Selected Biographies

Offord, Arthur Thomas – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.3.1909.[1] Parents: William James Offord of Acton, Suffolk (Traction Engine Driver) and Esther [née Groome] of Long Melford.  Family Connections: Brother to William Victor Offord [b1906].  Home: Bulneymoors, Long Melford (1911 to 1921), 12 Bull Lane, Long Melford (1939).  Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1939).  Married: Florence May Mitchell in 1945.  Service Record: Arthur was a member of the Local Defence Volunteers in Long Melford, being part of ‘H’ Company, 10^th Battalion, Suffolk Home Guard when it was formed in August 1942.  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.[2]  Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 17.8.1987.[3]

Offord, William Victor – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 5.7.1906.[4] Parents: William James Offord of Acton, Suffolk (Traction Engine Driver) and Esther [née Groome] of Long Melford.  Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Thomas Offord [b1909].  Home: Bulneymoors, Long Melford (1911 to 1921), 12 Bull Lane, Long Melford (1939).  Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1921 to 1939).  Service Record: William was a member of the Local Defence Volunteers in Long Melford, being part of ‘H’ Company, 10^th Battalion, Suffolk Home Guard when it was formed in August 1942.  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.[5]  Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1977.

Notes – [1] 1939 Register.  [2] Published by Marten & Son, Ltd., of Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk in 1946.  [3] Date of death from Arthur’s gravestone in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Long Melford.  [4] 1939 Register.   [5] Published by Marten & Son, Ltd., of Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk in 1946.