A village with a big story
Selected Biographies
Rising, Bertie Herbert – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 16.4.1893.[1] Parents: William Rising (Flax Dresser) and Margaret [née Stearns] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Harry Rising [b1888] and Oliver Ernest Rising [b1896]; also, half-brother of William Stearns [b1878], cousin of Fred Rising [b1879] and uncle of Harry William Oliver Rising [b1909]. Home: Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901), on board HMS Irresistible, Glengarriff, Ireland (1911), Westgate Street, Long Melford (1921), 3 Clifton Way, Alperton, Wembley, Middlesex (1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer [1910], Sailor (1911 to 1921), Postman (1939). Married: Ethel Louisa Day in 1923. Service Record: Bertie enlisted in 1910 as Boy Sailor No. J8990, serving from 18.1.1913 to 19.11.1917 as an Able Seaman on the battleship HMS Agamemnon, being wounded in action when on station in the Dardanelles.[2] It is possible that this incident occurred on 25.2.1915 when the ship was hit by seven shells fired from Turkish shore batteries, also killing three of his shipmates.[3] Died: Folkestone, Kent in 1970.
Rising, Bertram Jack – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk on 30.5.1902.[4] Parents: Arthur William Rising of Long Melford (Bricklayer’s Labourer) and Louisa Clara [née Whittle]. Family Connections: Brother to Harry William Rising [b1892], Edward Rising [b1897] and Percy Rising [b1900]. Home: 22 Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1911), 39 Howley Place, Paddington, London (1921), 86 Shakespeare Road, Acton, Middlesex (1939), 34 Elmhurst Close, Haverhill [1974]. Occupation: Dispatch Clerk (1921), Wholesale Hosiery Salesman (1939). Married: Lily M. Brown in 1941. Service Record: Bertram enlisted in 1921 as Pte.7872731 with the Royal Tank Corps, receiving his discharge in 1925.[5] Died: Haverhill, Suffolk on 10.2.1974.[6]
Rising, Edgar Charles – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 6.2.1897.[7] Parents: William Henry Rising (Coconut Mat Maker) and Mary Ann [née Jocelyne] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Rising [b1887] and Herbert Edward Rising [b1899]; also, brother-in-law of Charles William Reeve [b1876] and John Tingey [b1884]. Home: White Hart Yard, Little St Marys, Long Melford [1897], Little St Marys, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), Salters Cottage, Chapel Lane, Little Cornard, Suffolk (1921 to 1939). Occupation: Errand Boy (1911), Chauffeur and Gardener at Causton Hall (1921), Gardener (1939). Married: Ivy Ellen Reeve in 1919. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found, Edgar may have enlisted as Gnr.48124 and if this assumption is correct, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Royal Field Artillery and posted to France from 5.9.1915.[8] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1995.
Rising, Edward – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk on 21.9.1897.[9] Parents: Arthur William Rising of Long Melford (Bricklayer’s Labourer) and Louisa Clara [née Whittle]. Family Connections: Brother to Harry William Rising [b1892], Percy Rising [b1900] and Bertram Jack Rising [b1902]. Home: Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1901 to 1921), The Meadows, Lords Croft Lane, Haverhill (1939) to [1966]. Occupation: Stable Boy (1911), Jobmaster and General Carrier [1916], Groom and Coachman (1921), Manager of a Smallholding (1939). Service Record: Edward was conscripted on 19.7.1916 as Gnr.168468 with the Royal Field Artillery, transferring on 15.9.16 to 44th Reserve Battery, RFA and posted to Salonika from 23.1.1917 to 17.4.1919. On 1.11.1919 he was transferred to 98th Brigade, RFA, receiving his discharge in 1920.[10] Died: Newmarket, Suffolk in 1966.
Rising, Fred – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 10.7.1879.[11] Parents: Charles Rising (Coconut Mat Maker) and Harriet [née Wicks] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Cousin of Harry Rising [b1888], Bertie Herbert Rising [b1893] and Oliver Ernest Rising [b1896]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1881), Church Row, Long Melford (1901), Bixby Yard, Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1911). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901 and 1911). Married: Annie Howard in 1901. Service Record: Fred enlisted as Pte.625 with 3rd [Reserve] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, transferring as Pte.40920 to 2nd Battalion, then to ‘D’ Company, 12th [Service] Battalion, Suffolks, being posted to France as part of 121st Brigade, 40th Division. On 22.3.1918 a massive enemy attack in the area of Bullecourt, Pas-de-Calais, overran his unit, killing or capturing three whole companies. The Battalion was so depleted by this and other defensive actions in March 1918, occasioned by the German Spring Offensive, that it was reduced to cadre strength shortly afterwards. Fred Rising was one of those captured, being sent first to a Prisoner of War camp at Parchim in Mecklenburg, then to Ortelsburg in East Prussia via Friedrichsfeld. Two other Melford man were wounded and captured in the same battle: Walter Allen Barnes [b1890] and William James Butcher [b1897]; their stories are to be found elsewhere in this Roll.[12] Died: Private Rising died on 4.12.1918 at Ortelsburg, being re-buried after the War in Berlin South-Western Cemetery [grave ref: V.G.8], Brandenburg in Germany. He is also commemorated on the Long Melford War Memorial.[13]
Rising, Frederick – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 6.9.1887.[14] Parents: William Henry Rising (Coconut Mat Maker) and Mary Ann [née Jocelyne] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Edgar Charles Rising [b1897] and Herbert Edward Rising [b1899]; also, brother-in-law of Charles William Reeve [b1876] and John Tingey [b1884]. Home: Swan Lane, St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), Little St Marys, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), Halfclose Road, Long Melford [1914], 103 Queens Road, Sudbury, Suffolk (1921), Miravis, Woodhall Road, Sudbury, Suffolk (1939) to [1964]. Occupation: Errand Boy (1901), Horsehair Packer (1911), Warehouseman at Reddell’s Corset Factory (1921), Hand Cutter at Redell’s Corset Factory (1939). Married: Florence Wellham in 1914. Service Record: Frederick enlisted in 1904 as Pte.6512 with the Suffolk Regiment, being discharged as medically unfit shortly after. He was a member of ‘D’ Company, 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment [Territorial] before enlisting on 3.9.1914 as Pte.2258 of ‘B’ Company, 1/5th Battalion, Suffolks. Due to a heart condition however, he was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged from any further service on 5.6.1915.[15] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 7.1.1964.[16]
Rising, Harry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 5.12.1888.[17] Parents: William Rising (Flax Dresser) and Margaret [née Stearns] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Father to Harry William Oliver Rising [b1909]; also, brother of Bertie Herbert Rising [b1893] and Oliver Ernest Rising [b1896], and half-brother of William Stearns [b1879]. Home: Westgate Street, Long Melford (1891 to 1901), visiting Charles Rising (brother) at Underwood Hall, Borough Green, Newmarket, Suffolk (1911), 83 Pembroke Street, Caledonian Road, Islington, London [1920], The Rectory, Horn Street, Shorncliffe, Kent (1921), 18 Lyon Road, Folkstone, Kent [1942]. Occupation: Grocer’s Assistant (1911), Clerk [1916], General Domestic Servant (1921), Garage Attendant (1939). Married: Emily Esther Bodkin in 1908. Service Record: Harry was conscripted on 17.11.1915 as Pte.29149 with 24th [Service] Battalion, Manchester Regiment. Posted to France on 6.10.1916 he was transferred to 2nd Manchester’s as part of 14th Brigade, 32nd Division, receiving a gunshot wound to his back and chest on 23.4.1917 while advancing with his battalion on enemy positions at Wancourt near Arras. Badly injured, he laid out in no-mans-land for two days before being removed and taken to a Casualty Clearing Station for treatment, returning to England on 21.5.1917 for further care. Following his recovery, he was graded as BIII and transferred as Pte.133278 to 20th Company, Royal Army Medical Corps based at Chiseldon Camp in Wiltshire, a specialist hospital dealing with soldiers who had contracted a venereal disease. His role here, although not recorded, was probably that of a ward orderly, promoted to the rank of Corporal in 1919, he was discharged in April 1920.[18] Died: Hawkinge, Kent on 14.5.1942.[19]
Rising, Harry ‘John’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 12.9.1877.[20] Parents: William Rising (Coconut Mat Trimmer) and Ann [née Poulson] (Coconut Mat Trimmer). Home: Back Lane Cottages, Back Lane, Long Melford (1881 and 1891), 4 Victoria Terrace, Garland Road, Harwich, Essex (1901) 24 Parkston Road, Parkston, Harwich (1911 to 1921).[21] Occupation: Dock Labourer (1901 and 1921). Service Record: John enlisted on 7.9.1914 as Pte.10099 with 8th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and was posted to France from 25.7.1915 as part of 53rd Brigade, 18th [Eastern] Division, seeing action during the Somme Offensive of 1916. He was transferred on 11.6.1917 to the Royal Engineers, and towards the end of the year as Pte.403530 to 858th [Area Employment] Company, Labour Corps. He returned to England in January 1919, receiving his discharge the following May.[22] Died: Tendring, Essex in 1932.
Rising, Harry William – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk in 1892. Parents: Arthur William Rising of Long Melford (Bricklayer’s Labourer) and Louisa Clara [née Whittle]. Family Connections: Brother to Edward Rising [b1897], Percy Rising [b1900] and Bertram Jack Rising [b1902]. Home: 22 Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1901 to 1911). Occupation: Grocer’s Assistant (1911). Service Record: Harry was conscripted in 1915 as Pte.16124 with ‘A’ Coy, 9th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, being posted to the Western Front from 31.8.1915.[23] Died: Killed in action on 16.9.1916 during the Somme Offensive and commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial [pier and face 1C and 2A], Somme, France.[24]
Rising, Harry William Oliver – Born: Islington, London on 31.1.1910.[25] Parents: Harry Rising of Long Melford (Garage Attendant) [see above for details] and Emily Esther [née Bodkin]. Family Connections: Nephew of Bertie Herbert Rising [b1893] and Oliver Ernest Rising [b1896]. Home: 83 Pembroke Street, Islington, London (1921), 70 Park Road, Hythe, Kent (1939), 36 Albert Road, Hythe [1942]. Occupation: Shop Manager (1939). Married: Kathleen Laura Willsher in 1934. Service Record: During the Second World War Harry enlisted as Tpr.5733581 with ‘B’ Squadron, 2nd Dragoon Guards [The Queen’s Bays], Royal Armoured Corps, being posted to North Africa and seeing action at the First and Second Battle of El Alamein, where he was fatally wounded in the latter conflict. Died: El Alamein, Egypt on 25.10.1942 and buried in El Alamein Cemetery [grave ref: XVII.H.16].[26]
Rising, Herbert Edward – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 30.8.1899.[27] Parents: William Henry Rising (Coconut Mat Maker) and Mary Ann [née Jocelyne] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Rising [b1887] and Edgar Charles Rising [b1897]; also, brother-in-law of Charles William Reeve [b1876] and John Tingey [b1884]. Home: Little St Marys, Long Melford (1901 and 1921), 41 Church Road, Ponders End, Middlesex (1939). Occupation: Stoker for Stafford Allen & Sons (1921), Plasterer (1939). Married: Alice Cooke in 1928. Service Record: Herbert was conscripted on 9.9.1916 as Pte.103416 with 10th [Service] Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters [Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment]. He was mobilised on 1.10.1917 and later posted to France as part of 51st Brigade, 17th [Northern] Division. He probably saw action at the Battles of St Quentin and Bapaume in late March, both were defensive responses to the German Spring Offensive of 1918, the Battalion losing 200 men either killed, wounded, or missing. Private Rising was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged on 13.8.1918 due to effect wounds.[28] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1991.
Rising, Oliver Ernest – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 9.1.1896.[29] Parents: William Rising (Flax Dresser) and Margaret [née Stearns] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Bertie Herbert Rising [b1893] and Harry Rising [b1888], and half-brother of William Stearns [b1878]; also, cousin of Fred Rising [b1879], uncle of Harry William Oliver Rising [b1909], and brother-in-law of Spencer William Fakes [b1891] and Sidney Victor Fakes [b1893]. Home: Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901 and 1921), St Edmundsbury, Old Road, Tiptree, Essex (1939), Beeswing, Upper Road, Little Cornard, Suffolk [1948]. Occupation: Newsagent (1911), Railway Gateman [1915],[30] Railway Porter (1921), Railway Signalman (1939) to [1949]. Married: Constance Violet Fakes 1921. Service Record: Oliver was conscripted on 15.11.1915 as Pte.2291 with 7th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He was promoted to Lance Sergeant and posted to France as part of 35th Brigade, 12th [Eastern] Division. The Battalion was in action many times throughout the conflict; in 1916 during the Somme Offensive, in 1917 at the Scarpe, Arleux and Cambrai, and in the final year of the War at the battles of Bapaume and the Ancre. He was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged in May 1919 due to wounds.[31] Died: Little Cornard, Suffolk on 30.12.1948 and buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Long Melford.[32]
Rising, Percy – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk on 21.9.1897.[33] Parents: Arthur William Rising of Long Melford (Bricklayer’s Labourer) and Louisa Clara [née Whittle]. Family Connections: Brother to Harry William Rising [b1892], Edward Rising [b1897] and Bertram Jack Rising [b1902]. Home: 22 Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1901 to 1911), 9 Victoria Road, Writtle, Essex (1939). Occupation: Motor Lorry Driver [1918], Maintenance Bricklayer in a Ball-Bearing Factory (1939). Married: Grace Francis in 1927. Service Record: Percy was conscripted on 26.2.1918 as Stoker No. K49899 with the Royal Navy, serving on the M Class destroyer HMS Myngs from 21.5.1918 to 28.2.1919, receiving his discharge in 1919.[34] During the Second World War he was Air Raid Precaution officer at his place of employment.[35] Died: Maldon, Essex in 1972.
Rising, Percy James – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 3.3.1892.[36] Parent: Kate Elizabeth Rising (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Cousin of Walter Raymond Rising [b1895]; also, nephew of Robert John Rising [b1875] and Richard Henry Rising [b1880]. Home: Cadges Yard, Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901), living with Charlotte Rising (Grandmother) in Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1911), 225 St Pauls Churchyard, London [1915], Tolmers Square, Somers Town, St Pancras, London [1923 to 1956].[37] Occupation: Baker (1911), Warehouseman [1915], Wholesale Draper’s Packer [1923] to (1939). Married: Alice Esther Palmer in 1923. Service Record: Percy enlisted on 31.5.1915 as Pte.20417 with 10th [Reserve] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, transferring on 30.6.1915 as Dvr.102905 to IV ‘A’ Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, being posted to France from 5.9.1915 to 24.1.1917. At some point following the Armistice, he was serving with the Army of Occupation on the Rhine stationed at Cologne. He was with V ‘C’ Reserve Brigade, RFA at the time of his discharge in April 1919.[38] Died: St Pancras, London in 1956.
Rising, Richard Henry – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.6.1880.[39] Parents: Richard Henry Rising (Coconut Mat Maker) and Charlotte [née Schofield] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Robert John Rising [b1875]; also, uncle of Walter Raymond Rising [b1895] and Percy James Rising [b1892]. Home: Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1891), Bixby Yard, Westgate Street/Lane, Long Melford (1901 and 1921). Occupation: Groom (1901), Agricultural Labourer (1911 to 1921). Service Record: Richard enlisted as Pte.6642 with 1/19th [County of London] Battalion, London Regiment, posted to France and transferred as Pte.9576 to 1/7th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge’s Own [Middlesex] Regiment. He was later transferred as Pte.203971 to 16th [Service] Battalion, Middlesex as part of 86th Brigade, 29th Division. It is not known exactly when he moved between battalions, however both Middlesex units saw action during the Somme Offensive of 1916, and in 1917 at the Battles of Arras, Third Ypres, and Cambrai.[40] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1935.
Rising, Robert John – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.11.1875.[41] Parents: Richard Henry Rising (Coconut Mat Maker) and Charlotte [née Schofield] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Richard Henry Rising [b1880]; also, uncle of Walter Raymond Rising [b1895] and Percy James Rising [b1892]. Home: High Street, Long Melford (1881), Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1891), Bixby Yard, Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901), Westgate Lane/Street, Long Melford (1911 to 1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1891 to 1921), Agricultural Labourer (1939). Service Record: Before 1914 Robert was a member of ‘D’ Company, 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment [Territorials]. He was conscripted on 19.2.1916 as Pte.26677 with 6th [Reserve] Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, transferring as Pte.PW/5999 to 25th [Public Works Pioneer] Reserve Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge’s Own [Middlesex] Regiment. Private Rising was posted to France from 28.8.1916 with 1st Battalion, Middlesex, as part of 98th Brigade, 33rd Division, seeing action during the Somme Offensive of 1916 and possibly in 1917 at the Battles of Arras and Third Ypres. He was later transferred as Pte.378493 to the Labour Corps, receiving his discharge in March 1919.[42] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1947.
Rising, Walter Raymond – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 22.8.1895.[43] Parent: Ann Maria Rising (Horsehair Weaver) [married Alfred Ford in 1901]. Family Connections: Cousin of Percy James Rising [b1891]; also, nephew of Robert John Rising [b1875] and Richard Henry Rising [b1880].[44] Home: Living with Richard Rising (grandfather) at Bixby Yard, Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901) living with Alfred Ford (stepfather) at Bixby Yard, Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911), Ridge Barracks, Jubbulpore, India (1921), Westgate Street, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Day Worker at Whittle’s Coconut Matting Factory (1911), Agricultural Labourer (1939). Service Record: Walter enlisted in February 1915 as Pte.3173 with 1/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and is believed to have served in Gallipoli and Palestine, later being recorded as Pte.70633. He continued serving with the Suffolk Regiment after the War, being stationed in Jubbulpore [now Jabalpur], India with 1st Battalion in 1921.[45] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1967.
Rising, William [né Stearnes] – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1879 – see under William Stearns.
Related Biographies
Barber, Cecil Charles – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk on 10.3.1886.[46] Parents: Walter Barber (Silk Weaver) and Harriet [née Underwood]. Home: Norway Cottages, Queens Road, Sudbury, Suffolk (1891), 97 Newmans Road, Sudbury (1901), 57 Petley Road, Fulham, London [1916] to (1921), 7 Beechwood Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex (1939) to [1967]. Occupation: Office Boy (1901), Commercial Clerk [1916], Bookkeeper for the General Electric Company (1921), Stock Record Clerk (1939). Married: Emily Ada Rising of Long Melford in 1914. Service Record: Cecil was conscripted on 6.6.1916 as Gnr.158355 with 348th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, being posted to France from March to September 1917, transferring as Pte,33500 to the Northamptonshire Regiment, then as Pte.652969 to 366 [Reserve Employment] Company, Labour Corps, and finally to 11th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment as Pte.83465 on 29.6.1918. He received his discharge in November 1919.[47] Died: South Harrow, Middlesex on 27.10.1967.[48]
Joscelyne, Edwin Robert – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 12.6.1884.[49] Parents: Robert James Joscelyne (Agricultural Labourer) and Anna Lucinda [née Farrents]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Alfred Younger of Long Melford [b1881]. Home: The Green, Long Melford (1891), Bishop Yard, Westgate Street, Long Melford (1901), Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911), 2 Bixby Cottages, Westgate Street, Long Melford (1939), 3 Scutchers Cottages, Westgate Street, Long Melford [1965]. Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1901), Horsehair Weaver (1911), unemployed Labourer formally at Stafford Allen Chemical Works (1921), Milk Roundsman (1939). Married: Nellie Rising in 1913. Service Record: Edwin was conscripted on 11.12.1915 as Pte.8425 with 1/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment, transferring as Pte.260230 to 2/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment in France. The Battalion was posted to the Western Front from May 1916 as part of 183rd [2nd Gloucester and Worcester] Brigade up to February 1918 and thereafter to 182nd [2nd Warwickshire] Brigade, both being under the command of 61st [2nd South Midland] Division. The Division saw action at the Battle of Langemarck in August 1917 and in 1918 during the German Spring Offensive, at the Battles of St Quentin, Estaires, Hazebrouck and Béthune.[50] Edwin was wounded in action, and although when and where is not recorded, it would seem probable that this occurred during the maelstrom of March and April 1918. He was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged on 14.8.1918 due to the injuries he had sustained.[51] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 23.3.1965.[52]
Reeve, Charles William aka William Charles[53] – Born: Belchamp St Paul, Essex on 16.6.1876.[54] Parents: Charles William Reeve (Farm Bailiff) and Elizabeth [née Chambers] (Straw Plaiter). Family Connections: Father to Frank William Charles Reeve [b1899], Albert Edward Reeve [b1901], William Charles Reeve [b1905] and Stanley Frederick Reeve [b1913]; also, brother of Alfred Reeve [b1884], James Reeve [b1890], Thomas Gilbert Reeve of Long Melford [b1893] and George Reeve [b1895], and brother-in-law of Frederick Rising [b1887], Edgar Charles Rising [b1897], Herbert Edward Rising [b1899] and Tom Howe [b1881]. Home: Church Street, Belchamp St Paul, Essex (1881), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1891 and 1901), Little St Marys, Long Melford (1911), Hall Street, Long Melford [1915], The Laurels, Greenstead Green, Halstead, Essex [1918], 79 Melford Road, Sudbury, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1891), Groom and Gardener (1901) to [1915], Jobbing Gardener (1939). Married: Sarah Elizabeth Hannah Rising of Long Melford in 1899. Service Record: Charles enlisted on 9.2.1915 as Dvr.61265 with 90th Field Company, Royal Engineers, being discharged on 8.4.1915 as ‘medically unfit, not likely to become an efficient soldier’. The foregoing notwithstanding, he was conscripted on 6.6.1917 as an Aircraft Mechanic with the Royal Flying Corps, transferring on 1.4.1918 as Pte.83917 to the Royal Air Force, receiving his discharge in April 1920.[55] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1958.
Stearns, Harry Rogers ‘Curly’ – Born: Fenny Stratford, Buckinghamshire on 17.12.1903.[56] Parents: William Stearns of Long Melford (Shop Assistant) [see below for details] and Hester Ann [née Rogers]. His parents were separated, and Harry spent much of his childhood being cared for by Mrs Emma Whittle of Church Row, Long Melford. Home: living with Harry J. Stearns (uncle) in Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911), 19 Minden Road, Sudbury, Suffolk [1970]. Occupation: Labourer [1923]. Married: Maud Annie Rising in 1937. Service Record: Curly Stearns enlisted in 1923 as Stoker No. K62955 with the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of Petty Officer he was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1938 while serving on the light-cruiser HMS Ajax. Continuing with this ship into the Second World War, he saw action at the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 against the German heavy cruiser Admiral Graf Spee, before being transferred to the destroyer HMS Encounter in 1941. Stationed off Singapore by the end of the year Encounter took part in the First and Second Battles of the Java Sea in January and February 1942, the destroyer being badly damaged and eventually scuttled on 1.3.1942 with Harry and 148 shipmates falling into Japanese hands.[57] He was repatriated to England at the end of the War, receiving his discharge from the Navy in June 1946.[58] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 24.9.1970.[59]
Stearns, William – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1879. Parents: Margaret Stearns (Horsehair Weaver) and William Rising (stepfather). Family Connections: Father to Harry Rogers Stearns [b1903] and half-brother of Harry Rising [b1888], Bertie Herbert Rising [b1893] and Oliver Ernest Rising [b1896]. Home: Recorded as William Stearnes at Westgate Street, Long Melford (1881), Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1891), lodging with Frederick Robinson at High Street, Bildeston, Suffolk (1901), Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911), 50 Colbrooke Row, Islington, London [1915], Lyons Yard, Mildmay Avenue, Newington Green Road, Islington [1916]. Occupation: Grocer’s Assistant (1901 to 1911), Shop Assistant [1915]. Married: Hester Ann Rogers in 1901. Service Record: He was conscripted on 10.12.1915 as William Rising, Pte.6342 with 4/4th [City of London] Battalion, London Regiment, however by 15.9.1916 he was considered medically unfit and discharged.[60] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1936, recorded as William Stearnes [sic].
Tingey, John – Born: Shillington, Bedfordshire on 26.9.1884.[61] Parents: Jacob Tingey (Agricultural Labourer) and Mary Ann [née Jepps]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Frederick Rising [b1887], Edgar Charles Rising [b1897] and Herbert Edward Rising [b1899]. Home: Green End, Shillington, Bedfordshire (1891 to 1901), Parsonage Farm, Shillington (1911), 33 Northolme Road, Highbury, London [1916], 31 Conewood Street, Islington, London (1939) to [1950]. Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1901 to 1911), Postman [1916], Post Office Mail Sorter (1939). Married: Kate Rising of Long Melford in 1916. Service Record: John was conscripted on 11.10.1916 as Pte. T4/216877 with the Horse Transport Section ‘K’ Supply Company, Army Service Corps, posted to France on 4.11.1916. By the time of his discharge 1919 he had reached the rank of Sergeant.[62] Died: Highbury, London on 29.12.1950.[63]
Notes – [1] Baptism Register 4.6.1893, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [2] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/664/8990]. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Agamemnon_(1906). [4] 1939 Register. [5] Royal Tank Corps Service Record. [6] National Probate Calendar. [7] Baptism Register 2.12.1897, St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [8] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [9] 1939 Register. [10] 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]. [11] Baptism Register 3.8.1879, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [12] For details of the action see 12th Suffolk’s War Diary [WO 95/2616/1] and Lieutenant-Colonel C.C.R. Murphy The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 [London: Hutchinson and Co, 1928], pp.282-86. See also Fred’s POW Record International Committee of the Red Cross [file refs: PA32701 and 41669], and Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329]. [13] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 file [ref: 928812]. [14] Baptism Register 26.10.1887, St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [15] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97] up to 1904, Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [WO 364], Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: 208622] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [16] National Probate Calendar. [17] Baptism Register of 3.2.1889 for Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [18] For 2/Manchester’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/2392], Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Pension Record Cards and Ledgers [11/W/81257 &11/M/317838], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [19] Date of death taken from his grave marker in Hawkinge Cemetery. [20] Baptism Register of 2.12.1877 for Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [21] Recorded as John Rising on UK Census Returns for 1901 and 1911. [22] For details of 8th Suffolk’s movements in 1916 see War Diary [WO 95/2039/1-5] and Murphy op. cit., pp.165-72. 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] [recorded as John Rising], also one of his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] records his unit as 5th Battalion, Suffolks. [23] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [24] Commonwealth War Grave Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929. [25] Date of birth taken from his father’s Military Service Record, the 1939 Register however, gives his birth year as 1909. [26] Commonwealth War Grave Commission record and National Probate Calendar. [27] Baptism Register of 5.4.1896 for St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [28] For details of 10th Sherwood’s movements during Herbert’s time with the Battalion see War Diary [WO 95/2008/2]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: 437971], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [29] Baptism Register of 2.12.1877 for Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [30] National Union of Railwaymen General Register of Members 1.4.1915 [ref: MSS.127/NU/OR/2/42]. [31] For details of 7th Suffolk’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/1852/1-4] and Murphy op. cit., pp232-38, 272-77 and 352-53. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: B253665], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [32] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [33] 1939 Register. [34] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/965]. [35] 1939 Register. [36] Baptism Register 1.5.1892, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford; 1939 Register for St Pancras, London records his birth date incorrectly as 3.3.1891. [37] Address taken from the Electoral Roll for St Pancras. [38] 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]. [39] Baptism Register of 4.9.1881 for Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [40] For details of 1/7th Middlesex and 1st Middlesex’s movements on the Western Front see War Diaries [WO 95/1713/2 and WO 95/2950/1] and [WO 95/1365/2 and WO 95/2426/1]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [41] Baptism Register 5.3.1876, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [42] For details of 1st Middlesex’s movements from August 1916 see War Diary [WO 95/2426/1]. 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]. [43] 1939 Register. [44] Recorded as Raymond Rising on UK Census Returns for 1901 and 1911. [45] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372], in the name of both Walter Raymond Rising and Raymond Ford. See also http://armyservicenumbers.blogspot.co.uk/2010 /03/suffolk-regiment-5th-battalion.html]. [46] 1939 Register. [47] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] and Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329]. [48] National Probate Calendar. [49] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 6.7.1884, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [50] For details of 2/8th Worcester’s movements see War Diaries [WO 95/3057/2 and WO 95/3060/4]. [51] Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: 434045], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [52] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [53] Recorded as William Charles Reeve on the UK Census for 1901 and 1911, Army and RAF records, and the 1939 Register. [54] 1939 Register. [55] The medical examination from his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] states the reason for his discharge as having double hallux valgus, i.e., a painful deformity of both big toes. See also his Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [WO 364], and his Air Member for Personnel and predecessors: Airman’s Records [AIR 79/761]. [56] RN Record. [57] ‘Melford Man in Java Battle’ The Newmarket Journal 28.3.1942. [58] Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services, 1848-1939 [ADM 188/986] and Royal Navy & Royal Marines Service and Pension Records, 1704-1939 [ADM 363/217/124]. [59] National Probate Calendar. I am grateful to Judy Allen Stearns for kindly sharing this image of Harry. [60] Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [WO 364]. [61] 1939 Register. [62] 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]. [63] National Probate Calendar.
Genealogical Tables
