A village with a big story
Selected Biographies
Parmenter, Alfred Henry – Born: Peckham, London on 12.10.1883.[1] Parents: Henry Parmenter of Long Melford (Farrier) [see below for military details] and Mary Ann [née Stevens]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Henry Parmenter [b1878] and Edmund John Parmenter [b1887]. Home: 2 Garden Cottage, Newburn Street, Kennington, London (1891), 2 Henry Street, Kennington (1901), Newburn Street, Kennington [1908 to 1916], 7 West Hall Road, Camberwell, London [1919 to 1930],[2] 10 Dartford Street, Southwark, London (1939). Occupation: Newspaper Carman (1901), Felter [1916], Cab Cleaner (1921), Heavy Furniture Porter (1939). Married: Eliza Jane Lloyd in 1908. Service Record: Alfred was conscripted on 30.8.1916 as Pte.G/27373 with the Queen’s [Royal West Surrey] Regiment, transferring to 303rd Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps on 1.1.1917 and then in March as Pte.33659 with 2nd Labour Company, Northamptonshire Regiment. On 25.4.1917 he was posted to France joining 140th Labour Company, Labour Corps as Pte.83734 on 14.5.1917. Following the Armistice, he was part of the Army of Occupation stationed at Cologne until September 1919. At the time of his discharge in October 1919 he was serving with 91st Labour Company, Labour Corps.[3] Died: Westminster, London in 1951.
Parmenter, Alfred James – Born: Upton Park, Essex on 5.10.1898.[4] Parents: Walter Parmenter of Long Melford (Dock Labourer) [see below for military record] and Elizabeth [née Biggs]. Family Connections: Brother to Lionel George Parmenter [b1900]; also, cousin of Henry Parmenter [b1887], Ernest William Parmenter [b1894], William Stanley Parmenter [b1893] and Alfred Sydney Parmenter [b1894]. Home: 38 Athol Street, Bromley-by-Bow, London (1901), 21 Scott Street, Victoria Docks, Canning Town, London (1911), 9 Hedingham Road, Barking, Essex (1939). Occupation: Sawyer [1916], Leading Stoker (1939). Married: Mary Amelia Beaman in 1919. Service Record: Alfred enlisted on 18.7.1916, giving a false year of birth. He served as Stoker No. K35073 in the Royal Navy, being discharged in 1919. He went on to serve in the Mercantile Marine after the war.[5] Died: Ilford, Essex in 1959.
Parmenter, Alfred Sydney – Born: Poplar, London on 3.8.1894.[6] Parents: Arthur William Parmenter of Long Melford (Butcher) and Ellen [née Simmons]. Family Connections: Brother to William Stanley Parmenter [b1893]; also, nephew of Walter Parmenter [b1874] and cousin of Henry Parmenter [b1887], Alfred James Parmenter [b1898] and Lionel George Parmenter [b1900]. Home: 18 Alpha Road, Poplar (1901), 44 Westferry Road, Poplar (1911 to 1921). Occupation: Clerk (1911 to 1921). Service Record: Alfred was conscripted on 5.12.1915 as Pte. G/11547 with The Queen’s Own [Royal West Kent] Regiment, receiving his discharge in September 1919.[7] -Service Record, no medal cards – Died: Poplar, London on 9.4.1922.[8]
Parmenter, Edmund John – Born: Peckham, London in 1887. Parents: Henry Parmenter of Long Melford (Farrier) [see below for military details] and Mary Ann [née Stevens]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Henry Parmenter [b1878] and Alfred Henry Parmenter [b1883]. Home: 2 Garden Cottage, Newburn Street, Kennington, London (1891), 13 Ponton Street, Battersea, London (1911). Occupation: Carman for a Cartridge Manufacturer (1911). Service Record: Edmund enlisted as Pte.22387 with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, posted to France and transferring as Pte.33135 to 10th [Service] Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, as part of 112th Brigade, 37th Division.[9] Died: Private Parmenter was killed in action on 5.8.1917 near Kemmel and is buried in Messines Ridge British Cemetery [grave ref: II.D.36], West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.[10]
Parmenter, Ernest William – Born: Poplar, London on 9.2.1894.[11] Parents: Amos Parmenter of Long Melford (Horseman) and Harriett [née Seely]. Family Connections: Nephew of Walter Parmenter [b1874]; also, cousin of Henry Parmenter [b1887], William Stanley Parmenter [b1893], Alfred Sydney Parmenter [b1894], Alfred James Parmenter [b1898] and Lionel George Parmenter [b1900]. Home: 37 Oban Street, Bromley-by-Bow, London (1901), 47 Colson Road, Winchester, Hampshire (1911), May Cottages, Sheet, Hampshire (1921). Occupation: Confectioner’s Porter (1911), Police Constable (1921). Married: Mabel Agnes Legg in 1917.[12] Service Record: Ernest was conscripted as Gnr.163000 with the Royal Garrison Artillery. It is not known if he served overseas.[13] Died: Bournemouth, Hampshire on 21.8.1963.[14]
Parmenter, Frederick – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 20.12.1873.[15] Parents: Charles Parmenter (General Labourer) and Caroline Snazel [née Coote]. Family Connections: Father of Frederick Charles Parmenter [b1900] and brother of Sydney Parmenter[b1875] and Hezekiah Parmenter [b1879]; also, brother-in-law of Thomas Henry Swan [b1879]. Home: Rotten Row, Southgate Street, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), Hall Street, Long Melford (1901), Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911), Sargents Yard, Long Melford (1921). Occupation: Labourer in George Whittle’s Coconut Matting Factory (1891), Coconut Mat Packer (1901 and 1911). Married: Kate Wilkinson in 1897. Frederick was estranged from his wife, being brought before the Petty Sessions shortly after his demobilisation, for not paying his weekly maintenance of eight shillings. The travails of military service had so weakened him that he was unable to work full-time at the matting factory and as a consequence was paid the reduced wage of sixteen shillings a week. Service Record: Frederick was a member of 2nd [Volunteer] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, which was reorganised as 5th Battalion, Suffolks [Territorial], serving to 1913 as Pte.58 in ‘D’ Company. From 5.8.1914 he was with the Battalion on home service, transferring to 64th Provisional Battalion, receiving his discharge on 21.1.1916 as ‘no longer fit for War Service’. Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 28.4.1935.[16]
Parmenter, Frederick Charles William – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 17.10.1900.[17] Parents: Frederick Parmenter (Coconut Mat Packer) [see above for military record] and Kate [née Wilkinson]. Family Connections: Nephew of Sydney Parmenter [b1875] and Hezekiah Parmenter [b1879]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1901), Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911). Occupation: Sailor [1916 to 1929]. Service Record: Frederick was conscripted on 7.6.1916 as No. J54191 with the Royal Navy. He served as a Telegrapher on the battle cruiser HMS Princess Royal from 24.2.1917 to 30.9.1917, and from 4.8.1917 to 31.8.1918 on the depot ship HMS Diligence. He continued in the Royal Navy, and as Leading Telegrapher served on the super-dreadnought class battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth, receiving a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in December 1933.[18] Died: Portsmouth, Hampshire in 1976.
Parmenter, Frederick Henry – Born: Lambeth, London on 21.11.1878.[19] Parents: Henry Parmenter of Long Melford (Farrier) [see below for military details] and Mary Ann [née Stevens]. Family Connections: Brother to Alfred Henry Parmenter [b1883] and Edmund John Parmenter [b1887]. Home: 3 Wyndham Road, Camberwell, London (1881), 2 Garden Cottage, Newburn Street, Kennington, London (1891), 51 Brook Street, Kennington [1898], 2 Henry Street, Kennington (1901), 26 Elfin Road, Camberwell, London (1911), 14 Tweed Street, Nine Elms, Battersea, London [1919] to (1939). Occupation: Horsekeeper [1898], Cab Washer (1911), Animal Fat and Bone Collector (1939). Married: Emma Elizabeth Aylward in 1898.[20] Service Record: Frederick was conscripted on 15.1.1916 Pte.393195 with 2/9th [County of London] Battalion [Queen Victoria’s Rifles], London Regiment, placed on the Army Reserve and later mobilised on 21.10.1916. On the eve of the Battalion being sent to France in February 1917, he was transferred to 9th [Reserve] Battalion, until being moved as Pte.R/366667 to the Remounts section of the Army Service Corps at the end of the year. He was posted to France from 5.2.1918, returning to England on 2.9.1918 and being issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged due to sickness in March 1919.[21] Died: Lambeth, London in 1951.
Parmenter, George – Born: Battersea, London in 1891. Parents: Charles William Parmenter of Long Melford (General Labourer) and Marina [née Sibly]. Home: Stewarts Road, Clapham, London (1891 to 1901), Military Barracks, Warley, Essex (1911). Occupation: Soldier (1911). Service Record: George was serving as Pte. L/9627 with 1st Battalion, The Queen’s [Royal West Surrey] Regiment in 1911. He was posted to Belgium on 4.10.1914 with 2nd Queen’s as part of 22nd Brigade, 7th Division.[22] Died: Private Parmenter was presumed killed in action on 21.10.1914 at the Battle of Langemarck, one of several encounters during the First Battle of Ypres. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate [panel 11 to 13 and 14], Ypres, Belgium.[23]
Parmenter, Harry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 10.3.1883.[24] Parent: Harriett Parmenter [married John Duce in 1885 and George Moss [see under Moss for record] in 1899]. All parties were Coconut Mat Weavers. Family Connections: Half-brother to Alfred Duce [b1887], Bertram Duce [b1888], George Moss [b1899] and Jack Moss [b1900]; also, stepson of George Moss [b1870] and brother-in-law of John Calton [b1875]. Home: Recorded as Harry Duce living with his mother and John Duce [stepfather] in Bull Lane, Long Melford (1891), recorded as Harry Parmenter living with mother and George Moss [stepfather] in Back Meadow, Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1901), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1911) to [1917]. Occupation: House Painter (1901 and 1911). Married: Margaret Ellen Calton in 1907. Service Record: Harry was attested as Spr.180137 with No. 8 Depot Company, Royal Engineers. Died: Sapper Parmenter died felo de se from wounds to his throat in the Military Hospital at Bangor in North Wales on 21.8.1917 and is buried at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford and commemorated on the village war memorial.[25]
Parmenter, Henry ‘Harry’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 22.12.1850.[26] Parents: Harry Parmenter (Engine Driver) and Sarah [née Durwin]. Family Connections: Father of Frederick Henry Parmenter [b1878], Alfred Henry Parmenter [b1883] and Edmund John Parmenter [b1887]. Home: 37 Tracy Street, Lambeth, London [1874],[27] 2 Garden Cottage, Newburn Street, Kennington, London (1891), 2 Henry Street, Kennington (1901), 13 Ponton Street, Battersea, London (1911), 18 Currie Street, Nine Elms Lane, Battersea [1916] to (1921). Occupation: Blacksmith (1891 to 1911), Farrier [1916], Blacksmith working for Southwestern Railways at Nine Elms Depot (1921). Married: Mary Ann Stevens in 1874. Service Record: Harry enlisted on 23.1.1915 as Shoeing Smith No. 2327 with 2/6th [London Brigade] Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. His extant military records imply that he gave his age falsely as 50 on his attestation papers. His records only appear to have been corrected when he was medically examined fifteen months later and diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and cardiac weakness. He was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged at the age of 65 on 21.4.1916, as ‘permanently unfit for military service’.[28]
Parmenter, Henry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1852. Parents: George Parmenter (General Labourer) and Martha [née Wright]. Family Connections: Brother to Walter Parmenter [b1874]. Home: Bull Lane, Long Melford (1861), Chelsea Barracks, London (1871), 17 Chaplin Street, Lewisham, London [1878], 1 Bovill Road, Sydenham, London (1881). Occupation: Coconut Spinner (1861), Professional Soldier (1871), Labourer at Gas Works (1881). Married: Elizabeth Woollard in 1878. Service Record: Henry enlisted in 1871 as Pte.2519 with 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, purchasing his discharge in 1878. He does not appear to have served overseas.[29]
Parmenter, Henry ‘Harry’ – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk in 1887. Parents: Charles Parmenter (Foreman Coconut Mat Weaver) and Ellen [née Sillitoe] of Long Melford. Family Connections: Nephew to Walter Parmenter [b1874] and cousin of Ernest William Parmenter [b1894], William Stanley Parmenter [b1893], Alfred Sydney Parmenter [b1894], Alfred James Parmenter [b1898] and Lionel George Parmenter [b1900]. Home: 34 Eden Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1891), 7 Duddery Road, Haverhill (1901), 31 Mill Road, Haverhill (1911). Occupation: Shop Boy (1901), Coconut Mat Maker (1911). Married: Ethel Alice Notley in 1908. Service Record: Harry was conscripted on 7.4.1916 as Pte.1416, later Cpl.40944 of 7th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, posted to the Western Front, as part of 35th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division, probably towards the end of 1916. If this assumption is correct, then he saw action during the Arras Offensive at the start of 1917; in January at the First Battle of the Scarpe and in April at the Battle of Arleux.[30] Died: Harry was presumed killed in action in this latter action on 28.4.1917, when his unit made an unsuccessful attempt to capture enemy-held Rifle and Bayonet Trenches. As soon as they had reached their objective the battalion came under concentrated artillery and machine-gun fire from German positions at Roeux. Corporal Parmenter’s unit alone lost 280 men on this day, either killed, wounded or missing, half of its fighting strength.[31] He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial [Bay 4], Pas-de-Calais, France, and the War Memorial at Haverhill in Suffolk.[32]
Parmenter, Hezekiah – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 26.4.1879.[33] Parents: Charles Parmenter (General Labourer) and Caroline Snazel [née Coote]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Parmenter [b1873] and Sydney Parmenter [b1875] also, brother-in-law of Thomas Henry Swan [b1879] and uncle of Frederick Charles Parmenter [b1901]. Home: Rotten Row, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), Cock and Bell Lane, Long Melford (1901), 5 Spring Gardens, Cock and Bell Lane, Long Melford (1911), Chilton Lodge Road, Sudbury, Suffolk [1914 to 1919], Cats Lane Cottages, Cats Lane, Great Cornard, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901 and 1911), General Labourer (1939). Married: Margaret Louisa Hempstead in 1905. Service Record: Before 1914 Hezekiah served for four years with 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment [Territorial]. Attesting on 30.9.1914 as Pte.3/10162 with 3rd [Reserve] Battalion, Suffolks, he was transferred to several other Suffolk units; 10th [Service] Battalion on 19.10.1914, 26th [Reserve] Battalion on 1.9.1916 and to 2nd [Home Service] Garrison Battalion on 18.11.1916. On 14.3.1917 he was posted to France as Pte.44976 with The Queen’s [Royal West Surrey] Regiment, transferring to a succession of companies in the Labour Corps: 129th on 14.5.1917, 794th Company on 18.10.1918 and finally as Pte.77107 to 899th [Area Employment] Company. Private Parmenter returned to England in April 1919 and was placed on the Army Reserve, re-enlisting in May as Pte.696614 with 712th Company, Labour Corps for service in France, receiving his discharge as ‘no longer fit’ in November 1919.[34] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1952.
Parmenter, Horace Neville – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 8.7.1893.[35] Parents: Thomas Parmenter (Butcher) and Julia [née Theobald]. Family Connections: Cousin of Sydney Thomas Parmenter [b1884]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford [1893], Rotten Row, Long Melford (1901), 56 Head Street, Halstead, Essex (1911) and [1917]. Occupation: Baker (1911), Pastry Cook [1916]. Service Record: Horace was conscripted as Pte.G/10445 with 12th [Reserve] Battalion, The Queen’s [Royal West Surrey] Regiment, transferring on 29.8.1916 to 10th [Service] Battalion, Royal West Surreys and was posted to France as part of 124th Brigade, 41st Division, seeing action during the Somme Offensive of 1916.[36] Died: Private Parmenter was killed in action on 24.2.1917, together with thirty-eight other men from his battalion, during a raid on German lines in the Hollandscheshuur Salient near Ypres. He is buried in Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery [grave ref: I.D.17], Heuvelland, West Vlaanderen, Belgium.[37]
Parmenter, Lionel George – Born: Poplar, London on 24.7.1900.[38] Parents: Walter Parmenter of Long Melford (Dock Labourer) [see below for military record] and Elizabeth [née Biggs]. Family Connections: Brother to Alfred James Parmenter [b1898]; also, cousin of Henry Parmenter [b1887], Ernest William Parmenter [b1894], William Stanley Parmenter [b1893] and Alfred Sydney Parmenter [b1894]. Home: 38 Athol Street, Bromley-by-Bow, London (1901), Scott Street, Victoria Docks, Canning Town, London (1911), 39 Granville Road, West Ham, London (1921), 5 St Thomas Road, Canning Town (1939). Occupation: Casual Dock Labourer (1921), Meat Porter at the Docks (1939). Married: Sophia Alger in 1924. Service Record: Lionel enlisted as a Fireman (stoker) No.951010 with the Mercantile Marine Reserve.[39] Died: Waltham Forest, Essex in 1973.
Parmenter, Percy – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.5.1892.[40] Parents: Thomas Hardy Parmenter (Blacksmith) and Ursula [née Cook]. Family Connections: Cousin of William Parmenter [b1897] and Harry Parmenter [b1883. Home: Little St Marys, Long Melford (1901), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1911), 65 East Street, Sudbury, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: House Painter (1911 to 1939). Married: Alice Eady in 1920. Service Record: Percy was conscripted on 20.11.1915 as Pte.3753 with 1/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, being posted to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force as part of 153rd Brigade, 54th [East Anglian] Division. During 1916 his battalion was stationed on the Suez Canal, guarding the waterway against attacks by the Ottoman Turks, which in the end did not materialize. At the beginning of 1917 he was issued with a new service number as Pte.241231 and in March moved with his battalion and the rest of the invasion force, across the Sinai Peninsula to the border with Palestine. In March and April Private Parmenter saw action at the First and Second Battles of Gaza, during which he was wounded.[41] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1949.
Parmenter, Sydney – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.9.1875.[42] Parents: Charles Parmenter (General Labourer) and Caroline Snazel [née Coote]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Parmenter [b1873] and Hezekiah Parmenter [b1879]; also, brother-in-law of Thomas Henry Swan [b1879] and uncle of Frederick Charles Parmenter [b1901]. Home: Rotten Row, Southgate Street, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), 35 Anson Road, Tufnell Park, Islington, London (1911 to 1921), The Cherry Tree, Thorpe Road, Tendring, Essex (1939). Occupation: Packer at George Whittle’s Coconut Mat Factory (1891), Soldier [1905], Caretaker of Residential Flats (1911), Luggage Porter at the Grosvenor Hotel (1921), Innkeeper (1939). Married: Elizabeth Salter in 1905. Service Record: Sydney enlisted in 1893 as Pte.3478 with 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, being posted to India from 1895 to 1902 and receiving his discharge in 1905. It is not known if he saw service during the First World War as no definitive record has been found.[43]
Parmenter, Sydney Thomas – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 7.7.1884.[44] Parent: Sarah Ann Parmenter [married stepfather John Allen in 1885]. Family Connections: Half-brother to Bertie John Allen [b1886], William Cornelius Allen [b1891], Jack John Allen [b1893] and Henry Allen [b1899]; also, cousin of Horace Parmenter [b1893]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1891), Little St Marys, Long Melford (1901), 8 Chapel Green, Long Melford (1921). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901), Agricultural Labourer for Stafford Allen & Sons (1921). Married: Emma Mitchell in 1919. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found, Sydney may have attested as Pte.3/5661 with the Suffolk Regiment. If this assumption is correct then he was posted to France from 30.8.1914 to reinforce the Regiment’s decimated 2nd Battalion, which had only days earlier lost three-quarters of its men at the Battle of Le Cateau. The Battalion, which was part of 3rd Division, went on to see action throughout the War: at the Marne, the Aisne, and First Ypres in 1914, the Somme in 1916, Arras and Polygon Wood in 1917, and in 1918 St Quentin, Bapaume, Wancourt, Estaires, Hazebrouck, Béthune, Canal du Nord and the Second Battle of Le Cateau.[45] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1958.
Parmenter, Walter – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1874. Parents: George Parmenter (General Labourer) and Martha [née Wright]. Family Connections: Father to Alfred James Parmenter [b1898] and Lionel George Parmenter [b1900]; also, brother of Henry Parmenter [b1852] and uncle of Ernest William Parmenter [b1894], William Stanley Parmenter [b1893], and Alfred Sydney Parmenter [b1894]. Home: Back Lane Cottages, Back Lane, Long Melford (1881 to 1891), 38 Athol Street, Bromley-by-Bow, London (1901), Scott Street, Victoria Docks, Canning Town, London (1911), 39 Granville Road, West Ham, London (1921). Occupation: General Labourer (1891), Horsekeeper (1901), Casual Dock Labourer (1911 to 1921). Married: Elizabeth Biggs in 1898. Service Record: Walter enlisted in 1890 as Pte.8809 with 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, being discharged 1892 for giving a false age. He re-enlisted in 1892 as Pte.3604 with 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, receiving his discharge shortly after. It is not known if Walter saw service during the First World War as no extant record has been found.[46] Died: Ipswich, Suffolk on 25.2.1938.
Parmenter, William ‘Willie’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 3.12.1897.[47] Parents: William Parmenter (Coconut Mat Shearer) and Julia [née Boreham]. Family Connections: Cousin of Harry Parmenter [b1883] and Percy Parmenter [b1892]. Home: Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1901 to 1911), Back Lane, Long Melford (1921), 2 Rodbridge Hill, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Help in Garden (1911), Bricklayer’s Labourer (1921), Lorry Driver (1939). Married: Minnie May Pearman in 1921. Service Record: Willie was conscripted as Dvr.168460 with the Royal Field Artillery, later transferred as Gnr.233890 to the Royal Garrison Artillery.[48] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1969.
Parmenter, William Stanley – Born: Poplar, London in 1893. Parents: Arthur William Parmenter of Long Melford (Butcher) and Ellen [née Simmons]. Family Connections: Brother to Alfred Sydney Parmenter [b1894]; also, nephew of Walter Parmenter [b1874] and cousin of Henry Parmenter [b1887], Alfred James Parmenter [b1898] and Lionel George Parmenter [b1900]. Home: 18 Alpha Road, Poplar (1901), 44 Westferry Road, Poplar (1911 to 1921). Occupation: Clerk (1911), Sheet Metal Worker (1921). Service Record: Although no definitive military record can be found William may have been conscripted as Pte.43439 with the Queen’s [Royal West Surrey] Regiment, later transferring as Pte.69348 to the Labour Corps.[49]
Related Biographies
Duce, Alfred ‘Fred’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 2.12.1886.[50] Parents: John Duce (Coconut Mat Weaver) [d1893] and Harriett (née Parmenter) (Coconut Mat Maker) who married George Moss in 1906. Family Connections: Brother to Bertram Duce [b1888], also, half-brother of Harry Parmenter [b1883], George Moss [b1899] and Jack Moss [b1900], and stepson of George Moss [b1870]. Home: Bull Lane, Long Melford (1891), Back Meadow, Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1901 to 1911), Hall Street, Long Melford (1921 to 1939). Occupation: Errand Boy (1901), General Labourer (1911 to 1939). Service Record: Although no definitive military record can be found, Alfred may have joined the 5th Battalion [Territorial], Suffolk Regiment with his brother Bert before 1914 as Private, later Sgt.262. If this assumption is correct then he was posted to Gallipoli on 10.8.1915 with 1/5th Battalion, Suffolks and subsequently renumbered as Pte.70673. He transferred to 1st [Garrison] Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) while stationed in Egypt. Over the course of his career under arms he was also issued with other regimental numbers namely: 5820694, 203865 and 240022.[51] Died: Sudbury in 1956.
Duce, Bertram ‘Bert’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 4.9.1888.[52] Parents: John Duce (Coconut Mat Weaver) and Harriett [née Parmenter] (Coconut Mat Maker). Family Connections: Half-brother to Harry Parmenter [b1883] and Jack Moss [b1900]; also, stepson of George Moss [b1870]. Home: Bull Lane, Long Melford (1891), Back Meadow, Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1901 and 1911). Occupation: Maltster’s Labourer for Frederick Branwhite and Sons [1904 to 1915]. Service Record: Before the First World War Bert served in 3rd [Militia] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He is also recorded as a member of the Melford Silver Band in 1914.[53] On 3.9.1914 he attested as Pte.2263 in ‘B’ Company, 1/5th Battalion, Suffolks and was posted on 10.8.1915 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 the 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. During the next four months they were ravaged by illness, the majority falling sick from the effects of dysentery.[54] He contracted pulmonary tuberculosis and was granted a pension in 18.5.1916.[55] Died: Bertram died of tuberculosis on 3.9.1916 and is buried in Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford and commemorated on the Long Melford War Memorial.[56]
Moss, George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1870. Parent: Harriet Moss (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Father of Jack Moss [b1900]; also, stepfather of Henry Parmenter [b1883], Alfred Duce [b1887] and Bertram Duce [b1889], and brother-in-law of Charles William Boar [b1877]. Home: Living with Harriet Moss (mother) and Samuel Moss (grandfather) in Bull Lane Cottages, Bull Lane, Long Melford (1871 to 1891), Back Meadow, Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1901 to 1911), Hall Street, Long Melford (1921). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker for George Whittle (1901 to 1921). Married: Harriett Duce [née Parmenter] in 1900. Service Record: George was a private in the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps in 1915.[57]– Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1937.
Moss, Jack – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 5.11.1900.[58] Parents: George Moss (Coconut Mat Weaver) and Harriett Duce [née Parmenter] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Half-brother to Harry Parmenter [b1883], Alfred Duce [b1886] and Bertram Duce [b1889]. Home: Back Meadow, Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1901 to 1911), Hall Street, Long Melford (1921). Occupation: Outside Porter [1918], Royal Navy Stoker (1921). Service Record: Jack enlisted on 31.12.1918 as Stoker No.K55192 with the Royal Navy, serving beyond 1929.[59] Died: Colchester, Essex in 1969.
Swan, Thomas Henry – Born: Clerkenwell, London in 1879. Parents: Thomas Charles Swan (House Painter) and Martha Amelia ‘Minnie’ [née Painter]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Frederick Parmenter [b1873], Sydney Parmenter [b1875] and Hezekiah Parmenter [b1879]. Home: 1 Luard Street, Islington, London (1881), Clayton Street, Caledonian Road, Islington (1891), 33 Barnsbury Grove, Islington (1911), Clayton Street, Caledonian Road, Islington [1917], 137 Bemerton Street, Islington (1921). Occupation: Milk Carrier (1911), Porter for the Great Northern Railway [1915], Milk Carrier (1921). Married: Elizabeth Parmenter of Long Melford in 1903. Service Record: Thomas was conscripted in December 1915 and placed on the Army Reserve until 8.3.1917 when he was mobilized as Pte.49479 with Queen’s [Royal West Surrey Regiment] joining 25th Infantry Labour Company, being posted to France on 18.3.1917 later transferring as Pte.79610 to 133rd Labour Company, Labour Corps. He received his discharge in July 1919.[60] Died: St Pancras, London in 1935.
Notes – [1] 1939 Register. [2] Addresses taken from Marriage Register 8.11.1908, St Anselms Church, Kennington Cross, Lambeth, London, and Electoral Roll for Camberwell. [3] 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]. [4] Date of birth from the 1939 Register for Barking in Essex. His year of birth on his RN Register is recorded as 1895. [5] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/937], Medal and Award Rolls [ADM 171/111], and Registry of Shipping and Seaman: Register of Seaman [BT 350/457729]. [6] Date of birth from Baptism Register of 26.8.1894 for St Lukes Church, Millwall. [7] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] and WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers [ref: 11/Pp/36692/D/92]. [8] Date of death taken from his WWI Pension Record. [9] For details of 10th Loyal Lancashire’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/2538/1]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [10] British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 [ref: 534717] and Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. [11] 1939 Register. [12] Recorded as a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery at his marriage in 1917 [see Marriage Record 16.7.1917, St Marks Church, Kinson, Dorset]. [13] Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [14] Date of death courtesy of Jill Naeem. [15] Birth and death dates courtesy of brucexle of Gravesend in Kent. [16] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 1.2.1874, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. For the full transcript of the case see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 5.4.1916. See also his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] and Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [WO 364]. Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [17] Date of birth taken from his RN Register; however, his Death registration records the date as 17.10.1901. [18] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/755/54191]. Death Index, however, records his year of birth incorrectly as 1901. See also his Medal and Award Rolls [ADM 171/111 and ADM 171/212]. [19] Date of birth from the 1939 Register for Battersea, London. [20] Address and occupation taken from Marriage Register 28.8.1898, St Philips Church, Lambeth, London. [21] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: 452017], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [22] Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [23] British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 [ref: 246127], De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, 1914-1919 Vol. 2, p244, and Commonwealth War Grave Commission. [24] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 6.5.1883, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [25] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 file [ref: 519590] and Burial Register of 26.8.1917, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [26] Date of birth from Harry’s Soldiers’ Documents. [27] Address taken from Marriage Register 25.12.1874, St Philips Church, Lambeth, London. [28] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: B73235 which gives his age in 1916 incorrectly as 51 years] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [29] Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner Admission and Discharge Records [WO 121/223]. [30] For greater detail see the battalion War Diary [TNA – WO 97/1852] and Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. R. Murphy, The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 [London: Hutchinson and Co, 1928] pp.232-238. See also his Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [31] See 35th Infantry Brigades War Diary for details {WO 97/1848]. [32] British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 [ref: 493258] and Commonwealth War Grave Commission. [33] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 7.9.1879, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [34] 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]. [35] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 19.10.1893, St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [36] For details of the 10th Royal West Surrey’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/2643/1]. 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]. [37] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 file [ref: 448350], [38] 1939 Register. [39] Naval War Medals – Mercantile Marine Reserve RN Medals [ADM 171/132]. [40] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 3.7.1892, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [41] For details of this part of the Palestine campaign see 1/5th Suffolk’s War Diary [WO 95/4658] and Capt. A. Fair [mc] and Capt. E. D. Wolton [compiled by] “The Suffolk Regiment”: the history of the 1/5th Battalion [London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1923], pp.53-83. For notice of Percy Parmenter’s wounding see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 23.5.1917. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [42] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 4.6.1876, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [43] See also his Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97] up to 1905. [44] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 7.9.1884, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [45] For details of 2nd Suffolk’s movements see War Diaries [WO 95/1424/1 and WO 95/1437/1]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [46] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97] up to 1892. [47] 1939 Register. [48] Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [49] See his proposed Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [50] 1939 Register. [51] Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [52] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 2.10.1890, St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [53] My thanks to Tim Seppings of Sudbury for showing Bert’s connection to the Melford Silver Band. [54] For details of 1/5th Suffolk’s movements in Gallipoli and Palestine see War Diaries [WO 95/4325 and WO 95/4658]. [55] 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]. [56] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record, see also the Tuberculosis Register of Notification from Medical Practitioners [Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Record Office ref: EF501/4/23] and Burial Register 9.9.1916 of Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [57] Suffolk and Essex Free Press 10.3.1915. [58] Date of birth from his Royal Navy Record. [59] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/971]. [60] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Medal Roll [WO 329], and Medal Index Card [WO 372].
Genealogical Tables
