A village with a big story
Selected Biographies
Stearns, Albert Benjamin – Born: Manchester, Lancashire on 10.7.1902.[1] Parents: Charles Edward Stearns of Long Melford (Tripe Dresser) and Sarah [née Ryder]. Family Connections: Brother to Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893] and Charles Edward Stearns [b1898]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], and cousin of Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894], Wilby Stearns [b1898], William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897]. Home: 434 Claremont Road, Rusholme, Manchester (1911), 12 Mary Street, Manchester (1939). Occupation: Apprentice Machine Operator [1920], Joiner (1939). Married: Lily Stringer [d1936] in 1927 and Esther Cooper in 1941. Service Record: Albert joined the Royal Artillery in May 1920 as Gnr.727034, receiving his discharge in May 1924.[2] Died: Ashton, Lancashire in 1971.
Stearns, Alfred – Born: Acton, Suffolk in 1887. Parents: Herbert Stearns (Agricultural Labourer) and Alice [née Woodgate]. Family Connections: Cousin of Maurice William Stearns [b1881], Fred Stearns [b1891], Edmund Stearns of Long Melford [b1893] and Harold Russell Stearns [b1895]. Home: Ovens Green, Acton (1901), Acton Road, Acton (1911), 4 Priory Walk, Sudbury [1915]. Occupation: Stock Feeder on Farm (1901), Horseman on Farm (1911). Service Record: Alfred enlisted as Pte.14301 with 9th (Service) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and was posted to Belgium on 31.8.1915 as part of 71st Brigade, 6th Division.[3] Died: Private Stearns died of his wounds on 19.12.1915 while in the care of 18th Field Ambulance Dressing Station and buried close by in Hop Store Cemetery [grave ref: 1.A.5], Vlamertinghe, Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium. He is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour in All Saints Church, Acton.[4]
Stearns, Arthur Ambrose – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk in 1886. Parents: Ambrose John Stearns of Long Melford (Horsehair Weaver) and Alice Jane Evans [née Foster]. Family Connections: Brother to John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894] and Wilby Stearns [b1898]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], cousin of William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898], Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902] and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897], and brother-in-law of Charles Newman [b1890]. Home: 10 Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1891), 60 Crowland Road, Haverhill (1911). Occupation: Labourer [1906], Horsehair Weaver (1911). Service Record: Up to 1904 Arthur was a member of the Suffolk Artillery Militia. In 1904 he enlisted as Gnr.20187 with 60th Company, Royal Garrison Artillery, posted to India in1905 and Jamaica in 1909 before his discharge in 1909. It is not known if he saw service during the First World War.[5]
Stearns, Benjamin – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1868. Parents: Benjamin Stearns (Horsehair Curler) and Caroline [née Bullock]. Family Connections: Brother to Herbert Stearns [b1871]; also, uncle of William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898], Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902] and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897]. Home: Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1871), lodging at the Lamb and Flag, 3 Church Street, Sudbury, Suffolk (1891 to 1901), 17 Burkitts Lane, Sudbury (1911). Occupation: Fishmonger (1891 to 1901), Coachman (1911). Married: Maud S. Spearman in 1892. Service Record: Benjamin enlisted in 1900 as Pte.5216 with 3rd [Militia] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, receiving his discharge in 1903.[6] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1911.
Stearns, Charles Edward – Born: Fallowfield, Lancashire on 25.10.1898.[7] Parents: Charles Edward Stearns of Long Melford (Tripe Dresser) and Sarah [née Ryder]. Family Connections: Brother to Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893] and Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], and cousin of Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894], Wilby Stearns [b1898], William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897]. Home: 167 Winslow Road, Manchester (1901), 434 Claremont Road, Rusholme, Manchester (1911), Royal Navy Barracks, Devonport, Devon (1921), 18 Elizabeth Street, Manchester (1939). Occupation: Iron Turner [1916], Sailor [1916 to 1928], Motor Bus Driver (1939). Married: Jane Ann Bailey in 1919. Service Record: Charles was conscripted on 25.10.1916 as No. J33993 with the Royal Navy, posted as an Able Seaman to the shore establishment of HMS Collingwood at Fareham, Hampshire during the First World War, receiving his discharge after 1928.[8] During the Second World War Charles was a member of the Air Raid Precaution service and a part-time Ambulance Driver.[9] Died: Manchester, Lancashire on 1.8.1970.
Stearns, Edgar Herbert – Born: Hove, Sussex on 12.2.1897. Parents: Herbert Stearns of Long Melford (Swedish Masseur) [see below for military details] and Alice [née Smith] [d1897] [married Clara Miskin in 1897]. Family Connections: Nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871]; also, cousin of Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894], Wilby Stearns [b1898], William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898] and Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902]. Home: 95 Portland Road, Aldrington, Sussex (1901), Clydesdale, Belle Hill, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex (1911), 56 Wellington Road, Hounslow, Middlesex [1920], 17 School Road, Ham, Surrey (1921), 37 Crane Road, Twickenham, Middlesex [1927], 55 Pope Avenue, Twickenham [1928], 31 Upper Grotto Road, Twickenham [1930 to 1937], 17 Pauline Crescent, Twickenham (1939), 33 Marble Hill Close, Twickenham [1952[10]], 95 Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Kent [1960]. Occupation: Journalist [1920], Correspondence Clerk at the Infantry Records Office at Hounslow Barracks (1921), Typist in the Scriveners Department of the Supreme Court of Judicature [1930[11]], Teacher of Shorthand [1937[12]], County Court Clerk[13] Married: Annie Vera Dixon in 1920. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found, Edgar’s obituary records that he saw action on the Western Front. He may have enlisted in September 1914 as Pte.2473 with 2/5th [Cinque Ports] Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. If this assumption is correct, then he was issued with a new service number in 1917 as Pte.240544. This battalion however appears to have been raised for Home Service only.[14] Died: Bridge, Kent on 12.11.1960.[15]
Stearns, Edmund [msm] – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 16.3.1893.[16] Parents: William Stearns (Farmer) and Ellen Harriett [née Woodgate]. Family Connections: Brother to Maurice William Stearns [b1881], Fred Stearns [b1891] and Harold Russell Stearns [b1895]; also, cousin of Alfred Stearns [b1887]. Home: Barrow Hill, Acton, Suffolk (1901), 74 Bancroft Road, Mile End, London [1920 to 1927], 6 Railway Cottages, Manor Road, Chigwell, Essex (1939). Occupation: Carman [1910], Railway Plate Layer [1920], Permanent Way Ganger (1939). Married: Lucy Gale [d1918] in 1917[17] and Lily Deadman in 1920. Service Record: Edmund joined the Royal Navy as Boy Sailor No. J7911 in 1910. In March 1911 he enlisted for 12 years, serving briefly as an Ordinary Seaman on the cruiser HMS Vindictive and from April to October 1911 on the protected cruiser HMS Forte. His naval record ends abruptly on 4.11.1911 with the entry in the Discharge column reads simply ‘Run Simonstown’. Simonstown was the Royal Navy base outside Cape Town, and he appears to have remained the area until the outbreak of the First World War, as at some point he enlisted as Pte.2164 with 1st Battalion, South African Infantry, otherwise known as ‘The Cape Regiment’. It is not recorded when Edmund was posted to France, his battalion however saw action in the Somme Offensive at Delville Wood in 1916 and in the Arras Offensive in the following spring. It may have been during this period that Private Stearns was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.[18] Died: Epping, Essex in 1941.
Stearns, Edward James – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 20.12.1892.[19] Parents: William Stearns (Gas Works Labourer) and Elizabeth [née Sansum] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Nephew of James Stearns [b1863] and cousin of William Stearns [b1877], James Stearns [b1887], Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871]. Home: 57 Oban Street, Bromley by Bow, London (1901), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1911), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1921), 11 Martins Rise, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Gasman [1910], Groom (1911), Galenical Maker for Stafford Allen and Son (1921), Packer of Pharmaceutical Preparations (1939). Married: Laura Ford in 1914. Service Record: Edward was a member of ‘H’ Company, 10th 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.[20] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1975.
Stearns, Fred – Born: Acton, Suffolk on 23.5.1891.[21] Parents: William Stearns (Farmer) and Ellen Harriett [née Woodgate]. Family Connections: Brother to Maurice William Stearns [b1881], Edmund Stearns of Long Melford [b1893] and Harold Russell Stearns [b1895]; also, cousin of Alfred Stearns [b1887]. Home: Barrow Hill, Acton (1901), Acton Road, Acton, Suffolk (1911), 1 Claremount Cottages, Goffs Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire (1939) to [1948]. Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1911), Nursery Hand (1939). Married: Florence Marion Phipps in 1925. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found, Fred may have attested as Pte.30512 with 8th [Service] Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. If this assumption is correct then he may have seen action during the Third Battles of Ypres in 1917 and several major engagements in 1918 as part of 55th Brigade, 18th [Eastern] Division.[22] Died: Cheshunt, Hertfordshire on 24.12.1948.[23]
Stearns, George – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk on 13.10.1894. Parents: Ambrose John Stearns of Long Melford (Horsehair Weaver) and Alice Jane Evans [née Foster]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892] and Wilby Stearns [b1898]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], cousin of William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898], Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902] and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897], and brother-in-law of Charles Newman [b1890]. Home: 60 Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1901 to 1911). Occupation: Horsehair Dresser (1911). Service Record: George was conscripted on 27.2.1916, transferring on 26.12.1917 to the Royal Flying Corps, moving on 1.4.1918 as Aircraft Mechanic No.407324 to the newly created Royal Air Force.[24] Died: Newmarket, Cambridgeshire in 1969.
Stearns, George Rogers – Born: Bedford, Bedfordshire on 26.2.1919.[25] Parents: William Stearns of Long Melford (Warehouseman) [see above for military record] and Esther Ann [née Rogers]. Family Connections: Brother to William John Stearns [b1902], Harry Rogers Stearns [b1903] and Reginald Rogers Stearns [b1922]. Home: 26 Rutland Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire [1939]. Occupation: Packer and Despatcher [1939]. Married: Joan Dagley in 1947. Service Record: George enlisted on 27.8.1939, only days after his brother Reginald, as Pte.5949656 with 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment being posted to Malaya as part of 55th Brigade, 18th Division and captured on 15.2.1942 by the Japanese and held in a Prisoner of War Camp near Hiroshima in Japan.[26] Died: Bedford, Bedfordshire on 12.6.2003.
Stearns, Harold Russell – Born: Acton, Suffolk on 14.7.1895.[27] Parents: William Stearns (Farmer) and Ellen Harriett [née Woodgate]. Family Connections: Brother to Maurice William Stearns [b1881], Fred Stearns [b1891] and Edmund Stearns of Long Melford [b1893]; also, cousin of Alfred Stearns [b1887]. Home: Barrow Hill, Acton, Suffolk (1901), Acton Road, Acton (1911), 2 Orchard Cottages, Barrow Hill, Acton (1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1911), Public Works Contractor (1939). Service Record: Harold enlisted on 17.9.1914 as Pte.37064 with the Royal Army Medical Corps, issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged on 17.5.1915 being ‘no longer fit for War Service’. Harold does not appear to have been posted overseas.[28] Died: Harrow, Middlesex in 1960.
Stearns, Harry Rogers ‘Curly’ – Born: Fenny Stratford, Buckinghamshire on 17.12.1903.[29] Parents: William Stearns of Long Melford (Warehouseman) [see below for details] and Esther Ann [née Rogers]. His parents were separated, Harry spending much of his childhood in the care of Mrs Emma Whittle of Church Row, Long Melford. Family Connections: Brother to William John Stearns [b1902], George Rogers Stearns [b1919] and Reginald Rogers Stearns [b1922]. Home: living with Harry John Stearns (uncle) in Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911), 19 Minden Road, Sudbury, Suffolk [1970]. Occupation: Labourer [1923]. Married: Maud Annie Rising of Long Melford 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.[30] He was repatriated to England at the end of the War, receiving his discharge from the Navy in June 1946.[31] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 24.9.1970.[32]
Stearns, Herbert – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 3.3.1871.[33] Parents: Benjamin Stearns (Horsehair Curler) and Caroline [née Bullock]. Family Connections: Father to Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897] and brother of Benjamin Stearns [b1878]; also, uncle of William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898] and Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902]. Home: Smaley Lane, Long Melford (1871), 95 Portland Rd, Aldrington, Sussex (1901), Clydesdale, Belle Hill, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex (1911), 18 Sea Road, Bexhill-on-Sea (1921). Occupation: Labourer [1887], Gymnastic Instructor (1901), Swedish Masseur (1911), Professor of Physical Culture (1921). Married: Alice Allen Smith [d1897] in 1893 and Clara Miskin in 1899. Service Record: Herbert enlisted in 1887 as Rfn.9149 with 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade [The Prince Consort’s Own], receiving his discharge in 1899. It is not known if he saw service during the First World War as no extant record has been found.[34] Died: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire in 1941.
Stearns, James – Born: Long Melford Suffolk in 1863. Parents: James Stearns (Bootmaker) and Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ [née Stanhope]. Family Connections: Uncle of William Stearns [b1877], James Stearns [b1886] and Edward James Stearns [b1893]. Home: Holland, The Green, Long Melford (1871 to 1881), Back Lane, Long Melford (1901 to 1911). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1881 to 1911). Married: Alice Mary Deeks in 1891. Service Record: James enlisted at Gibraltar Barracks in Bury St Edmunds on 16.8.1881 as Pte.28 with 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, transferring to 1st Battalion in December 1882, being posted to India until his discharge in June 1886. Before joining the Regular Army, he had been a volunteer Pte.8897 with the Regiment’s 3rd [Militia] Battalion.[35] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk 1937.
Stearns, James – Born: Long Melford Suffolk on 14.2.1887.[36] Parents: Thomas Stearns (Coconut Mat Maker) and Elizabeth [née Ranson]. Family Connections: Cousin of William Stearns [b1877] and Edward James Stearns [b1893]; also, nephew of James Stearns [b1863]. Home: Church Walk/Row, Long Melford (1891 to 1911), 41 Landseer Street, Battersea, London (1921), 23 Rickstones Road, Witham, Essex (1939). Occupation: Errand Boy (1901), Bricklayer’s Labourer (1911). Married: Annie Elizabeth Penney in 1923. Service Record: James enlisted in 1905 as Pte.6985 with 3rd [Militia] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, being discharged in 1911.[37] He served as Corporal and Armourer in the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps from 1915 and was highly regarded by this unit, being presented with a purse of money subscribed for by the members.[38] He was also invited to sit on the Long Melford Recruiting Sub-Committee in December 1915 and is recorded as a committee member of the Long Melford Ex-Service Men’s Club in 1922.[39] Died: Witham, Essex on 29.5.1953.
Stearns, John – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk in 1892. Parents: Ambrose John Stearns of Long Melford (Horsehair Weaver) and Alice Jane Evans [née Foster]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], George Stearns [b1894] and Wilby Stearns [b1898]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], cousin of William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898], Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902] and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897], and brother-in-law of Charles Newman [b1890]. Home: 60 Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1901 to 1921). Occupation: unemployed invalid (1921). Service Record: John enlisted on 3.4.1915 as Pte.18732 with 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, posted to Gallipoli in April 1915 as part of 88th Brigade, 29th Division until the evacuation of the entire Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in early January 1916. After a three month stay in Egypt his battalion was sent to France taking up frontline positions near the town of Albert in readiness for the beginning of the Allied Somme Offensive. On 1.6.1916 however John experienced a serious mental breakdown and was issued with a Silver War Badge due to ‘sickness’ and discharged. Elsewhere in his military files a more succinct reason is given for his summary discharge, recording ‘insane’ in the column usually reserved for a soldier’s date and place of death.[40]
Stearns, Maurice William – Born: Acton, Suffolk in 1881. Parents: William Stearns (Farmer) and Ellen Harriett [née Woodgate]. Family Connections: Brother to Fred Stearns [b1891], Edmund Stearns of Long Melford [b1893] and Harold Russell Stearns [b1895]; also, cousin of Alfred Stearns [b1887]. Home: Acton Road, Acton, Suffolk (1891), Barrow Hill, Acton (1901 and 1911). Occupation: Horseman on Farm (1911). Married: Ellen Simpson in 1902. Service Record: Maurice enlisted as Pte.14294 with 9th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, posted to France from 31.8.1915 as part of 71st Brigade, 6th Division.[41] Died: Private Stearns was killed in action during the Somme Offensive on 16.9.1916, the second day of the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. On that morning 9th Suffolks had been tasked with occupying the ridge between Morval and Lesboeufs, unfortunately this plan proved wildly ambitious as the Battalion was brought to a shuddering halt by concentrated machine-gun fire from a German strongpoint known as the Quadrilateral. It was probably in front of this bastion that Maurice received his fatal wounds. He was one of 240 men from his unit alone who were reported killed, wounded or missing on that day. He is buried in Guillemont Road Cemetery [grave ref: XIV. T. 8.], Guillemont, Somme, France and commemorated on the Memorial Plaque in All Saints Church, at Acton, in Suffolk.[42]
Stearns, Percy – Born: Rusholme, Lancashire on 4.12.1886.[43] Parents: Henry James Stearns of Long Melford (Clockmaker) and Emmie Kate [née Cartwright]. Family Connections: Nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871]; also, cousin of Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894], Wilby Stearns [b1898], William Stearns [b1879], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898], Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902] and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897]. Home: 25 Albert Road, Rushulme, Lancashire (1891), 29 Deyne Avenue, Ardwick, Manchester (1901), HMS Iron Duke off Malta (1921), 19 Caredock Avenue, Barry, Glamorganshire, Wales (1939). Occupation: Paid Chorister (1901), Outdoor Officer Tidal Duties for the Board of Trade (1939). Married: Jane Barron in 1916. Service Record: Percy enlisted in 1905 as No.227423 with the Royal Navy. By 1914 he was serving as a Yeoman Signalman on the battleship HMS Revenge seeing action at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, transferring to the battleship HMS Resolution on 4.4.1917 and on 16.10.1917 to the scout cruiser HMS Bellona. He stayed on after the end of hostilities and in 1921 was a crew member of battleship HMS Iron Duke. He was discharged after 1924.[44] Died: Glamorganshire, Wales in 1953.
Stearns, Reginald Rogers – Born: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire on 13.2.1922.[45] Parents: William Stearns of Long Melford (Warehouseman) [see above for military record] and Esther Ann [née Rogers]. Family Connections: Brother to William John Stearns [b1902], Harry Rogers Stearns [b1903] and George Rogers Stearns [b1919]. Home: 76 Greyfriars Walk, Bedford, Bedfordshire [1939]. Married: Mavis A. B. Stancey in 1947. Service Record: Reginald enlisted on 15.8.1939 as Pte.5950092 with 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment being posted to Malaya as part of 55th Brigade, 18th Division, and captured with his brother on 15.2.1942 by the Japanese and held in various Prisoner of War Camps on the island of Formosa.[46] Died: Barnsley, Yorkshire in 2000.[47]
Stearns, Walter Ryder – Born: Fallowfield, Lancashire in 1893. Parents: Charles Edward Stearns of Long Melford (Tripe Dresser) and Sarah [née Ryder]. Family Connections: Brother to Charles Edward Stearns [b1898] and Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], and cousin of Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894], Wilby Stearns [b1898], William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897]. Home: 166 Winslow Road, Manchester (1901), 434 Claremont Road, Rusholme, Manchester (1911). Occupation: Silver Polisher (1911). Married: Emmeline Broomhall in 1915. Service Record: Walter enlisted in 1915 as Pte.6931 of 16th [Service] Battalion, Manchester Regiment and was posted to France as part of 90th Brigade, 30th Division, seeing action on 1.7.1916 at the Battle of Albert and the capture of Montauban, the first day of the Somme Offensive.[48] Died: Private Stearns was recorded a week later as missing presumed killed in action sometime between 9th and 11th July and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial [pier and face 13A and 14C], Somme, France.[49]
Stearns, Wilby[50] – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk on 30.5.1898.[51] Parents: Ambrose John Stearns of Long Melford (Horsehair Weaver) and Alice Jane Evans [née Foster]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892] and George Stearns [b1894]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], cousin of William Stearns [b1879], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898], Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902] and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897], and brother-in-law of Charles Newman [b1890]. Home: 60 Crowland Road, Haverhill, Suffolk (1901 to 1921), 29 Crowland Road, Haverhill (1939). Occupation: Horsehair Drawer [1916], unemployed (1921), Horsehair Drawer (1939). Married: Mary E. Bowyer in 1933. Service Record: Wilby was conscripted on 6.6.1916 as Pte.TR/10/25696 with 29th Training Reserve Battalion and transferred on mobilisation to 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, The Buffs [East Kent Regiment], then as Pte. G/57574 to 6th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and subsequently posted to the Western Front on 20.6.1917 with 7th [Extra Reserve] Battalion, Royal Fusiliers [City of London Regiment] as part of 109th Brigade, 63rd [Royal Naval] Division. On 3.9.1917 he was again transferred, this time as Pte.385598 to 106th Labour Company, Labour Corps, receiving his discharge in March 1919.[52] Died: Newmarket, Cambridgeshire in 1960.
Stearns, William – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 23.3.1877.[53] Parents: Henry Stearns (Ostler) and Emma [née Mitchell] (Coconut Mat Stitcher). Family Connections: Father to William John Stearns [b1902], Harry Rogers Stearns [b1903], George Rogers Stearns [b1919] and Reginald Rogers Stearns [b1922]; also, cousin of James Stearns [b1887] and Edward James Stearns [b1893], and nephew of James Stearns [b1863]. Home: Westgate Street, Long Melford (1881), The Green, Long Melford (1891), 38 Allens Buildings, Leonard Street, Shoreditch, London (1901), 24 Ridley Road, Dalston, London (1911 to 1921).[54] Occupation: Errand Boy (1891), Waiter (1901), Carpet Warehouseman (1911), Packer in a Fancy Goods Warehouse [1915] to (1921). Married: Esther Anne Rogers in 1901 [separated by 1915]. Service Record: William was conscripted on 11.12.1915 as Dvr. T/313054 with 666th [Horse Transport] Company, Army Service Corps, immediately placed on the Army Reserve and not mobilised until January 1917. On 23.9.1917 he was posted to France, transferring on 10.10.1918 to 290th [Prisoner of War] Company Army Service Corps, receiving his discharge in June 1919.[55]
Stearns[56], William – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1879. Parents: Margaret Stearns (Horsehair Weaver) and William Rising (stepfather). Family Connections: Half-brother of Harry Rising [b1888], Bertie Herbert Rising [b1893] and Oliver Ernest Rising [b1896]; also, nephew of Benjamin Stearns [b1868] and Herbert Stearns [b1871], and cousin of Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894], Wilby Stearns [b1898], Percy Stearns [b1886], Walter Ryder Stearns [b1893], Charles Edward Stearns [b1898], Albert Benjamin Stearns [b1902] and Edgar Herbert Stearns [b1897]. 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]. Service Record: William 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.[57] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1936, recorded as William Stearnes [sic].
Stearns, William John – Born: Lambeth, London on 7.3.1902.[58] Parents: William Stearns of Long Melford (Warehouseman) [see above for military record] and Esther Ann [née Rogers]. Family Connections: Brother to Harry Rogers Stearns [b1903], George Rogers Stearns [b1919] and Reginald Rogers Stearns [b1922]. Home: living with Harry John Stearns (uncle) in Westgate Street, Long Melford (1911). Occupation: Labourer [1921], Sailor [1921 to 1941]. Married: Dorothy Ellen Watson of Long Melford in 1939. Service Record: William enlisted with the Royal Navy in January 1921 as Stoker Second Class No. SS125686, in 1922 signing on for a further period of 12 years as No. K63349, however in 1934 he elected to stay on reaching the rank of Chief Stoker while serving on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal in 1939 being mentioned in dispatches in 1940 before his discharge in 1941.[59] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1968.
Related Biography
Newman, Charles – Born: Haverhill, Suffolk on 27.9.1890.[60] Parents: John Newman (Presser in a Clothing Factory) and Harriet [née Buttle]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Arthur Ambrose Stearns [b1886], John Stearns [b1892], George Stearns [b1894 and Wilby Stearns [b1898]. Home: 30 Primrose Hill, Haverhill (1891 to 1911), 51 Morley Road, Barking, Essex [1916], 70 St Margarets Road, Barking (1921), 205 New Road, Dagenham, Essex (1939). Occupation: Horsehair Weaver (1911), Rubber Worker [1916], Hose Binder (1921), India Rubber Worker (1939). Married: Alice Stearns in 1917. Service Record: Charles was conscripted on 15.2.1916 as Dvr. T/291231 with 666th [Horse Transport] Company, Army Service Corps. In 1919 he was transferred to 6th Cyclist Brigade and posted to Dublin.[61]
Notes – [1] 1939 Register. [2] Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942. [3] Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923, Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [4] Commonwealth War Grave Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 [ref: 248948]. [5] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97]. [6] Militia Service Records 1806-1915 [WO 96]. [7] Date of birth from RN Record. [8] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/714]. [9] 1939 Register. [10] Electoral Rolls for Twickenham, Middlesex. [11] The London Gazette 7.10.1930. [12] For his occupation see Kelly’s Directory for Middlesex 1937. [13] The London Gazette 12.5.1939. [14] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [15] See ‘Swalecliffe Resident’s Death’ Whitstable Times and Tankerton and Swalescliffe Press 19.11.1960. [16] Place and date of birth from his RN Record. [17] At his wedding he is recorded as a member of the ‘S. A. Infantry’ see Marriage Register 2.6.1917, All Saints Church, Headley in Surrey. [18] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/662/7911]. For information on his unit see https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/1st_SA_Infantry_ Regiment. See also his Meritorious Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [19] 1939 Register. [20] Published by Marten & Son, Ltd., of Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk in 1946. [21] Admissions Register of 24.9.1895 for Acton Primary School and the 1939 Register. [22] For details of 8th East Surrey’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/2050/3-7]. See also his proposed Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [23] National Probate Calendar. [24] Royal Air Force Airman’s Records [AIR 79/2997]. [25] Date of birth taken from his POW Record. [26] [WO 361] Casualties and Missing Personnel 1939-1945, [WO 345] Japanese Index Cards of Allied POWS 1942-1947, and [WO 344] Directorate of Military Intelligence: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaires, 1945-1946 [ref: M.I. 9/JAP/45602]. [27] Admissions Register of 10.4.1899 for Acton Primary School and the 1939 Register. [28] Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: 47002], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [29] Date of birth taken from his RN Record. [30] ‘Melford Man in Java Battle’ The Newmarket Journal 28.3.1942. [31] 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]. See also his Prisoner of War related records [WO 345] Japanese Index Cards of Allied POWS 1942-1947 and [WO 344] War Office: Directorate of Military Intelligence: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaires, 1945-1946 [ref: M.T.S/JAP/200223]. [32] National Probate Calendar. I am grateful to Judy Allen Stearns for kindly sharing this image of Harry. [33] Baptism Register 2.4.1871 for Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [34] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97]. [35] His surname was amended to Starnes on his 1881 Attestation Papers see [Wo 97] – Chelsea Pensioners British Army Service Records 1760-1913. [36] 1939 Register. [37] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97] up to 1911. [38] For Training Corps articles see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 10.3.1915, 4.8.1915 and 29.12.1915. [39] Long Melford Parish Council Minute Book [Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Record Office ref: EG501/1/3]. [40] WO 329 – Silver War Badge [ref: 80683], British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929, Personal Effects [ref: 295242], Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 [ref: 11/D/104840 & 11/M/191389], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [41] For details of 9th Suffolk’s movements from August 1915 to the Somme Offensive of 1916 see War Diary [WO 95/1625/1] and Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. R. Murphy The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 [London: Hutchinson and Co, 1928], pp.120-26 and 194. 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] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 file [ref: 389267]. [43] 1939 Register. [44] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/401]. [45] Date of birth taken from his POW Record. [46] [WO 361] Casualties and Missing Personnel 1939-1945 and [WO 344] Directorate of Military Intelligence: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaires, 1945-1946. [47] I am grateful to Judy Allen Stearns for kindly sharing this image of Reginald. [48] For details of this day event see Chris McCarthy, The Somme: The Day-to-Day Account [London: Brockhampton Press, 1998]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [49] Commonwealth War Grave Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 [ref: 500858]. [50] Sometimes recorded as Starnes. [51] 1939 Register. [52] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] and Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329]. [53] Date of birth from Documents’ [WO 363]. [54] Address taken from the Electoral Roll for Hackney. [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] Also known as Rising. [57] Soldiers’ Documents and Pension Claims, First World War [WO 364]. [58] Date of birth taken from his father’s Army Service Record. [59] Suffolk and Essex Free Press 20.4.1939 and Supplement to the London Gazette 4.10.1940. See also his Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services files [ADM 188]/1131 and 188/987]. [60] 1939 Register. [61] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363].
Genealogical Tables
