches held by this battalion in front of the Bluff, close to the Ypres-Comines canal, causing fresh damage and a considerable number of casualties. The charge in the mine is estimated to have been between six and seven tons of gunpowder, which formed a crater measuring roughly sixty by forty yards and forty feet in depth. Nearly a hundred men were killed, buried alive or injured by the explosion, the damage from which extended to several hundred yards in all directions.

Sergeant 12818 Joseph Henry Pollard was born in Haughley c1892. He enlisted in the 2nd Suffolk Regiment in Ipswich. He served in France & Flanders from 12th May 1915 and was killed in action on 22nd January 1916 aged 24. He is remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial Panel 21 and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pollard, of Duke Street, Haughley. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL T. RANSOM Bury Post Friday 1st June 1917 pg3 HAUGHLEY DIED OF WOUNDS – It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Pte Thomas Ranson of this parish. Official intimation has been received that this gallant young Haughley soldier who was only 25 years of age, was wounded on the 28th April last whilst on service in France and died at a casualty clearing station the following day. By the death of Pte Ranson the 1st Haughley Com Boys Brigade had sustained a serious loss, one which will be felt for a long time to come. He joined the company at the initial stage somewhere about 13 years since, the 1st Haughley Company then commencing its activities in a cottage in the village previous to entering its new commodious hall. He by continuous and diligent membership, combined with an earnest and upright life, rose to be a lieutenant in the ranks of the 1st Haughley Company. He was the oldest (in point of membership) member of the company and was verily a pillar of strength. He will be greatly missed both by the officers and boys; by all of whom he was held in affectionate esteem and regard. Private Ranson joined up in May in last year and was in the 17th Middlesex Regiment. Previous to donning khaki he was employed by Mrs Lankester and later at ‘Bedwell’ s Mill’Stowmarket, being a valued and trusted employee. He was married early in the previous year. Much sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Ranson and family and to the young bereaved wife in their sad and great loss. Mrs Ranson has four more sons in the Army, one being a prisoner of war in Germany.

Private G/40365 Tom Ranson was born in c1892. He originally enlisted as G/11985 in the Royal Sussex Regiment in Bury St Edmunds, later transferring to the 17th Middlesex. He served in France & Flanders and died of wounds on 29th April 1917 aged 25. He is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension Grave II. G. 61 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of William Ranson; husband of Rose Kate Evelyn Ranson, of Cotton. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL D.A. REYNOLDS Bury Post Saturday 3rd January 1919, pg7 HAUGHLEY DEATH OF PTE P.H. REYNOLDS The sympathy of the parishioners is with Mr and Mrs Reynolds and family in the sad loss they have sustained by the death of their son, Pte Percy Henry (Jack) Reynolds who died in the Military Hospital, West Bridgeford, Notts. Pte Reynolds joined up on February 7th 1918 and was shortly after sent to France, being in the Royal Fusiliers. Trouble in one knee necessitated hospital attention and here he spent five weeks and returned to England. For about five months he was under treatment in a VAD hospital in West Bridgeford, later being removed to the military hospital. Treatment was to no avail, death taking place as stated above. Previous to joining the Regular Army this young soldier – he had not yet attained his 19th birthday – was a member of the Haughley Platoon, C Company, 2nd Vol. Batt. Suffolk Regt., of which he was an esteemed member, always bright and cheerful. The body was brought by rail for interment in the churchyard of St Mary’s Haughley, the funeral taking place on Thursday of last week. The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs Reynolds (father and mother) Mrs A Girling, Mrs A Ager and Miss B Reynolds (sisters) Alfred and Albert (brothers) Miss D Ratter, Mrs Girling, Mr A Ager (brother in law) Mrs Keeble (aunt) Florrie, Lily and Freddie (cousins) Miss H Keeble, Mrs Wilding, Mrs Cutting and others. Lt. A Gent with the NCOs and men of the Haughley Platoon, were also present, the bearers also being members of the Haughley Platoon. Among the beautiful floral tributes were those sent by his father and mother and family and Miss Rutter. Two were sent from the VAD hospital at West Bridgeford, and one from the Military Hospital at that place, one from Mrs F Harper, and a beautiful tribute from his comrades of the Haughley Volunteers, together with a few of our Haughley boys in khaki. The coffin, of elm with brass furniture, bore on the breastplate the inscription: “136253 Pte P.H. Reynolds, 52nd Fusiliers, died 19th December 1918, aged 18 years.”The service was conducted by the Rev. W.H Kirk. During the service the hymn “Brief life is here our portion”was sung. The parents were able to visit their son during the last few days of his life. They speak in high praise of the kindness bestowed on him at the hospital, also to the extreme courtesy and consideration extended to them by all at the hospital.

Private G/79165 Percy Henry Reynolds was born in c1900. He enlisted in the 7th Royal Fusiliers. He served at home and died on 19th December 1918 aged 18. He is buried at Haughley St Mary Churchyard and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL E.W. ROBERTS

Suffolk Chronicle Private 17970 Frederick Friday 22nd December 1916 pg6

William Roberts enlisted Mr and Mrs William Roberts, of Shrub Farm, Haughley Green, near in the 13th Royal Stowmarket, have been notified through the War Office that their Sussex Regiment in eldest son, Prvt. Frederick William Roberts, of the Essex Regiment, Lewes. He served in has been missing since an engagement on November 13th France & Flanders and last. A younger was wounded on died of wounds on 2nd September 26th. April 1917. He is buried at Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery Grave VI. E. 11 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL F.J. RUFFLES Corporal 6288 Ernest James Ruffles was born in Bramford. He enlisted in the 2nd Suffolk Regiment in Ipswich. He served in France & Flanders from 15th August 1914 and died of wounds on 14th February 1915. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery (Nord) Grave H8 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL W. SORE Bury Post Friday 30th March 1917 pg2 HAUGHLEY KILLED IN ACTION Our sympathy also goes out to Mr and Mrs Harry Sore and family for the loss of their third son, Walter RJ Sore whose death there took place on February 17th last. On March 16th the War Office intimated that he was reported missing on February 17th. Lieut. HJR Creagh (son of Major SH Creagh and Mrs Creagh of Haughley House) had also written to Mr and Mrs Sore saying their son Walter was missing. They have now received another letter from Lieut. Creagh saying there is no doubt Walter fell for his country on 17th February. Lieut. Creagh proceeded to state that he had been able to go and see his grave where he was buried with three others on the battlefield close to where he fell. He says there is a large wooden cross over the grave and a brass with the four names on it. Lieut. Creagh appears to have taken every possible means to trace the whereabouts of Private W. Sore and the parents are sincerely grateful to him and much appreciate his great efforts also his most kind and sympathetic letters. This brave young soldier who was 27 years old joined our Army in September 1914 and went to France in July 1915. He was in the 8th Suffolks. He had been home from France once on a short leave. He had been slightly wounded four times, once suffering concussion or shell shock. His was naturally a happy nature, and he was held in much esteem in the parish. For several years he had been a member of the Church choir. At the time of joining the army he was an esteemed employee of Mr WH Denny of the Firs Farm. A communication has been received on Tuesday March 27th from the War Office saying Private Walter Sore was killed in action. Private 14860 Walter Sore was born in Haughley c1889. He enlisted in the 8th Suffolk Regiment in Haughley. He served in France & Flanders from 25th July 1915 and was killed in action on 17th February 1917 aged 27. He is buried at Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt Grave VI. D. 10 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL R. SUTTON Private Robert Sutton enlisted in the 1st Essex Regiment. He is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL C.G. WETHERALL Stowmarket Post Thursday 13th September 1917 pg Three Haughley Brothers on Service Prvt. Claud George Wetherall, the youngest of the three brothers joined up on becoming of military age on March 20th last and is now in training in an infantry battalion. Prior to joining His Majesty’s Forces he was employed by Mr A Woods of Haughley.

He was the son of Mr and Mrs Wetherall of Haughley and his elder brothers EW (Willie) and Frederick Stanley were both on active service abroad.

Private 41845 Claude George Wetherall was born in Crayford Kent. He enlisted in the 4th Bedfordshire Regiment in Bury St Edmunds. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 25th May 1918. He is buried at Aveluy Wood Cemetery, Mesnil -Martinsart Grave I. H. 16 and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL F.E. WOODS Bury Post Saturday 21st March 1919, pg8 HAUGHLEY The mother of Pte Edwin Frank Woods, no.41496, 13th Batt. Essex Regiment, who was reported missing after an engagement at Arras on, April 28th 1917, would be grateful for any news. Will discharged or repatriated comrades please communicate with her at Haughley Green.

Private 41496 Edward Frank Woods was born in Haughley c1878. He initially enlisted as 35087 in the Suffolk Regiment in Bury St Edmunds later transferring to the 13th Essex Regiment. He served in France & Flanders and was killed in action on 28th April 1917 aged 39. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial Bay 7 and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son of Sarah Woods, of Haughley Green, and the late F. T. Woods. He had previously served in the South African Campaign. HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL SOURCES USED • Commonwealth War Graves website • Soldiers Died (Naval & Military Press) • Bury Post & Bury Free Press newspapers at Bury Records Office and Stowmarket Post & Suffolk Chronicle at Ipswich Records Office • De Revigny’s Roll of Honour • Suffolk County Council Roll of Honour

Could you contribute further information to the Haughley War Memorial Project? If so please contact C. Clarke C/O Stowupland High School November 2010