A village with a big story
Selected Biographies
Ambrose, Albert ‘William’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 6.1.1871.[1] Parents: Thomas Ambrose (Painter at Iron Foundry) and Anna [née Elgar]. Family Connections: Brother to George Ambrose [b1873], Ralph Ambrose [b1874], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]; also, father of William Mallett Ambrose [b1897] and Ralph Ambrose [b1899], brother-in-law of Robert Arthur Sewell [b1864] and Alfred Charles John Potter [b1880], and uncle of George Samuel Ambrose [b1904]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1871, 1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), 13 Gregory Street, Sudbury, Suffolk (1901), 26 Plough Lane, Sudbury (1911, 1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Trimmer (1891), Coconut Mat Maker (1901, 1911), Retired Postman (1939). Married: Mary Clark in 1895. Service Record: No definitive military record found. Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1943.
Ambrose, Amos – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 2.3.1872.[2] Parents: Amos Ambrose (Horsehair Weaver) and Sarah Ann [née Gridley]. Family Connections: William Harry Ambrose [b1870], Harry George Ambrose [b1874], and Arthur George Ambrose [b1876]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1881), 33 Brompton Road, Kensington, London (1891), 6 Protheroe Road, Fulham, London (1901). Occupation: Barman (1891), Painter (1901), Chimney Sweep (1911). Service Record: No definitive military record found.
Ambrose, Arthur – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 26.11.1881.[3] Parents: William James Ambrose (Agricultural Labourer) and Sarah Elizabeth [née Ives]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888] and George Ambrose [b1892]; also, uncle of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and Ernest Ambrose [b1900], and cousin of Sidney John Ambrose [b1885], Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1901), High Street, Long Melford (1911 to 1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Weaver (1901), Labourer (1911). Service Record: Arthur had previously served in the Territorials before being placed on the Army Reserve on 2.3.1916, transferring to 2nd Reserve Battalion on 18.6.1917 as Ordinary Seaman No. R/1933. He was posted to France from 13.10.1917 and transferred as an Able Seaman to 1st [Drake] Battalion, part of 189th Brigade, 63rd [Royal Naval] Division. On 4.12.1917 he sustained an injury to his right heel, severe enough to warrant hospitalization in Plymouth. He does not appear to have returned to front-line duty and was discharged in January 1919.[4] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1953.
Ambrose, Arthur George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 9.8.1876.[5] Parents: Amos Ambrose (Horsehair Weaver) and Sarah Ann [née Gridley]. Family Connections: William Harry Ambrose [b1870], Amos Ambrose [b1872] and Harry George Ambrose [b1874]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1881, 1891), 42 Arbery Road, Bethnal Green, London (1901), 12 Coutts Road, Burdett Road, Mile End, London (1911). Occupation: Warehouse Checker (1901), Packer for a Hardware Merchant (1911). Married: Louisa in 1905. Service Record: No definitive military record found.
Ambrose, Arthur Hiram – Born: At the Horsehair Factory, Long Melford, Suffolk on 27.12.1874.[6] Parents: Arthur Ambrose (Horsehair Weaver) and Sarah [née Wells]. Family Connections: Brother to George Alfred Ambrose [b1878] and brother-in-law of Joseph Maxim [b1864]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1891), 73 Mortimer Road, Willesden, Middlesex (1901), emigrated with his family to Canada [1907].[7] Occupation: Painter’s Apprentice (1891), Decorator on own account (1901), Carpenter [1907]. Married: Clara Uddy in 1900. Service Record: No definitive military record found.
Ambrose, Charles Henry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 21.9.1879.[8] Parents: William James Ambrose (Agricultural Labourer) and Sarah Elizabeth [née Ives]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888] and George Ambrose [b1892]; also, uncle of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and cousin of Sidney John Ambrose [b1885], Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889], uncle of Ernest Ambrose [b1900], and brother-in-law of Walter Piper [b1874]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1881 to 1901), 54 High Street, Long Melford (1911), Cooks Cottage, High Street, Long Melford [1916], Westgate Street, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Coir Yarn Winder (1901), Coconut Mat Weaver [1916], Gardener (1939). Married: Edith Kate Piper in 1907. Service Record: Attested on 5.7.1916 as Pte.101987 with the Royal Garrison Artillery, transferring to 1st Provisional Battery and Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, then in 1919 as Pte.241195 to 431st Agricultural Company, and finally to 581st [Home Service Employment] Company, Labour Corps. Charles received his discharge in April 1919.[9] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1955.
Ambrose, Charles Henry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 17.1.1889.[10] Parents: Maria Ambrose (Yarn Winder). Family Connections: Brother to George Ambrose [b1881]; also, cousin of Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], George Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888], George Ambrose [b1892], Sidney John Ambrose [b1885] and Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1901), High Street, Long Melford (1911) and [1915], 5 Church Row, Sudbury, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: Farm Labourer for Amos Theobald of New Road, Long Melford. Married: Ada Jane Tatum in 1919. Service Record: Attested on 19.4.1915 as Pte.20225 with 3rd [Reserve] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, posted to France from 22.12.1915 with 7th [Service] Battalion, Suffolks, as part of 35th Brigade, 12th [Eastern] Division. Charles received wounds to his head and leg and was sent back to England for treatment on 9.4.1916. By August 1916 he was fit enough to return to the Front joining ‘D’ Company, 8th [Service] Battalion, Suffolks under the command of 18th [Eastern] Division’s 53rd Brigade. In September Charles received shrapnel wounds to his left thigh, fracturing his femur. The precise date of his injury is not recorded in his Service Record; however, the most likely time would have been on 26.9.1916 when his unit was at the spearhead of an attack on two key German trenches and the strongpoint known as the Schwaben Redoubt. This, the first day of the Battle of Thiepval Ridge left two hundred Suffolks either dead or wounded. This was one of the many engagements during the Somme Offensive. His cousin Harry Ambrose [b1884] who was serving in the same unit, was also wounded in the same action. Due to the severity of his wounds Charles was discharged on 12.10.1917 ‘being no longer physically fit for war service’ and issued with a Silver War Badge.[11] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1971.
Ambrose, Ernest – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 17.1.1878.[12] Parents: John Ambrose (Foreman in Coconut Matting Factory) and Hannah [née Hubbard] (Laundress). Family Connections: Brother to George Ambrose [b1879] and John Ambrose [b1882]; also, brother-in-law of William Charles Sewell [b1881], Maud Sewell [b1882], Edmond Sewell [b1887] and Margery Sewell [b1889]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1881), Church Walk/Row, Long Melford (1891 and 1901), 5 Westgate Terrace, Long Melford (1911 to 1939), 58A Friar Street, Sudbury, Suffolk [1975]. Occupation: Clerk at Whittle’s Coconut Matting Factory in Long Melford (1901 and 1911), Photographic Supplies Dealer [1937], Estate Agent (1939); also, the author of Melford Memories [1972]. Married: Katie Sewell Whittle in 1909 [d1948] and Emily Rebecca Andrews in 1950. Service Record: Ernest joined ‘D’ Company, 2nd [Volunteer] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment in 1895, transferring in 1908 as Sgt.139 to 5th Battalion, Suffolks [Territorial]. He served during the First World War as Company Quartermaster Sergeant No. 139 initially with 3/5th Battalion, Suffolks, transferring on 1.9.1916 to 4th [Reserve] Battalion, Suffolks and later moving to 1/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Ernest Ambrose was posted to France from 2.11.1917 transferring shortly after as CQMS.205898 to 4th [Extra Reserve] Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, as part of 190th Brigade, 63rd [Royal Naval] Division at that time billeted in the town of Poperinghe near Ypres. The Battalion did not move close to the battle zone until 16.12.1917 when it occupied support trenches on Highland Ridge, holding ground won in the previous month, during the Battle of Cambrai. The actual front-line ran along the crest of Welsh Ridge, a parallel feature a mile further east; even at this distance, three men had been killed and ten wounded in their ten days on duty. By Christmas a cold snap had taken hold of the battlefield, lasting to the end of the month, with six inches of snow falling on Boxing Day alone. At 6:30 on the morning of 30.12.1917 the Germans pounded the Division’s position on the snow-covered crest of Welsh Ridge with a short burst of well-aimed artillery fire, over-running the trench as soon as the barrage lifted. The Machine Gun Company of 190th Brigade was already manning the reverse slope of the Ridge as Ernest’s unit was hastily moved up to strengthen the line and halt any further German advance. At least five other Melford men were involved in the defence of Welsh Ridge: Hubert Roy Barnes [b1898], Bertie Alfred Piper [b1893], George Henry Sansum [b1892], Owen Charles Sewell [b1897] and Arthur Edward Whent [b1889]. Their stories are to be found elsewhere in this Roll. In March 1918 Ambrose’s medical status was reclassified as Bi, moving him from front-line combat to a series of units in the rear echelons. He was transferred initially as CQMS.596326 to 951st [Area Employment] Company, Labour Corps, transferring on 20.5.1918 to No. 2 Company, 17th Garrison Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. During Ernest’s three months with this unit, it was mainly engaged in digging and repairing trenches interspersed with intense periods of training. By the end of August, he had been moved yet again this time as CQMS.616148 to 187th [Prisoner of War] Company, Labour Corps. He remained in France until February 1919 receiving his discharge a week or later. By the terms of his engagement however, he could have been discharged as early as April 1916. His decision to stay on was as a personal favour to his wife’s brother Edmond Sewell [b1887], by acting as his substitute when Sewell received his notice of conscription in March 1916. We can never know if any pressure was brought to bear on Ernest Ambrose to act as Edmond’s substitute, although it should be noted that when the application was brought before the Melford Military Tribunal for consideration, it was Robert Sewell, Ernest’s boss at the Matting Factory, who took on the role of advocate for his nephew Edmond.[13] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 5.5.1975.[14]
Ambrose, Ernest – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1900. Parents: Florence Ambrose. Family Connections: Family Connections: Nephew of Frederick William Ambrose [b1899], Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888], and George Ambrose [b1892]; also, cousin of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1901), High Street, Long Melford (1911). Service Record: No definitive military record found. Died: On 21.5.1920 diagnosed with tuberculosis, dying the following year, and buried on 19.1.1921 at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford.[15]
Ambrose, Ernest Harold – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 31.7.1884.[16] Parents: Thomas Ambrose (Painter at Ward’s Iron Foundry) and Anna [née Elger]. Family Connections: Brother to Albert William Ambrose [b1871], George Ambrose [b1873], Ralph Ambrose [b1874] and James Ambrose [b1878]; also, uncle of William Mallett Ambrose [b1897], Ralph Ambrose [b1899], and George Samuel Ambrose [b1904], and brother-in-law of Robert Arthur Sewell [b1864] and Alfred Charles John Potter [b1880]. Home: St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), Hall Street, Long Melford (1901), Barrow Hill, Acton, Suffolk [1919]. Occupation: Coir Yarn Winder (1901), Painter (1911). Married: Beatrice Game in 1916. Service Record: A member of the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps in 1915.[17] Although his fitness level was poor at ‘Cii’ Ernest was conscripted on 22.5.1917 as Pte.177903 in 330th Company, Labour Corps, attached to the Gordon Highlanders. He was later posted to 296th Reserve Labour Company, Labour Corps and by the time of his discharge in March 1919, was serving with 469th [Home Service] Company, Labour Corps.[18] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1962.
Ambrose, Frederick – Born: Lavenham, Suffolk on 13.2.1877.[19] Parents: John Ambrose (Horsehair Drawer) and Elizabeth [née Walker]. Home: Shilling Street, Lavenham, Suffolk (1881), The Common, Lavenham (1901), The Street, Lawshall, Suffolk (1911), Long Melford [1916], 32 Prentice Street, Lavenham (1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901), Insurance Agent in Long Melford (1911) to [1916], Prudential Insurance Agent retired (1939). Married: Kate Maria Mitchell in 1900. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in June 1916 Frederick applied for conditional exemption, ‘as he had just bought his book and probably at the present time would not be able to sell it’. The Tribunal was not to be persuaded and his application was refused. Conscription should have followed; however, no definitive military record has been found.[20]
Ambrose, Frederick William – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 26.2.1876.[21] Parents: William James Ambrose (Agricultural Labourer) and Sarah Elizabeth [née Ives]. Family Connections: Father of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and brother to Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888], and George Ambrose [b1892]; also, cousin of Sidney John Ambrose [b1885], Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889], uncle of Ernest Ambrose [b1900], and father-in-law of William Charles Bowers [b1897]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1881 and 1891), Hall Street, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), 3 Windmill Hill, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Coir Yarn Sorter (1891), Coconut Mat Finisher (1901 and 1911), Agricultural Labourer (1939). Married: Rosa Newman in 1898. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in July 1916 Frederick’s employer the Whittle Matting Company applied for exemption on his behalf as he would soon exceed the current recruitment age of 41.[22] He was granted conditional exemption, this detail notwithstanding he was conscripted on 15.12.1916 as Pte.36199 with 2nd [Home Service] Garrison Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Frederick was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged on 29.3.1917 suffering from ‘high myopia’.[23] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1941.
Ambrose, George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 8.12.1873.[24] Parents: Thomas Ambrose (Painter at Iron Foundry) and Anna [née Elger]. Family Connections: Father to George Samuel Ambrose [b1904] and brother of Albert William Ambrose [b1871], Ralph Ambrose [b1874], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]; also, uncle of William Mallett Ambrose [b1897] and Ralph Ambrose [b1899], and brother-in-law of Robert Arthur Sewell [b1864] and Alfred Charles John Potter [b1880]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), 34 Nene Parade, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire (1911), Manor Terrace, Terrington St Clement, Cambridgeshire (1921), Hall Street, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Trimmer (1891) Soldier [1892 to 1913], Fruit Grower (1921), House Painter (1939). Married: Susannah Pryke in 1903. Service Record: Attested in 1892, posted to South Africa and saw action in the Second Anglo-Boer War.[25] On the 1911 Census he is recorded as a Colour Sergeant Instructor in 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire [Territorial] Regiment. George is recorded as a member of the Melford Silver Band in 1911 and 1914.[26] It is not known if he saw service during the First World War as no definitive record has been found. Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1953.
Ambrose, George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.10.1881.[27] Parents: John Ambrose (Foreman in Coconut Matting Factory) and Hannah [née Hubbard]. Family Connections: Brother to Ernest Ambrose [b1878] and John Ambrose [b1882]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1881), Church Walk, Long Melford (1891), 35 St Marks Road, Kensington, London [1918 to 1930], 9 Ladbroke Crescent, Kensington [1933], 40 Curzon Road, Ealing, Middlesex [1935 to 1965].[28] Occupation: Post Office Servant (1911), Telecommunications Foreman [1939], Retired Post Office Engineer [1959]. Married: Daisy Emily Lawrence in 1913. Service Record: Enlisted in 1906 as Stoker No. SS103934 in the Royal Navy. George served on the cruiser HMS Cressy between 29.7.1914 and 22.9.1914 and saw action at the Battle of Heligoland Bight, where his ship was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-9. The local press interviewed Ambrose shortly after the incident, running a story under the headline A Hero of the Cressy; from which the following extract is taken: First Class Stoker George Ambrose of H.M. cruiser Cressy, which went to her fate in the North Sea last week whilst heroically endeavouring to succour the crews of her companion cruisers Aboukir and the Hogue, victims of a German submarine attack. Bearing very evident traces of the severe ordeal he had under gone in the shape of bruises over the whole of the surface of his body, consequent on a four hours buffeting by the North Sea waves, our sailor, with the cheery optimism of the British blue jacket, felt confident that a few days rest would put him right, and expressed, very fervently, his hope that he would shortly be appointed to another ship in order that he might have, as he termed it in his breezy vernacular, “another go”. At that moment the Cressy was struck by the torpedo, Ambrose was at his duties in the stokehole. The next thing he remembered was finding himself struggling in the sea, amidst a confused mass of sailors and wreckage of all sorts. He experienced considerable difficulty in steering clear of the many poor drowning fellows by whom he was surrounded, but fortunately managed to do so, and eventually found a precarious means of support in the shape of a floating plank. This however proved a too frail means of safety, and he later abandoned it for a tin box which came floating by, to which he and a messmate attached themselves. The latter poor fellow, after holding on for about two hours, said he could stick it no longer, and must go. Ambrose implored him, by all means in his power to hold on, but to no purpose, and he shortly afterwards disappeared under the waves. After an immersion of about four hours and a quarter, Ambrose was picked up and put on H.M.S. Lowestoft, being at that time in a state of complete exhaustion and remembered nothing further until he awoke to find the surgeon bending over him. He was landed at Parkeston, where he received every attention, and though he naturally felt much upset for the first few days, he was looking much brighter and cheerier on Monday last, when he left for home for a much-needed rest. Two other Melford men were at Heligoland Bight that day: Signalman Leonard Swann Leggott [b1895] who was escorting captured German survivors to Harwich from his ship HMS Lizard, and Ordinary Seaman Oliver Joseph Barnes [b1895] who was serving on HMS Lowestoft when Ambrose was fished out of the water. Their stories are to be found elsewhere in the Roll. From 15.6.1916 to 30.4.1917 he served on HMS Halcyon and from 27.7.1918 to 12.12.1918 on the HMS Prince Eugene, as part of the Monitor Squadron off Dover. George received his discharge in February 1919.[29] Died: Harefield Hospital, Uxbridge, Middx on 6.2.1965.[30]
Ambrose, George ‘Stock’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 14.8.1881.[31] Parents: Maria Ambrose (Yarn Winder). Possible father Frederick Stock, lodger of Ellen Ambrose. Family Connections: Brother to Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889]; also, cousin of Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], George Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888], George Ambrose [b1892], Sidney John Ambrose [b1885] and Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891]. Home: Living with his mother and Ellen Ambrose (Grandmother) in Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1891), The Green, Long Melford (1901), Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1911), Shelleys Yard, Long Melford [1918]. Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901 and 1911). Married: Ruth Ann Howe in 1906. Service Record: Attested in April 1913 as Pte.1738 with ‘D’ Company, 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment [Territorial], promoted to Corporal and renumbered in 1917 as 240241 in 2/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, serving on the Home Front. On 28.9.1917 he transferred as Pte.245418 to 20th [Service] Battalion, Durham Light Infantry then stationed on the Western Front as part of 123rd Brigade, 41st Division. When the Division was transferred to Italy in November 1917, George’s battalion was sent to man a sector on the river Piave, supporting Italian troops against the forces of Austria-Hungary. On 2.3.1918 his unit returned to France, where Private Ambrose was reposted to 2nd Battalion, DLI on 20.6.1918, staying with the Battalion until it returned to England in March 1919. During this final stage of the war the 2nd DLI was part of the Allied advance to the Hindenburg Line in what became known as ‘The Hundred Days Offensive’, a period of intense activity that was instrumental in breaking the German will to fight in the days leading up to the Armistice in 1918. Both before and after the War George was a member of the Long Melford Silver Band.[32] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1958.
Ambrose, George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 1.5.1892.[33] Parents: William James Ambrose (Agricultural Labourer) and Sarah Elizabeth [née Ives]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884] and Henry Ambrose [b1888]; also, uncle of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and Ernest Ambrose [b1900], and cousin of Sidney John Ambrose [b1885], Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1901), Hall Street, Long Melford (1911), High Street, Long Melford [1915]. Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1911). Service Record: Attested in 1913 as Pte.1755 with ‘D’ Company, 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment [Territorial]. At the outbreak of the First World War this unit reformed as 1/5th Battalion, Suffolks as part of 163rd Brigade, 54th [East Anglian] Division. On 10.8.1915 George was posted to Suvla Bay, Gallipoli. Within hours of landing his unit was moved forward into frontline trenches on the south face of a steep and rocky hill called Karakol Dagh. At dawn two days later the Suffolks and the three other untested battalions of 163rd Brigade were ordered to secure the heights to the east. Advancing nearly a mile through a hail of Turkish artillery and machine gun fire, by the end of the day the enemy had been held at bay and a secure forward defence line established. When George and the other Melford men were finally relieved by fresh troops after three gruelling days, they were found in a sorry state, having baked under the searing heat they had run desperately short of drinking water and been plagued by swarms of flies attracted by the dead and dying around them. When the Roll was called it was found the Suffolks alone had lost 186 men either dead or wounded with a further 150 laid low by dysentery.[34] Died: George was killed in action on 20.9.1915 in ‘Norfolk Trench’ on Hill 60, is buried in Hill 60 Cemetery [grave ref: II.E.2], Gallipoli, Turkey and is commemorated on the Long Melford War Memorial.[35]
Ambrose, George Alfred – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 9.10.1878.[36] Parents: Arthur Ambrose (Horsehair Weaver) and Sarah [née Wells]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Hiram Ambrose [b1874] and brother-in-law of Joseph Maxim [b1864]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1891), 16 New Street, St Martins-in-the-Fields, Westminster, London (1901), 24 Rainham Road, Kensel Green, London [1909], 61 St Annes Road, Notting Hill, London (1911), emigrated to Canada [1911], 87th Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada [1915]. Occupation: Barman and Potman (1901 and 1911), Coach Cleaner/Steam Fitter [1915]. Married: Alice Jane Harland in 1909. Service Record: Attested in 1900 as Dvr.5679 with the 52nd Battalion, Royal Field Artillery and posted to India from 1901 to 1908, being discharged in 1912.[37] George enlisted in Canada on 20.9.1915 as Spr.467277 with 63rd Battalion, [Edmonton], Canadian Expeditionary Force, being posted to France from 22.4.1916, transferring on 5.7.1916 to 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion as part of 1st Canadian Division, and seeing action during the Somme Offensive of 1916, the Battles of Vimy Ridge, Hill 70 and Second Passchendaele in 1917. He returned to Canada at the end of the War and received his discharge in February 1919.[38]
Ambrose, George Samuel – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1904. Parents: George Ambrose [b1873] [see above for details] and Susannah [née Pryke]. Family Connections: Nephew of Albert William Ambrose [b1871], Ralph Ambrose [b1874], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]. Home: 34 Nene Parade, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire (1911), recorded as George Leonard Ambrose [sic] in Manor Terrace, Terrington St Clement, Cambridgeshire (1921). Occupation: Assisting in his father’s nascent Fruit Growing business (1921) to [1923]. Service Record: George enlisted in Norwich, Norfolk on 26.9.1923 as Gnr.1425811 with the Royal Garrison Artillery.[39] Died: Gunner Ambrose contracted cerebral spinal meningitis while a member of 1st Training Battery at the Royal Artillery Depot in Woolwich. He was sent to Southeastern Hospital but died only days later, on 20.1.1924.[40]
Ambrose, Harry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 26.4.1884.[41] Parents: William James Ambrose (Agricultural Labourer) and Sarah Elizabeth [née Ives]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Henry Ambrose [b1888] and George Ambrose [b1892]; also, uncle of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and Ernest Ambrose [b1900], and cousin of Sidney John Ambrose [b1885], Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1891 and 1901), High Street, Long Melford (1911 to 1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Finisher (1901), Coconut Mat Maker (1911), General Labour (1939). Criminal Record: In 1904 a case came before the Grand Jury indicting Harry Ambrose ‘for feloniously and wilfully aiding and abetting Emma Duce to kill and murder herself’. At the trial in June at the Suffolk Assizes in Bury St Edmunds, Ambrose was accused of murdering his 18-year-old pregnant sweetheart by encouraging her to drown herself. His defence was that they had engaged in a mutual suicide pact and that he had lost his nerve and fled the scene, leaving the girl to her fate. Emma’s body was found lying in only eleven inches of water near Masons Bridge, where the Chad Brook passes the end of Cock and Bell Lane in Melford. As no marks of violence were found on the victim’s body, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. On a subsequent charge of his own attempted suicide Harry Ambrose pleaded guilty, the judge, Mr Justice Phillimore took the opportunity to berate him for his cowardice before handing down a sentence of six months imprisonment. A sign of how the village viewed Emma’s untimely death was shown when over 800 people attended her funeral.[42] Service Record: On 19.2.1916 Harry was conscripted as Pte.26397 with 8th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, being posted to France from 23.7.1916 as part of 53rd Brigade, 18th [Eastern] Division. During the Somme Offensive Harry received a gunshot wound to his right thigh. He was returned to England on 28.9.1916 which would strongly suggest that his injury had been sustained a few days earlier when the Battalion made an assault on the German front line at Zollern Trench and the heavily defended strongpoint of the Schwaben Redoubt. His cousin Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889] who was in the same unit, was also wounded in the same action. This, the first day of the Battle of Thiepval Ridge left two hundred Suffolks either dead or wounded. On 3.4.1917 Harry was transferred as Pte.46752 to 9th [Service] Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, as part of 39th Brigade, 13th [Western] Division, at that time on campaign in Mesopotamia. He returned to England in October 1919, receiving his discharge one month later.[43] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1952.
Ambrose, Harry George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1874. Parents: Amos Ambrose (Horsehair Weaver) and Sarah Ann [née Gridley]. Family Connections: William Harry Ambrose [b1870], Amos Ambrose [b1872], and Arthur George Ambrose [b1876]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1881). Service Record: No definitive military record found.
Ambrose, Henry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 14.2.1888.[44] Parents: William James Ambrose (Agricultural Labourer) and Sarah Elizabeth [née Ives]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], and George Ambrose [b1892]; also, uncle of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and Ernest Ambrose [b1900], and cousin of Sidney John Ambrose [b1885], Walter Edmund Ambrose [b1891], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1891 and 1901), High Street, Long Melford (1911). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1901). Service Record: Henry served for six years with 3rd [Militia] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He attested on 19.1.1915 as Pte.3030 with ‘C’ Company, 1/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, however shortly after joining he was diagnosed with ‘tubercule of the lung’ and considered permanently unfit for military service. He was discharged after only 115 days and died shortly after.[45] Died: In October 1916 and buried at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford on 1.11.1916.[46]
Ambrose, James – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 14.3.1878.[47] Parents: Thomas Ambrose (Painter at Iron Foundry) and Anna [née Elgar]. Family Connections: Brother to Albert William Ambrose [b1871], George Ambrose [b1873], Ralph Ambrose [b1874] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]; also, uncle of William Mallett Ambrose [b1897], Ralph Ambrose [b1899], and George Samuel Ambrose [b1904], and brother-in-law of Robert Arthur Sewell [b1864] and Alfred Charles John Potter [b1880]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), 15 Gregory Street, Sudbury, Suffolk (1901 and 1911), 42 Melford Road, Sudbury [1919] to (1939). Occupation: House Painter (1911 to 1939). Married: Mary Ann Crisell in 1898. Service Record: Prior to 1914 James served in 2nd [Volunteer] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He attested on 19.9.1914 as Pte.2511 with 1/5th Battalion, Suffolks and was posted to Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on 10.8.1915 as part of 163rd Brigade, 54th [East Anglian] Division. Evacuated on 6.12.1915 from Anzac Cove to Egypt, he transferred on 3.2.1917 to 20th [Garrison] Battalion, Rifle Brigade [The Prince Consort’s Own], then on 10.11.1917 as Pte.M/280759 [Wheeler First Class] to the 303rd [Mechanical Transport] Company, Army Service Corps, returning to England and being discharged in 1919.[48] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1955.
Ambrose, James William – Born: Windsor, Berkshire on 4.2.1873.[49] Parents: Charles Ambrose (Servant in the Royal Household) and Jane Jemima [née Finch]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of John Stephen Perry [b1881] and Edward Thomas Perry [b1885], both of Long Melford. Home: 16 Gloster Place, Windsor, Berkshire (1881), 7 Cock and Bell Lane, Long Melford (1939) to [1948]. Occupation: Printer [1894], Soldier [1895 to 1919]. Married: Ellen Perry of Long Melford in 1910. Service Record: Attested in 1894 as Pte.4331 with 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. James served from 1899 to 1910 in South Africa, India, and Egypt. During the First World War he served as CSM.62375 with 167th [Protection] Company, 17th Battalion, Royal Defence Corps.[50] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 12.8.1948.[51]
Ambrose, John ‘Jack’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 20.10.1882.[52] Parents: John Ambrose (Foreman in Coconut Matting Factory) and Hannah [née Hubbard] (Laundress). Family Connections: Brother to Ernest Ambrose [b1878] and George Ambrose [b1881]. Home: Church Walk, Long Melford (1891), Carlton, Nottinghamshire (1901), 40 Hill Street, Warwick, Warwickshire (1911) to [1915], 8 Albert Street, Warwick [1918 to 1923]. Occupation: Railway Engine Cleaner (1901), Engine Fitter (1911).[53] Married: Florence Mills in 1910. Service Record: No definitive military record found.
Ambrose, Kenneth ‘Ken’ Cecil – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 4.5.1917. Parents: Frederick William Ambrose (Coconut Mat Finisher) [see above for military details] and Rosa [née Newman] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and brother-in-law of William Charles Bowers [b1897]. Home: 3 Windmill Hill in 1939, 19 Pannels Close, Glemsford, Suffolk [1972]. Occupation: Shop Assistant (1939). Married: Queenie Millicent Ablitt in 1948. Service Record: Kenneth enlisted Pte.6019049 with 2nd [Regular] Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. His unit was part of the glider-born contingent of Operation Market Garden, which landed near Arnhem in September 1944, initially to secure the landing zone for future reinforcements and supplies. The plan quickly unravelled with several thousand killed and wounded, and nearly 7,000 taken into captivity, including Private Ambrose. He was sent to Stalag XIIA at Limburg in Germany until his liberation in May 1845.[54] Died: Glemsford, Suffolk on 19.8.1972.
Ambrose, Ralph – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 1.3.1876.[55] Parents: Thomas Ambrose (Painter at Iron Foundry) and Anna [née Elger]. Family Connections: Brother to Albert William Ambrose [b1871], George Ambrose [b1873], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]; also, uncle of William Mallett Ambrose [b1897], Ralph Ambrose [b1899], and George Samuel Ambrose [b1904], and brother-in-law of Robert Arthur Sewell [b1864] and Alfred Charles John Potter [b1880]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), Maida Barracks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot, Hampshire (1911), 3 May Cottages, Great Waldingfield, Suffolk [1914], 48 Waldingfield Road, Sudbury, Suffolk [1955]. Occupation: Painter (1891). Married: Rosina Weavers in 1908. Service Record: Enlisted in 1892 as Pte.3452 in 2nd [Volunteer] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, serving for 21 years. Attested on 11.9.1914 as Sgt.3/9596, Ralph was posted to France from 30.5.1915 with 7th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, as part of 35th Brigade, 12th [Eastern] Division. His unit saw action at the following battles: Loos in 1915, the Somme in 1916 and Arras in 1917. He received his discharge in February 1919.[56] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 8.2.1955.[57]
Ambrose, Ralph – Born: Sudbury, Suffolk on 17.8.1899.[58] Parents: Albert William Ambrose of Long Melford (Coconut Mat Maker) [for details see above] and Mary [née Clark]. Family Connections: Brother to William Mallett Ambrose [b1897]; also, nephew George Ambrose [b1873], Ralph Ambrose [b1874], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]. Home: 13 Gregory Street, Sudbury, Suffolk (1901), 26 Plough Lane, Sudbury (1911). Occupation: Compositor [1917]. Service Record: Enlisted on 5.9.1917 as Aircraftsman No. F37183 in the Royal Naval Air Service, transferring on 1.4.1918 as No. 273183 to the Royal Air Force, being discharged in 1919.[59] Died: Ipswich, Suffolk in 1979.
Ambrose, Sidney John – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 25.5.1885.[60] Parents: John Ambrose (Coconut Mat Maker) and Lucy [née Rayson]. Family Connections: Brother to Walter Edward Ambrose [b1891]; also, cousin of Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], George Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888], George Ambrose [b1892], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889]. Home: Cock and Bell Lane, Long Melford (1891), Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), 13 Constable Road, Sudbury, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: Coir Yarn Puller (1901), Bricklayer’s Labourer (1911), Bricklayer (1939). Married: Maud Victoria Fortey in 1927. Service Record: Sidney was attested on 27.10.1918 as Pte.G8/88606 with 13th [Service] Battalion, Royal Fusiliers [City of London] Regiment as part of 112th Brigade, 37th Division. It is unlikely that he would have been sent to France after his basic training as by the end of January 1919 the Battalion was gradually demobilising its men, ahead of being disbanded. Sidney received his discharge in the following March.[61] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1964.
Ambrose, Sophia – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1818.[62] Parents: John Ambrose (Boot and Shoemaker) and Mary [née Southgate]. Home: High Street, Long Melford. Died: Long Melford on 23.4.1840. A Coroner’s Inquest was held on the following morning at the Hare Inn close by the deceased home, an account of which was publicised nationwide and runs as follows: …the body of Sophia Ambrose, who was that morning discovered by her mother, suspended from a linen post in the yard, quite dead. It appears that a young man of the name of [William] Mills, a carpenter, residing at Lavenham, had for some time been paying addresses to the girl, and that he was with her till past nine o’clock on the preceding evening. In his examination before the jury, he stated that nothing of an unpleasant nature had passed between them, and that he left her in a perfectly tranquil and quiet state of mind; but he evinced no remorse or compunction at the melancholy event. The jury, after a few minutes’ deliberation, returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity. But circumstances of a very suspicious character have since come to light, which will probably render it necessary to hold another inquest. A clasp knife was found stuck in the ground near the post on which the girl was found hanging, which belongs to Mills, and it is thought that this knife had been used to cut one end of the linen line from another post to which it was tied.[63] [Author’s note] There is no surviving trial record or newspaper article to suggest that Mills was ever formally accused or brought to trial. Sophia was buried in Holy Trinity churchyard in Long Melford on 29.4.1840.
Ambrose, Stanley Clifford – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 28.4.1899.[64] Parents: Frederick William Ambrose (Coconut Mat Finisher) [see above of military details] and Rosa [née Newman] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Kenneth Cecil Ambrose [b1917], and nephew of Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888] and George Ambrose [b1892]; also, brother-in-law of William Charles Bowers [b1897]. Home: Little St Marys, Long Melford [1899], Hall Street, Long Melford (1901 and 1911). Service Record: A member of the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps in 1915.[65] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1985.
Ambrose, Walter Edmund – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 31.10.1891.[66] Parents: John Ambrose (Coconut Mat Maker) and Lucy [née Rayson]. Family Connections: Brother to Sidney John Ambrose [b1885]; also, cousin of Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], George Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888], George Ambrose [b1892], George Ambrose [b1881] and Charles Henry Ambrose [b1889]. Home: Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), 69 Lime Tree Place, Stowmarket, Suffolk [1916]. Occupation: Grocer’s Errand Boy (1911), Cordite Labourer [1916]. Service Record: Attested on 9.6.1916 as Pte.2829 in 27th [Reserve] Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, posted to France from 13.9.1916, transferring as Pte. G/18245 to 11th [Service] Battalion, The Queen’s Own [Royal West Kent] Regiment, as part of 122nd Brigade, 41st Division. On 7.10.1916, during the later stages of the Somme Offensive, his unit made an unsuccessful attack against the German lines at ‘Grid Trench’.[67] Died: Walter was listed as missing presumed killed in action on 7.10.1916 and is commemorated in Warlencourt British Cemetery [grave ref: III.A.23], Pas-de-Calais, France.[68]
Ambrose, William Harry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 5.12.1869.[69] Parents: Amos Ambrose (Horsehair Weaver) and Sarah Ann [née Gridley]. Family Connections: Amos Ambrose [b1872], Harry George Ambrose [b1874] and Arthur George Ambrose [b1876]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1871, 1881). The Groom (Public House), 43/4 Beauchamp Place, Kensington, London (1891), 6 Protheroe Road, Fulham, London (1901, 1911). Occupation: General Servant (1891), Barman [1892], House Painter (1901, 1911). Married: Emily Ann Pearce in 1894. Service Record: No definitive military record found.
Ambrose, William Mallett – Born: Sudbury, Suffolk on 20.5.1897.[70] Parents: Albert William Ambrose of Long Melford (Coconut Mat Maker) [for details see above] and Mary [née Clark]. Family Connections: Brother to Ralph Ambrose [b1899]; also, nephew George Ambrose [b1873], Ralph Ambrose [b1874], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]. Home: 13 Gregory Street, Sudbury, Suffolk (1901), 26 Plough Lane, Sudbury (1911), 30 Humphry Road, Sudbury (1939), 21 Kingston Road, Ipswich, Suffolk [1973]. Occupation: Road Labourer (1939). Married: Doris E. Poole in 1921. Service Record: Attested in 1913 as Pte.1862 with 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment [Territorial]. At the beginning of the First World War this battalion was restyled and as 1/5th Battalion, Suffolks was posted to Suvla Bay, Gallipoli from 10.8.1915, as part of 163rd Brigade, 54th [East Anglian] Division. William was evacuated on 6.12.1915 from Anzac Cove to Egypt and in 1917 was issued with a new regimental number as Pte.240298. His battalion was part of the invasion force into Palestine where it saw action at the three Battles of Gaza, the Battle of Sharon, and the Advance to Beirut.[71] Died: Ipswich, Suffolk on 29.7.1973.[72]
Related Biographies
Bowers, William Charles – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 10.4.1897.[73] Parents: William John Bowers (Agricultural Labourer) and Kezia [née Hart]. Family Connections: Cousin of Harry William Bowers [b1882], Albert Edward Bowers [b1895], Bertie Fred Bowers [b1891] and George Frederick Goshawk [b1893]; also, nephew of Walter Bowers [b1871], Charles Bowers [b1873], Thomas Bowers [b1875], Samuel Bowers [b1880], son-in-law of Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], and brother-in-law of Bertie Ernest Scrivener [b1891], Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and Kenneth Cecil Ambrose [b1917]. Home: Bridge Street, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), 1 Council Houses, Aveley Lane, Alpheton, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1911), Engine Driver at Rowhedge Farm [1916], Cowman (1939). Married: Winifred Elsie Ambrose in 1931. Service Record: At the Long Melford Military Service Tribunal in March 1916 William’s employer Herbert Harvey of Rowhedge Farm applied for his exemption, which was granted on the condition his situation remained unchanged.[74] It is not known if William Bowers certificate remained valid until the end of hostilities as no definitive military record has been found. However, it is possible that he served as Pte.50266 with 5th [Service] Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, discharged on 10.4.1919. The unit was posted to the Western Front in May 1915 as a Pioneer Battalion to the 12th [Eastern] Division. Died: Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk in 1977.
Maxim, Joseph ‘Joe’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 29.1.1864.[75] Parent: William Maxim of Cavendish, Suffolk (Shepherd) and Ellen [née Simpson] (Horsehair Seating Weaver). Family Connections: Brother-in-law of George Alfred Ambrose [b1878]. Home: Plum Street, Glemsford (1871), 3 New Cut, Glemsford, Suffolk (1891), Foxearth Mill, Foxearth, Essex (1901), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1911), Hall Street, Long Melford [1915], Little St Marys/St Marys Street, Long Melford [1918] to (1939). Occupation: General Labourer (1891), Timekeeper at Flax Works (1901), Bricklayer’s Labourer (1911), [1915], Drug Grinder for Stafford Allen & Sons (1921), retired (1939). Married: Alice Mary Ambrose in 1896. Service Record: Joe was a member of 3rd [Militia] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment before enlisting in 1884 as Gnr.41663 with the Royal Artillery until his discharge in 1896. He may have attested again on 21.6.1915 as Pte.T4/12351 with the Horse Transport section of the Army Service Corps. If this assumption is correct then he was posted to France from 1.7.1915 as a Cook, being issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged due to sickness on 29.9.1918.[76] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1943.
Oakley, Arthur Cecil – Born: Croydon, Surrey on 12.3.1890.[77] Parents: Harry Oakley (Coal Porter) and Mary. Family Connections: Brother to Frank Hugh Oakley [b1896]. Home: 20 Gibsons Hill, Croydon, Surrey (1891), 11 Victoria Place, Norwood, Surrey (1901), 50 Robson Road, West Norwood (1911), Bixby’s Yard, Westgate Street, Long Melford [1914], 295 Kingston Road, Merton, Surrey (1939). Occupation: Process Printer (1911 to 1939). Married: Bertha Dorothy Ambrose of Long Melford in 1910. Service Record: Before the First World War Arthur was a member of 2nd [Volunteer] Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. He enlisted on 7.9.1914 as Pte.18335 with 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards and was posted to France from 16.3.1915 to 13.7.1915 as part of 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. Private Oakley was initially returned to England for treatment to a hammer toe, which was amputated in August 1915. In 1916 he underwent machine gun training, returning to the Western Front from 19.1.1917, and on 12.3.1918 was transferred as Pte.1933 to 4th [Foot Guards] Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, within the same Division. In March 1918 men from the Division fought three defensive battles during the German Spring Offensive: at St Quentin, Bapaume, and Arras. By August the tide had turned, and the Guards were part of the push, which began with the Battle of Albert on 21.8.1918. Four days later Arthur was wounded by poison gas, although he did not return to England until January 1919. He received his discharge a month later.[78] Died: Surrey Northeast in 1957.
Piper, Sidney Walter – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 19.1.1904.[79] Parents: Walter William Piper and Florence [née Ambrose]. Family Connections: Brother to William George Piper [b1908], also, cousin of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and Kenneth Cecil Ambrose [b1917], and nephew of Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888] and George Ambrose [b1892]. Home: High Street, Long Melford (1911 to 1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1939). Married: Gladys Dorothy Morgans in 1929. Service Record: Sidney joined the Local Defence Volunteers in Long Melford when it was formed in August 1942 as ‘H’ Company, 10th Battalion, Suffolk Home Guard. His name is recorded in the official tribute to the organization entitled The Lion Roared his Defiance, photographed in and around Long Melford in 1944.[80] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1987.
Piper, William George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.11.1908.[81] Parents: Walter William Piper and Florence [née Ambrose]. Family Connections: Brother to Sidney Walter Piper [b1904], also, cousin of Stanley Clifford Ambrose [b1899] and Kenneth Cecil Ambrose [b1917], and nephew of Frederick William Ambrose [b1876], Charles Henry Ambrose [b1879], Arthur Ambrose [b1881], Harry Ambrose [b1884], Henry Ambrose [b1888] and George Ambrose [b1892]. Home: 37 High Street, Long Melford (1911), 52 Water Street, Lavenham, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: Labourer [1926], Hay Cutter (1939). Married: Elizabeth Wales in 1930. Service Record: William enlisted for a period of six years in March 1926 as Gnr.1066687 with the Royal Regiment of Artillery, giving a false year of birth as 1907. He was discharged after only two months as ‘not likely to become efficient’, which may have been a convenient official cover for the fact that he was only 17 at his attestation.[82] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1988.
Potter, Alfred Charles John – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1880. Parents: Henry Potter (Coconut Mat Weaver) and Ann [née Younger] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Harry Bertie Potter [b1883]; also, brother-in-law of George Ambrose [b1873], Ralph Ambrose [b1894], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]. Home: High Street, Long Melford (1881), living with David Sparrow (brother-in-Law) at Dairy Villas, Love Lane, Rayleigh, Essex (1911), 120 Hainault Avenue, Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex (1921). Occupation: Cowman [1901], Nursery Labourer (1911). Married: Emily Ambrose in 1911. Service Record: Alfred enlisted in 1901 as Pte.8415 of 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, posted to India from 1902 to 1904. Upon his return home he was sent to the regimental depot at Castlehill Barracks in Aberdeen until his unit sailed for France on 7.10.1914 as part of 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. He was promoted to Company Sergeant Major in April 1915 seeing action between June and September at Bellewaarde and Hooge. During the Somme Offensive of 1916 he was again closely engaged, receiving shrapnel wounds to his knee, arm, and face at the Battle of Delville Wood on 18.8.1916. For conspicuous gallantry in action, he was awarded the Military Cross, the citation reading: ‘He collected what men he could find and held his own in a wood till practically surrounded, when he fought his way back’.[83] He was sent back to Aberdeen on 23.6.1916, not returning to the Western Front until 13.3.1918, where he stayed through to April 1919. After 18 years with the Colours, he was discharged in August 1920.[84] Died: Rochford, Essex in 1937.
Sewell, Robert Arthur – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1864. Parents: Charles Sewell (Innkeeper of The Black Lion, Long Melford) and Susanna [née Lee]. Family Connections: Father of Herbert Arthur Sewell [b1889], Frederick Sewell [b1893] and Owen Charles Sewell [b1897]; also, uncle of Willie Charles Sewell [b1881], Maud Sewell [b1882], Edmond Sewell [b1887] and Margery Sewell [b1889], brother-in-law of George Ambrose [b1873], Ralph Ambrose [b1874], James Ambrose [b1878] and Ernest Harold Ambrose [b1884]. Home: Black Lion Inn, The Green, Long Melford (1871 and 1881), Hall Street, Long Melford (1891 to 1911), Walnut Tree House, Hall Street, Long Melford [1916]. Occupation: Manager of Whittle’s Coconut Matting Factory. Married: Mary Ann Ambrose in 1887. Service Record: Robert was a member of ‘D’ Company, 2nd [Volunteer] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment from 1885 to 1908, transferring as C/Sgt.9 to 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment [Territorial]. When his battalion was mobilised on 5.8.1914 he transferred to 2/5th Battalion, Suffolks, rising to the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant on 30.1.1915. Upon the death of his brother Charles Harris Sewell in March 1915,[85] Robert came home on temporary leave to run the family matting business. He was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged from his regiment on 6.4.1916. He is recorded as a member of the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps in December 1916.[86] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1936.
Thomas, Bernard Esmond – Born: Leyton, Essex on 17.5.1889.[87] Parents: Henry Esmond Thomas (School Master) and Helen Alice [née Mansfield]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Ernest Ambrose [b1878] and George Ambrose [b1881]. Home: Wingfield Road, Walthamstow, Essex (1891), 51 Elgin Road, Seven Kings, Essex, (1901), Brisbane, Australia [1915], 12 Castle Meadow, Norwich, Norfolk [1920], The Green, Long Melford [1930], Rosella, Acorn Street, Hunsdon, Ware, Hertfordshire (1939). Occupation: Waiter [1909], Picture Show Manager [1915], Electrical Engineer [1920 to 1930],[88] Builder’s Carpenter (1939). Married: Lise Gray [d1917] in 1916 and Constance Hannah Ambrose of Long Melford in 1920. Service Record: Bernard joined the Royal Navy in 1909 as L.1099, serving on HMS Terrible and the sloop HMS Penguin in 1909, recorded as an Officer’s Steward third class stationed off Garden Island in Australia in 1911. He enlisted on 12.8.1915 with ‘B’ Company, 41st Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, discharged on 23.3.1916 on his ‘wife’s objections to his proceeding overseas’.[89] His spouse’s objections notwithstanding he signed on as crew on the troopship SS Marathon bound for France in 1916. Died: on 11.9.1941 and buried in St Mary the Virgin Church, Braughing, Hertfordshire.[90]
Notes – [1] 1939 Register. [2] Baptism Register 5.5.1872, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [3] Baptism Register 1.1.1882, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [4] For details of Drake Battalion’s movements see War Diary [The National Archives – WO 95/3114/1]. See his Royal Navel Division Record of Service [TNA – ADM 339/1933] which gives the date of birth as 6.11.1881, also Royal Naval Medal and Award Rolls [TNA – ADM 171/125]. [5] Baptism Register 1.10.1876, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [6] Baptism Register 7.4.1875, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [7] For emigration details see Passenger Manifest for SS Vancouver on 14.3.1907. [8] Baptism Register 2.11.1879, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [9] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. [10] Date of birth from the 1939 Register for Sudbury and Death Index. [11] For details of 8th Suffolks part in the assault on Thiepval Ridge see War Diary [TNA – WO 95/2039/2] and Murphy, pp.168-170. For a wider view of the battle see Chris McCarthy, The Somme: The Day-to-Day Account [London: Brockhampton Press, 1998], pp.119-25. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372] and [WO 329 – Silver War Badge ref: 130725]. [12] Baptism Register 7.4.1878, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [13] For a first-hand account see Ernest Ambrose Melford Memories: Recollections of 94 Years [Long Melford Historical and Archaeological Society, reprinted 2013] pp.118-20. For details of 4th Bedford’s and 17th Worcester’s movements see War Diaries [TNA – WO 95/3118/2] and [TNA – WO 95/2601/4]. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. For an impression of the conditions on the day of the assault on Welsh Ridge see John Nash’s painting Over the Top at the Imperial War Museum in London. [14] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [15] See Tuberculosis: Register of Notification from Medical Practitioners [Bury Record Office refs; EF501/4/23 and FL509/4/17]. [16] Baptism Register 5.10.1884, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [17] For Training Corps article see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 10.3.1915. [18] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. [19] 1939 Register for Cosford Rural District in Suffolk. [20] For the Tribunal’s ruling see SEFP 28.6.1916. [21] Baptism Register 7.5.1876, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [22] For the Tribunal’s ruling see SEFP 26.7.1916. [23] [WO 329 – Silver War Badge ref: 155388] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [24] Date of birth from Baptism Register 5.4.1874, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [25] Welcoming the Brave of Melford East Anglian Daily Times 20.11.1902. [26] My thanks to Tim Seppings of Sudbury for showing George’s connection to the Melford Silver Band. [27] Date of birth from his RN Register; an alternative birth year of 1879 is given on the 1939 Register for Ealing, Middlesex. [28] For addresses see the Electoral Registers for Kensington and Ealing. [29] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [TNA – ADM 188/1109], For the ‘A Hero of the Cressy’ article see SEFP 7.10.1914. My sincere thanks to Anne Grimshaw of Sudbury for bringing this article to my attention. Also see Royal Navy Medal and Award Rolls [TNA – ADM 171/202]. [30] National Probate Calendar. [31] Baptism Register 1.1.1882, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [32] For War Diaries of 2nd and 20st Battalions of the Durham Light Infantry see [TNA – WO 95/1617/1] and [TNA – WO 95/4243]. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [33] Baptism Register 3.7.1892, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [34] For details of 1/5th Suffolk’s involvement in the Gallipoli Campaign see War Diary [WO 95/4325] and Capt. A. Fair and Capt. E. D. Wolton “The Suffolk Regiment”: the history of the 1/5th Battalion [London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1923], pp.13-37. See also Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [35] See also his Commonwealth War Grave Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 file [ref: 195739]; George is also recorded on the Roll of Honour in Fair and Wolton, [op. cit.], p.118. [36] Date of birth from his Canadian Service Record. [37] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record up to 1912. [38] Canadian Service Record from Library and Archives of Canada [ref: B0131-S037]. [39] Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942. [40] A Soldier’s Funeral Suffolk and Essex Free Press 31.1.1924. My thanks to Long Melford Heritage Trust volunteer Keith Slater for kindly bringing this article to my attention. [41] 1939 Register for Long Melford. [42] For the announcement of the criminal trial see the Eastern Daily Press 7.6.1904; for verbatim reports of the proceedings see Melford Swamp Tragedy East Anglian Daily Times 8.6.1904 and The Long Melford Murder Trial Norfolk Chronicle 11.6.1904. [43] For details of 8th Suffolk’s part in the assault on Thiepval Ridge see War Diary [WO 95/2039/2] and Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. R. Murphy, The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 [London: Hutchinson and Co, 1928] pp.168-170, and for a wider view of the battle see Chris McCarthy, The Somme: The Day-to-Day Account [London: Brockhampton Press, 1998], pp.119-25. For details of 9th Worcester’s part in the Mesopotamian Campaign see War Diary [WO 95/5159/4]. See also his SBD, Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [44] Baptism Register 6.5.1888, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [45] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. [46] Tuberculosis Register of Notification from Medical Practitioners [BRO ref: EF501/4/23]. [47] Baptism Register 13.4.1878, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [48] For details of 1/5th Suffolk’s involvement in the Gallipoli Campaign see War Diary [TNA – WO 95/4325] and Fair and Wolton, [op. cit.], pp.13-37. See the entry above for George Ambrose [b1892] for an account of the Suffolk’s first days after stepping ashore in Gallipoli. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [49] 1939 Register for Long Melford. [50] Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [TNA – WO 364]. [51] National Probate Calendar. [52] Baptism Register 3.2.1882, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [53] From 1913 a member of the National Union of Railwaymen as No.426698 [Modern Records Centre Ref: MSS.127/NU/OR/2/29]. [54] Long Melford Welcomes Prisoners of War [SEFP 10.5.1945]. [55] Baptism Register 29.3.1876, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [56] For details of 7th Suffolk’s time on the Western Front see War Diary [TNA – WO 95/1852/1-4], and Murphy, [op. cit.], pp.129-33, 177-81, 232-38 and 272-77. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [57] National Probate Calendar. [58] Date of birth from his RAF Record. [59] Royal Air Force Airman’s Records [TNA – AIR 79/2134] and Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [[TNA – ADM 188/629]. [60] Baptism Register 2.8.1885, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [61] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [62] Baptism Register 5.2.1818, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [63] I am grateful to Keith Slater of the Long Melford Historical and Archaeological Society for bringing this case to my notice. Also see Love and Suicide Morning Chronicle 29.4.1840. [64] Date of Birth from the Baptism Register 28.5.1899, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. Admission Register 1.4.1903, St Catherines Infants School, Long Melford records his date of birth as 23.4.1899 as does the Death Index. [65] For Training Corps article see SEFP 10.3.1915. [66] Baptism Register 30.12.1891, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [67] British Army records are in the name of Walter Edward Ambrose. For details of 11th Royal West Kent’s movements see War Diary [TNA – WO 95/2634/4]. For a wider view of the Division’s actions see McCarthy, [op. cit.], p.132. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [68] Commonwealth War Grave Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 file [ref: 529666]. [69] Baptism Register 2.1.1870, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [70] 1939 Register for Sudbury, Suffolk. [71] See the entry above for George Ambrose [b1892] for an account of the Suffolk’s first days after stepping ashore in Gallipoli. For details of the action see battalion War Diary [TNA – WO 95/4325]. For the battalion’s part in the Gallipoli Campaign see Fair and Wolton, [op. cit], pp.13-37 and Murphy, [op. cit.], pp.103-10. Also see his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [72] National Probate Calendar. [73] 1939 Register for Melford Rural District. [74] For the Tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 22.3.1916. [75] 1939 Register for Long Melford. [76] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97] up to 1896, Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: B19095] which suggests a year of birth as 1870, Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [77] 1939 Register for Merton and Morden District in Surrey. [78] For details of 4th Grenadier’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/1223/2], and for the deployment of 4th Guards MGC see War Diary [WO 95/1206/1]. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [WO 364], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [79] 1939 Register. [80] Published by Marten & Son, Ltd., of Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk in 1946. [81] Date of birth from Death Notice. [82] Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942. [83] London Gazette 18.10.1916, Suffolk and Essex Free Press 1.11.1916 and Long Melford Parish Magazine November 1916. [84] Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [WO 364], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [85] Charles Sewell died in Long Melford, Suffolk on 8.3.1915, see his entry in the National Probate Calendar. [86] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: 165960] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. For Training Corps article see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 27.12.1916. [87] 1939 Register. [88] Ships Register of SS Esperance Bay sailing from Brisbane to Southampton in October 1930. [89] National Archives of Australia [series: B2455, ref:3001290]. [90] Death Notice in The Herts and Essex Observer 20.9.1941.
Genealogical Tables
