HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALSuffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 12th March 1920

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILEDThere were impressive scenes on Tuesday afternoon on the occasion of the memorial dedicated to the memory of the twenty-nine men ofthe 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 thewar, 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 acrowded 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 washeld in the church, at which the Vicar, the Rev. Hastings Kelk, officiated. The choir had been augmented by that of Stowmarket ParishChurch and the choral portion was beautifully augmented. The hymns chosen were ‘Oh valiant heart’and ‘When I survey the wondrousCross’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 headedby 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 Lloydsaid, “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 bythese, 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 bravemen 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 inspireus 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 MEMORIALA. AGER

Lance Corporal G/16265 AlanAger was born inWetheringsett c1894. Heenlisted in the 11th RoyalSussex Regiment inHurstpierpoint. He served inGallipoli from 8th August 1915and later in France & Flanderswhere he was killed in actionon 3rd April 1918 aged 24. Heis remembered on thePozieres Memorial Panel46&47 and on the HaughleyWar Memorial. He was theson of Charles Ager and KateWilden (formerly Ager), of OldStreet, Haughley.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW. BALDRY

Lance Corporal 9440William Baldry was born inHaughley c1894. Heenlisted in the 1stLincolnshire Regiment inStowmarket. He served inFrance & Flanders from13th August 1914 and diedof wounds on 1st March1915 aged 20. He is buriedat Boulogne EasternCemetery Grave III. C. 74and is remembered on theHaughley War Memorial.He was the son of LouisaBaldry, of Haughley Green.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALR.W. BUTTERWORTH

Private 4145 ReginaldWilloughby Butterworth was bornin Ipswich c1883. He enlisted inthe 4th Suffolk Regiment in BurySt Edmunds. He served inFrance & Flanders and waskilled in action on 29th October1916 aged 33. He isremembered on the ThiepvalMemorial Pier & Face 1C&2Aand on the Haughley WarMemorial. He was the son of thelate James and MarthaButterworth, of "Highcliffe",Felixstowe; husband of RosaWinifred Butterworth, ofHaughley Old Street.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALH.P. CREAGH

Captain Henry James Percival Creagh wasborn in Bermuda c1893. He enlisted in the 8thSuffolk Regiment but was attached to the 11thSuffolks. He served in France & Flanders fromJuly 1915 and died of wounds on 23rdNovember 1918 aged 25. He is buried at MontHuon Military Cemetery, Le Treport Grave X. B.11 and is remembered on the Haughley WarMemorial. He was the son of Stephen Henryand Florence Annie Creagh, of HaughleyHouse, Haughley. He was awarded the MilitaryCross and was also Mentioned in Despatches.

Stowmarket Post Thursday 13th April 1916 pg5LIEUT. 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 andMrs 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 adug-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 sufferingfrom 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 inmost 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 1919HAUGHLEY HEROES

General Campbell Presents DecorationsOn 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 JamesPercival 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, andbeloved 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) withgreat 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 severelywounded 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.”

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALN. CUTTING

Lance Corporal 43302 NelsonWalter Cutting was born in c1893.He originally enlisted as 1307 in theSuffolk Cycles in Stowmarket, latertransfering to the 2nd SuffolkRegiment. He served in France &Flanders and was killed in actionon 18th August 1916 aged 23. Heis remembered on the ThiepvalMemorial Pier & Face 1C&2A andon the Haughley War Memorial.He was the son of Mrs. H. L.Cutting, of Old Street, Haughley.

Bury Post Friday 7th September 1917 pg7HAUGHLEY

THE LATE LC CORPL NW CUTTINGMr and Mrs Chas Cutting have now received official information of thedeath of their son Lc Corpl Nelson Walter Cutting of the Suffolk Cycles,2nd Suffolks. The message states that it must now be concluded thathis death took place on August 1st 1916 (or since). The same soldier

was reported missing as from August 18th 1916 but a letter wasreceived by the parents from an officer of the 2nd Suffolks stating that

he was killed on September 21st 1916.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW.C. DENNY

Private 18042 Claud Boggis Dennywas born in Haughley c1895. Heenlisted in the 8th SouthStaffordshire Regiment inColchester. He served in France &Flanders from 14th July 1915 anddied of wounds on 28th February1916 aged 20. He is buried atEtaples Military Cemetery Grave VI.D. 26A and is remembered on theHaughley War Memorial. He wasthe son of Ernest and CarolineDenny, of Haughley.

Bury Post Friday 10th March 1916 pg6PTE. CLAUDDENNY DIES OF WOUNDS

We reported in our columns a fortnight since that Private Claud Dennyhad been wounded whilst serving in France. It is with the deepest regret we now have to record his death. PrivateDenny was the eldest son of Mr and MrsErnest 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 uprightnessand 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 monthsand 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 inthe 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 wasenabled 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 himthroughout 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 ‘RoyalAntediluvian Order of Buffalos’in the Tollesbury lodge. The secretaryof 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 companyPrivate Denny belonged. Sergt. Gregg’s letterdescribing 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 thekindly 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.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALJ. ELMER

Private 14468 John William Elmer was born in Haughley on 29th

August 1894 and educated at Claydon School. He enlisted in the 7thSuffolk Regiment in Haughley on 12th September 1914. He served inFrance & Flanders from 25th July 1915 and was killed in action on 5th

April 1918 aged 23. He is remembered on the Pozieres MemorialPanel 25 and on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the eldest son

of the late Henry Elmer and Mrs Alice Elmer and married GertrudeCodd at Old Newton and left two sons, John William Henry b. 10th

August 1913 and Leonard Charles b. 10th October 1914.

Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 3rd May 1918 pg8ELMER On April 5th 1918 killed in action Lance Corporal JW ElmerSuffolk Regiment the dearly loved husband of Gertrude Elmer andelder son of the late Mr and Mrs Henry Elmer of Haughley, aged 24years.

Sleep on dear husband in a foreign landIn a grave I may never see

But as long as life and memory lastWe shall always remember thee

We prayed to clasp the dear hand once moreBut the meeting must remain

We rest in hope that our great lossIs his eternal gain

From his sorrowing Wife, Children and Sisters

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW.H. ELMER

Private 20942 Walter Henry Elmer was born inHaughley on 9th August 1897 and was educatedat Haughley school. He worked as a grocer’sassistant before he enlisted in the 9th SuffolkRegiment in Stowmarket on 21st July 1915. Heserved in France & Flanders from June 1916 andwas wounded on 1st July and invalided home.He returned to action early in August and waskilled in action on 30th September 1916 aged 19.He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier& Face 1C&2A and on the Haughley WarMemorial. He was the youngest son of the lateHenry Elmer and Mrs Alice Elmer.

Stowmarket Post Thursday 26th October 1916 pg5HAUGHLEY

A YOUNG HAUGHLEY SOLDDIER KILLED –It is with much regret that we learn of the death of another of Haughley’ssoldier heroes, the news from the War Office announcing to his sisters, Miss M Elmer and Mrs Charles James, and MissG Elmer, that their youngest brother, Private Walter Henry Elmer of the Suffolks was killed in action on September 30thlast. 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 hegave his short life for his King and country at the early age of 19 years. We tender our sympathies to his relatives.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW.G.GOODE

Private 36329 William George Goodewas born in Haughley c1890. Heenlisted in the 7th Royal Fusiliers inBury St Edmunds. He served inFrance & Flanders and was killed inaction on 26th February 1917 aged27. He is remembered on theThiepval Memorial Pier & Face 8C9A & 16A and on the Haughley WarMemorial. He was the son of AlfredGoode, of Duke Street, Haughley.

Bury Post Friday 30th March 1917 pg2HAUGHLEY

KILLED IN ACTIONWe 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 MrSamuel 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 oneconsolation 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 RoyalFusiliers. 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.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALE.D.HARRISON

2nd Lieutenant Edward Donald Harrison was born in c1877. He enlisted in the3rd Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment but was attached to theManchesters. He served in France & Flanders from 23rd January 1915,receiving his commission on 26th October 1915 and was killed in action on 25thJuly 1916 aged 39. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face11C and is remembered on the Haughley War Memorial. He was the son ofSamuel John Harrison, of Haughley House, Haughley.

Bury Post Friday 11th August 1916 pg3LIEUT. E.D. HARRISON KILLED

The parishioners of Haughley were grieved to learn of the death of Lieut. E. Donald Harrison, whohas been killed in action in France. He was the youngest son of the late Mr S.J. Harrison, JP ofHaughley 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. WardHarrison, 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 wentthrough 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 comingthrough unscathed, he retuned to England for a few days well earned rest. He paid a short visit toHaughley 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. Heagain 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 inaction.’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 wasinstantly 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 themanagement 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 tookthe 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 amember of the Caterham C.C. He was born at Haughley House on August 29th 1875.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALH.L. HARRISON

Lieutenant Herbert DeGreu Harrison enlisted inthe Royal Engineers. Heserved at Home and diedon 12th March 1918. Heis buried at East FinchleyCemetery & St.Marylebone CrematoriumGrave G. 14. 170 and isremembered on theHaughley War Memorial.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW.W. HAYWARD

Private 6819 William WHayward was born inc1883. He enlisted in theSuffolk Regiment. Heserved from 15th August1914 and died at homeon 25th July 1920 aged 37.He is buried at HaughleySt Mary Churchyard andis remembered on theHaughley War Memorial.He was the husband ofFlorence Hayward ofHaughley

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALC. HONEYBALL

Private 5240 Clifford BruceHoneyball was born in Haughleyc1896. He enlisted in the 8thEast Surrey Regiment inHaughley. He served in France& Flanders from 27th July 1915and was killed in action on 1stJuly 1916 aged 20. He isremembered on the ThiepvalMemorial Pier & Face 6B&6Cand on the Haughley WarMemorial. He was the son ofThomas Honeyball, of WalnutTree Cottage, Haughley.

Bury Post Friday 4th August 1916 pg5HAUGHLEY

KILLED IN ACTIONThe death is announced of Private CB Honeyball, only son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Honeyball. He was killedin 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.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALJ. HUNNIBELL

Private 5232 Job SidneyHunnibell was born in OldNewton c1896. He enlisted inthe 8th East Surrey Regiment inHaughley. He served in France& Flanders from 27th July 1915and was killed in action on 1stJuly 1916 aged 20. He isremembered on the ThiepvalMemorial Pier & Face 6B&6Cand on the Haughley WarMemorial. He was the son ofCharles and Lucy Hunnibell, ofDagworth, Haughley.

Bury Post Friday 4th August 1916 pg5PTE 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 wasdrafted 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 inHaughley 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 whoare 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 morepoignant 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.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALO. JEFFERIES

Private 9046 Oliver Charles Jefferieswas born in Haughley. He enlistedin the 11th Suffolk Regiment in BurySt Edmunds. He served in France& Flanders from 30th May 1915 anddied on 17th May 1917 having beentaken prisoner of war. He is buriedat Cologne Southern CemeteryGrave XIII. C. 14 and is rememberedon the Haughley War Memorial.

Bury Post Friday 1st June 1917 pg3HAUGHLEY

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. Newsis 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 attachedto the 11th Suffolks. He has during this long period been through a lot of stiff fights. Much sympathy is felt for Mr and MrsJefferies in their anxious period

of suspense.

Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 6th July 1917 pg8OC 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 pg3HaughleyMan 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 ofHaughley. 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 hasbeen 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 alance corporal.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW. JEFFERIES

Corporal 27058 William ArthurJefferies was born inHaughley. He originallyenlisted as 36373 in theEssex Regiment in Bury StEdmunds but later transferredto the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment.He served in France &Flanders and was killed inaction on 29th October 1917.He is buried at Irish HouseCemetery Grave C.15 and isremembered on the HaughleyWar Memorial. He was theson of Mr. W. J. Jefferies, ofOld Street, Haughley.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALF.E. KEEBLE

Private 71414 Percy EdwardKeeble was born inStowmarket. He originallyenlisted as 26800 in theNorfolk Regiment in Bury StEdmunds, later transferring tothe 9th Sherwood Foresters.He served in France &Flanders and was killed inaction on 27th April 1918. Heis buried at Philosophe BritishCemetery, Mazingarbe GraveIII. D. 5 and is remembered onthe Haughley War Memorial.He was the son of Mr. J.Keeble, of Haughley Green.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALH. KEMP

Gunner 201659 HaroldKemp was born inNewhaven. He enlisted inthe Royal GarrisonArtillery 43rd Anti AircraftSection in Southampton.He served in France &Flanders and died on 11thNovember 1918. He isburied at St. AndreCommunal CemeteryGrave I. A. 61 and isremembered on theHaughley War Memorial.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALE. MORPHEW

Private G/27007 George EdwardMorphew was born in Nedging c1880.He enlisted in the 34th Labour Corpsin Ipswich, later transferring to (60418)101st Coy Regiment. He served inFrance & Flanders and died ofwounds on 24th May 1918 aged 38.He is buried at St. Sever CemeteryExtension, Rouen Q. III. N. 26 and isremembered on the Haughley WarMemorial.

Stowmarket Post Thursday 2nd August 1917 pg3FOUR STOWMARKET BROTHERS

Mr and Mrs Morphew have three other sons engaged in the army. Pte GeorgeE 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 timeat 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 WMorphew 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. Heworked at Mr Merrick’s nursery gardens before he joined the forces.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALJ. MORPHEW

Private 23485 John MarchantMorphew was born in Nedgingc1892. He enlisted in the 7thSuffolk Regiment in Stowmarket.He served in France & Flandersand was killed in action on 10thApril 1917 aged 25. He isremembered on the ArrasMemorial Bay 4 and is on theHaughley War Memorial. He wasthe son of Peter and Ellen JulianMorphew, of Tote Hill, Haughley.

Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Friday 11th May 1917 pg8MORPHEW Killed in action in France April 9th John Marchant Morphew Suffolk Regiment, third dearly beloved son of Mr and MrsP Morphew, Tot Hill,

Haughley, aged 25 years.

Stowmarket Post Thursday 2nd August 1917 pg3We 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 army16 months. He was 25 years of age. He formerly worked at the chemicalworks 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 inno wayhelp you to bear your sorrow. You must tryand remember that you have made a great sacrifice for the country, and he has made the greatestsacrifice 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. Yourson 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. Hewas 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.”

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALJ. MOSS

Private 5819348 JamesMoss was born in c1889.He enlisted in the 2ndSuffolk Regiment. Heserved at home and died on29th November 1920 aged31. He is buried atHaughley St MaryChurchyard and isremembered on theHaughley War Memorial.He was the son of Mrs. J.Moss, of 30, Lower VioletHill, Stowmarket.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW. PEARSON

Private 14862 William C.Pearson was born inCatten. He enlisted in the7th Suffolk Regiment inHaughley. He served inFrance & Flanders andwas killed in action on 4thMay 1917. He is buriedat Feuchy BritishCemetery Grave II. A. 4and is remembered onthe Haughley WarMemorial.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALJ. POLLARD

Sergeant 12818 Joseph HenryPollard was born in Haughley c1892.He enlisted in the 2nd SuffolkRegiment in Ipswich. He served inFrance & Flanders from 12th May1915 and was killed in action on 22ndJanuary 1916 aged 24. He isremembered on the Ypres MeninGate Memorial Panel 21 and on theHaughley War Memorial. He was theson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pollard,of Duke Street, Haughley.

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 shookviolently and an immense column of earth shot up in front of the Bluff, carrying away the south-eastern face of it. The explosion wasnot followed by any bombardment or attack, and for the moment no one realized what had happened. Men in the trenches next tothe 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 isestimated to have been between six and seven tons of gunpowder, which formed a crater measuring roughly sixty by forty yards andforty 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.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALT. RANSOM

Private G/40365 Tom Ranson was born inc1892. He originally enlisted as G/11985in the Royal Sussex Regiment in Bury StEdmunds, later transferring to the 17thMiddlesex. He served in France &Flanders and died of wounds on 29th April1917 aged 25. He is buried at AubignyCommunal Cemetery Extension Grave II.G. 61 and is remembered on theHaughley War Memorial. He was the sonof William Ranson; husband of Rose KateEvelyn Ranson, of Cotton.

Bury Post Friday 1st June 1917 pg3HAUGHLEY

DIED OF WOUNDS –It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Pte Thomas Ranson ofthis 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 casualtyclearing 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 initialstage 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 diligentmembership, 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 verilya 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 17thMiddlesex 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.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALD.A. REYNOLDS

Private G/79165 Percy HenryReynolds was born in c1900. Heenlisted in the 7th Royal Fusiliers.He served at home and died on 19thDecember 1918 aged 18. He isburied at Haughley St MaryChurchyard and is remembered onthe Haughley War Memorial.

Bury Post Saturday 3rd January 1919, pg7HAUGHLEY

DEATH OF PTE P.H. REYNOLDSThe 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 theRoyal 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’sHaughley, 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 andMiss 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 beingmembers 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 theHaughley 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 “Brieflife 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.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALE.W. ROBERTS

Private 17970 FrederickWilliam Roberts enlistedin the 13th RoyalSussex Regiment inLewes. He served inFrance & Flanders anddied of wounds on 2ndApril 1917. He is buriedat Vlamertinghe MilitaryCemetery Grave VI. E.11 and is rememberedon the Haughley WarMemorial.

Suffolk ChronicleFriday 22nd December 1916 pg6

Mr and Mrs William Roberts, ofShrub Farm, Haughley Green, near

Stowmarket, have been notifiedthrough the War Office that their

eldest son, Prvt. Frederick WilliamRoberts, of the Essex Regiment,

has been missing since anengagement on November 13th

last. A younger was wounded onSeptember 26th.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALF.J. RUFFLES

Corporal 6288 ErnestJames Ruffles was bornin Bramford. He enlistedin the 2nd SuffolkRegiment in Ipswich. Heserved in France &Flanders from 15thAugust 1914 and died ofwounds on 14th February1915. He is buried atBailleul CommunalCemetery (Nord) GraveH8 and is rememberedon the Haughley WarMemorial.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALW. SORE

Private 14860 Walter Sore was born inHaughley c1889. He enlisted in the8th Suffolk Regiment in Haughley. Heserved in France & Flanders from 25thJuly 1915 and was killed in action on17th February 1917 aged 27. He isburied at Regina Trench Cemetery,Grandcourt Grave VI. D. 10 and isremembered on the Haughley WarMemorial.

Bury Post Friday 30th March 1917 pg2HAUGHLEY

KILLED IN ACTIONOur 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 reportedmissing on February 17th. Lieut. HJR Creagh (son of Major SH Creagh and Mrs Creagh of Haughley House) hadalso 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 tostate 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 theparents 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 inJuly 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 hewas held in much esteem in the parish. For several years he had been a member of the Church choir. At the timeof joining the army he was an esteemed employee of Mr WH Denny of the Firs Farm. A communication has been

received on Tuesday March 27 th from the War Office saying Private Walter Sore was killed in action.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALR. SUTTON

Private Robert Suttonenlisted in the 1stEssex Regiment. Heis remembered on theHaughley WarMemorial.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALC.G. WETHERALL

Private 41845 Claude GeorgeWetherall was born in CrayfordKent. He enlisted in the 4thBedfordshire Regiment in Bury StEdmunds. He served in France &Flanders and was killed in actionon 25th May 1918. He is buriedat Aveluy Wood Cemetery, Mesnil-Martinsart Grave I. H. 16 and isremembered on the HaughleyWar Memorial.

Stowmarket Post Thursday 13th September 1917 pgThree Haughley Brothers on Service

Prvt. Claud George Wetherall, the youngest of the three brothers joined upon becoming of military age on March 20th last and is now in training in aninfantry 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 brothersEW (Willie) and Frederick Stanley were both on active service abroad.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALF.E. WOODS

Private 41496 Edward Frank Woodswas born in Haughley c1878. Heinitially enlisted as 35087 in theSuffolk Regiment in Bury StEdmunds later transferring to the13th Essex Regiment. He served inFrance & Flanders and was killed inaction on 28th April 1917 aged 39.He is remembered on the ArrasMemorial Bay 7 and on the HaughleyWar Memorial. He was the son ofSarah Woods, of Haughley Green,and the late F. T. Woods. He hadpreviously served in the SouthAfrican Campaign.

Bury Post Saturday 21st March 1919, pg8HAUGHLEY

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 forany news. Will discharged or repatriated comrades please

communicate with her at Haughley Green.

HAUGHLEY WAR MEMORIALSOURCES USED

• Commonwealth War Graves website

• Soldiers Died (Naval & Military Press)

• Bury Post & Bury Free Press newspapers atBury 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