Theobald
Selected Biographies
Theobald, Albert Ernest – Born: Borley, Essex in 1889. Parents: Thomas William Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) and Anna Maria [née Finch]. Family Connections: Brother to Basil Edward Theobald [b1892] and Montague Samuel Theobald [b1899]; also, brother-in-law of Percy Charles Munden [b1895]. Home: The Green, Borley, Essex (1891), Purkiss Farm, Borley, Essex (1901 to 1911). Occupation: Horseman on Farm (1911). Married: Kate Everett in 1913. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found, Albert may have been conscripted as Pte. G/34273 with 9th [Service] Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, later transferring to the Regiment’s 2nd Battalion. Both units saw action on the Western Front during the First World War.[1] Died: Gipping, Suffolk on 27.2.1936.
Theobald, Albert John – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 28.11.1907.[2] Parents: Albert Lionel Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) [see details below] and Bessie Elizabeth [née Gridley] of Long Melford. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of William Arthur Farrance [b1917]. Home: Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1911), Angel Lane, Glemsford, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: Tractor Driver (1939). Married: Phyllis Florence East of Long Melford in 1951. Service Record: Anthony was a member of No.4 Platoon, 10th Suffolk Home Guard during the Second World War and is remembered in a supplement to the official tribute to the organization entitled The Lion Roared his Defiance, photographed in and around Long Melford in 1944.[3] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 19.10.1963.[4]
Theobald, Albert Lionel – Born: Somerton, Suffolk on 7.7.1880.[5] Parents: Laura Theobald, married his father John Thomas Pettit in 1884. Family Connections: Father to Albert John Theobald [b1907] and father-in-law of William Arthur Farrance [b1917]. Home: Upper Street, Somerton, Suffolk (1881), Lower Street, Somerton (1891), Windmill Farm, Long Melford (1901), Westgate Lane, Long Melford (1911).[6] Occupation: Shepherd (1901), Agricultural Labourer (1911), Ploughman for William Bigg of Burtons Farm, Long Melford [1916]. Married: Bessie Elizabeth Gridley of Long Melford in 1907. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in July 1916 Albert’s employer William Bigg applied for his exemption which was granted on the condition his situation remained unchanged.[7] It is not known if Theobald’s certificate remained valid until the end of hostilities, however no definitive military record has been found to suggest otherwise. Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1939.
Theobald, Alfred [DCM] – Born: Tottenham, Middlesex on 18.12.1889.[8] Parents: Amos Theobald of Long Melford (Bricklayer) and Charlotte [née Hills]. Family Connections: Brother to Amos Theobald [b1881] and Clement Chevalier Theobald [b1886]; also, cousin of John Alfred Theobald [b1867], Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875], Bertie Theobald [b1884], Clement Theobald [b1872], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: 11 William Street, Tottenham (1891), 8 Dorset Road, Tottenham (1901), South Front Barracks, Western Heights, Dover Castle, Kent (1911), I Burgess Road, Eastry, Kent (1939). Occupation: Paperhanger [1908], Soldier (1911), Painter and Paperhanger (1939). Married: Florence Mercy Sedgwick in 1914. Service Record: Alfred enlisted in 1908 as Pte.8857 with 1st Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales’s [Royal Berkshire Regiment].[9] Promoted to the rank of corporal and posted to France on 13.8.1914, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal ‘For gallantry and consistent good work with telephone section, 6th Infantry Brigade, in continually mending lines under fire and frequently carrying messages across open ground under fire’.[10] He was later transferred to the Royal Engineers as Lance Corporal No.107369 and subsequently promoted to Acting Sergeant.[11] Died: Thanet, Kent in 1946.
Theobald, Amos – Born: Tottenham, Middlesex on 17.8.1881.[12] Parents: Amos Theobald of Long Melford (Bricklayer) and Charlotte [née Hills]. Family Connections: Brother to Clement Chevalier Theobald [b1886] and Alfred Theobald [b1889]; also, cousin of John Alfred Theobald [b1867], Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875], Bertie Theobald [b1884], Clement Theobald [b1872], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: 10 William Street, Tottenham (1891), 471 Seven Sisters Road, Tottenham (1911), 30 Little Hill, High Hill Ferry, Upper Clapton, London [1920], 35 Waterville Road, Tottenham (1939). Occupation: Carman [1902], House Decorator (1911 to 1939). Married: Annie Elizabeth Doyle in 1905. Service Record: Amos enlisted in 1902 as Dvr.24319 of 86th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, transferring to the Army Reserve in 1906. He re-enlisted in 1914 and was posted to France from 16.8.1914 to 17.4.1919 initially with 14th Brigade RFA, by 1916 serving with 15th Battery, part of 36th Brigade Royal Feld Artillery, 2nd Division. He received his discharge in 1920.[13] Died: St Albans, Hertfordshire in 1946.
Theobald, Archie William – Born: Stanstead, Suffolk on 29.1.1898.[14] Parents: George Henry Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) and Mary Ann [née Crissell]. Family Connections: Brother to Geoffrey Henry Theobald [b1903]. Home: Lower Street, Stanstead, Suffolk (1901) to [1981]. Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1911 to 1939). Service Record: Archie was conscripted as Pte.59495 with 6th [Service] Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, his unit having already landed in France on 26.7.1915 as part of 54th Brigade, 18th [Eastern] Division and seeing action throughout the Somme Offensive of 1916, the Third Battles of Ypres in 1917, and the Battles of the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance in Artois in the final year of the War. Private Theobald received his discharge in November 1919.[15] During the Second World War Archie was a member of the Local Defence Volunteers in Stanstead, being part of No.5 Platoon, 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.[16] Died: Stanstead, Suffolk on 19.10.1981.[17]
Theobald, Basil Edward – Born: Borley, Essex on 22.1.1892.[18] Parents: Thomas William Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) and Anna Maria [née Finch]. Family Connections: Brother to Albert Ernest Theobald [b1889] and Montague Samuel Theobald [b1899]; also, brother-in-law of Percy Charles Munden [b1895]. Home: Purkiss Farm, Borley, Essex (1901 to 1911), 73 Cressing Road, Witham, Essex (1939), 2 Grays Terrace, Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel, Essex [1976]. Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1911), Police Constable [1915] to (1939). Married: Edith Thurlow in 1919. Service Record: Basil enlisted on 19.11.1915 as an Aircraft Mechanic No. F9309 with the Royal Naval Air Service. On 1.4.1918 he transferred as No.209309 to the Royal Air Force.[19] Died: Hatfield Peverel, Essex on 2.1.1976.[20]
Theobald, Bernard Eric Stephen – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 26.5.1902.[21] Parents: Frank Stephen Theobald (Insurance Broker’s Clerk) [see details below] and Hannah Rosina [née Snell]. Family Connections: Brother to Hubert Frank Theobald [b1913] and brother-in-law of Lionel Alexander Hurst [b1898]; also, nephew of Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: St Catherines Road, Melford, Long Melford (1911), Church House, Long Melford (1921), 4 Bull Lane, Long Melford (1939), Lime Tree House, Hall Street, Long Melford [1944], Hanwell House, Hall Street, Long Melford [1987]. Occupation: Metal Turner (1921), Motor Mechanic and Garage Foreman (1939). Married: Elsie Gertrude Meadows [d1941] in 1928 and Hilda Madeline Byford in 1944. Service Record: Bernard served as a Special Police Constable with the West Suffolk Constabulary during the Second World War.[22] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 22.1.1987.[23]
Theobald, Bertie – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 16.7.1884.[24] Parents: Alfred Theobald (Bricklayer) and Mary Ann [née Ambrose]. Family Connections: Brother to John Alfred Theobald [b1867] and Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875]; also, cousin of Clement Theobald [b1872], Amos Theobald [b1881], Clement Chevalier [b1886], Alfred Theobald [b1889], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: St Marys Street, Long Melford (1901 to 1939). Occupation: Stable Help (1901), Factory Hand (1911), Gardener (1939). Service Record: Bertie served as Pte.3222 with ‘D’ Company, 2nd [Volunteer] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, and its successor 5th Battalion [Territorial] for the five years leading up to 1914. He enlisted on 6.3.1915 as Pte.240920 of 2/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment being posted to France from 15.8.1917 with 1/4th Suffolks, then to 2nd Suffolks on 1.9.1917, shortly to be stationed in the Ypres Salient, as part of 98th Brigade, 33rd Division. On 26.9.1917 the Battalion fought in the Battle of Polygon Wood, attacking heavily defended German positions at Zonnebeke. Bertie was injured during the advance receiving a gunshot wound to his left hand. He returned to England and on his recovery was transferred to 3rd [Reserve] Battalion, Suffolks. On 5.9.1918 he moved as Pte.646910 to the Labour Corps, being issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged in April 1919 due to deafness and the effect of the gunshot wound he had received sixteen months earlier.[25] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1948.
Theobald, Clement – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 23.7.1831.[26] Parents: Clement Chevalier Theobald (Builder) and Susannah [née Howell]. Family Connections: Father to Clement Theobald [b1872]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1841 to 1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1901). Occupation: Bricklayer (1871 to 1881), Builder (1891 to 1901). Married: Emma Ottley Turner in 1856. Criminal Record: At the Melford Petty Sessions on 18.6.1852 Clement ‘was adjudged to be the father of Emma Hockley [Ottley] and ordered to pay two shillings per week from the day of application.’ His next appearance before the magistrates was in July 1858 when in the company of Walter Brunning and Willoughby Ambrose, he was charged with being drunk and disorderly and fined 5s with 7s 6d costs. In August 1862 he was again in court when he was bound over in two sureties of £10 each, for 6 months, for creating a breach of the peace. Seemingly unreformed he was fined a further 10 shillings in December for being drunk and riotous and using abusive language. August 1871 saw him before the Clare Petty Sessions for drunkenness and receiving another five shilling fine.[27] Died: Long Melford on 21.2.1904.
Theobald, Clement – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 6.9.1872.[28] Parents: Clement Theobald (Builder) [see details above] and Emma Ottley [née Turner]. Family Connections: Father of Walter Charles Wellum [b1886] and cousin of John Alfred Theobald [b1867], Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875], Bertie Theobald [b1884], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875], Amos Theobald [b1881], Clement Chevalier [b1886], Alfred Theobald [b1889], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]; also, uncle of Percy Theobald [b1892], Owen Theobald [b1895] and James Pearson Theobald [b1903]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1891), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1901) to [1944]. Occupation: Bricklayer (1891), Builder (1901 and 1911), Builder and Dairy Farmer (1939). Married: Edith Sarah Kersey in 1896. Criminal Record: A case of bastardy was brought against Clement in November 1886 when 21-year-old Emma Wellum accused him of being the father of Walter Wellum her illegitimate child. The Bench adjudged the case proved and ordered Clement to pay 2s 6d per week until the child was thirteen.[29] Service Record: Clement was a member of the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps in 1915.[30] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 14.7.1944.[31]
Theobald, Clement Chevalier – Born: Tottenham, Middlesex on 24.10.1886.[32] Parents: Amos Theobald of Long Melford (Bricklayer) and Charlotte [née Hills]. Family Connections: Brother to Amos Theobald [b1881] and Alfred Theobald [b1889]; also, cousin of John Alfred Theobald [b1867], Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875], Bertie Theobald [b1884], Clement Theobald [b1872], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: 10 William Street, Tottenham (1891), 8 Dorset Road, Tottenham (1901). Occupation: Paper Hanger’s Boy (1901), House Decorator [1909]. Married: Rose Lilian Burnham in 1909. Service Record: Clement enlisted as Pte.12182 with 7th [Service] Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, being posted to France on 30.5.1915 as part of 35th Brigade, 12th [Eastern] Division.[33] Died: Clement was listed as missing presumed killed in action on 13.10.1915 in a brigade strength raid on ‘St Elie Avenue’ in the German Front Line, using Mills grenades and other hand-held bombs. He is commemorated on Loos Memorial [panel 30 and 31], Pas de Calais, France.[34]
Theobald, Frank Stephen – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 25.1.1875.[35] Parents: Stephen Theobald (Carpenter) and Annie [née Everett]. Family Connections: Father to Bernard Eric Stephen Theobald [b1902] and Herbert Frank Theobald [b1913], and brother of Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]; also, cousin of Clement Theobald [b1872], Alfred Theobald [b1867], Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875], Bertie Theobald [b1884], Amos Theobald [b1881], Clement Chevalier Theobald [b1886] and Alfred Theobald [b1889], father-in-law of Lionel Alexander Hurst [b1898] and brother-in-law of Frederick George Tolchard [b1888]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881 and 1891), St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), Lime Tree House, Hall Street, Long Melford [1937 to 1952]. Occupation: Merchant’s Clerk (1891), Insurance Broker’s Clerk (1901 to 1939). Married: Hannah Rosina Snell in 1899. Service Record: Frank was a member of the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps from 1915. At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in November 1916 Frank’s employer C.J.N. Row and Sons of Hall Street, asked the panel to note that Mr Theobald had been conscripted even though he had attained the age of forty-one before the passing of the Military Service Act for married men. He was provisionally withdrawn from being placed on the Army Reserve, which gave him the right to appeal if called again. Several years had passed before he was again called for service prompting Row and Sons to re-apply for Frank’s exemption in September 1918, which was adjourned until the following month when a further three-month exemption was granted. It is not known if he was conscripted at the end of this period, although this would seem unlikely as the Armistice came into force barely a month after his certificate been issued. In February 1919 he sat on the Long Melford War Memorial Committee.[36] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 24.10.1952.[37]
Theobald, Frederick Stephen – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 7.11.1875.[38] Parents: Alfred Theobald (Bricklayer) and Mary Ann [née Ambrose]. Family Connections: Brother to John Alfred Theobald [b1867] and Bertie Theobald [b1884]; also, cousin of Clement Theobald [b1872], Amos Theobald [b1881], Clement Chevalier Theobald [b1886], Alfred Theobald [b1889], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1901), Hall Street, Long Melford (1911 to 1939), Little St Marys, Long Melford [1949]. Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901), Postman (1911 to 1939). Service Record: Frederick was conscripted on 9.12.1915 as Pte.177876 with the Middlesex Regiment [11th Works]. At his medical examination he was graded as CII, due to his defective eyesight. This low grading notwithstanding he was mobilised in May 1917 with 330th [Home Service] Labour Company, Labour Corps, transferring to 302nd Reserve Labour Company on 18.7.1917 and posted to France a week later. In August 1918 he was transferred to 750th [Area Employment] Company, Labour Corps, receiving his discharge in March 1919. Upon his return Frank was a member of the Long Melford War Memorial Committee.[39] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 20.11.1949.[40]
Theobald, Geoffrey Henry – Born: Stanstead, Suffolk on 3.1.1903.[41] Parents: George Henry Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) and Mary Ann [née Crissell]. Family Connections: Brother to Archie William Theobald [b1898]. Home: Lower Street, Stanstead, Suffolk (1911 to 1921), Westgate Hill, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1921), Horseman on Farm (1939). Married: Violet E Offord in 1926. Service Record: Geoffrey was a member of the Local Defence Volunteers in Long Melford, being part 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.[42] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1981.
Theobald, Gilbert Ernest – Born: Norfolk on 30.12.1920.[43] Parents: Ernest Theobald of Long Melford (Carpenter and Joiner) and Florence Kate [née Bromage]. Family Connections: Nephew of Percy Theobald [b1892] and Owen Theobald [b1895]. Home: Southgate Street, Long Melford (1921), 6 Bull Lane, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Bricklayer (1939). Married: Dorothy Joan Caswell in 1946. Service Record: Gilbert was serving as Pte.5834911 with the Suffolk Regiment at the time of his marriage in 1946.[44] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1995.
Theobald, Harry Stanhope – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 12.7.1878.[45] Parents: Zillah Theobald, married Harry Stanhope (Wagon Painter, later Landlord of the White Hart Inn) in 1878. Family Connections: Father of William Harry Stanhope Theobald [b1899] and half-brother of Percy James Stanhope [b1886], William Harold Stanhope [b1889], Bertie Stanhope [b1897], and Charles John Stanhope [b1900]; also, nephew of Clement Theobald [b1872], cousin of Percy Theobald [b1892] and Owen Theobald [b1895], and brother-in-law of Edward Ballantine Wright [b1880] and George Henry Lefley [b1883]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), The Green, Long Melford (1891), Church Terrace, Long Melford (1901), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1911 to 1939).[46] Occupation: Wheelwright (1901 and 1911), Cart and Wagon Builder for David Ward, Agricultural Implement Manufacturer of Long Melford [1916], latterly a partner in Theobald and Co., Builders. Married: Annie Maria Cadge in 1899. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in 1916 Harry’s employer David Ward applied for exemption on his behalf, which was granted temporarily to the end of September.[47] It is not known if he was eventually conscripted as no definitive military record has been found. Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 8.4.1963.[48]
Theobald, Herbert Edward – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.4.1873.[49] Parents: Stephen Theobald (Carpenter) and Annie [née Everett]. Family Connections: Brother to Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875], and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887] and brother-in-law of Frederick George Tolchard [b1881]; also, cousin of Clement Theobald [b1872], John Alfred Theobald [b1867], Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875], Bertie Theobald [b1884], Amos Theobald [b1881], Clement Chevalier Theobald [b1886] and Alfred Theobald [b1889]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), Brompton Barracks, Gillingham, Kent (1891). Occupation: Carpenter (1891), Soldier (1891 to 1908). Married: Jane Wilding in 1903. Service Record: Herbert enlisted in January 1891 as Spr.25525 with the Royal Engineers. He extended his army service in 1898 for a further twelve years, being promoted to Corporal in 1899, Sergeant in 1902 and Company Sergeant Major in 1908. He was posted to South Africa from 1899 with 7th Field Company, Royal Engineers, seeing action during the Second Anglo-Boer War at the Battles of Belmont, Modder River, Paardeberg and Driefontein. In 1905 he was posted to Ireland with 9th Field Company.[50] Died: Herbert died on 21.12.1908 from a gunshot wound while stationed at the Curragh. The subsequent coroner’s inquiry found that CSM Theobald had been wilfully killed by a Sapper Taaffe. At the Kildare Assizes on 15.3.1909 Taaffe was charged with Theobald’s murder but was found unfit to plead and ordered to be detained during the King’s pleasure. It was stated that the prisoner was possessed of a delusion that one of his superior officers was persecuting him.[51]
Theobald, Herbert Frank [BEM] – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 7.3.1913. Parents: Frank Stephen Theobald (Insurance Broker’s Clerk) [see details above] and Hannah Rosina [née Snell]. Family Connections: Brother to Hubert Frank Theobald [b1913] and brother-in-law of Lionel Alexander Hurst [b1898]; also, nephew of Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: 137 Alexander Drive, Cirencester, Gloucestershire [1995]. Married: Elizabeth Marie Heard in 1937. Service Record: Herbert was a Flight Sergeant No.564430 with the Royal Air Force. He was Mentioned in Despatches in 1941 and 1943 and awarded the British Empire Medal in 1944.[52] Supp to the LG 23.9.1941, 28.5.1943 and 8.6.1944. Based on the service number of his close friend and later best man Herbert Ruse [b1914], Theobald’s RAF enlistment dates to 1930.[53] Died: Cirencester, Gloucestershire on 15.2.1995.[54]
Theobald, James – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1881. Parents: William Theobald (Mat Weaver) and Mary Ann [née Turner]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law George William Dakin [b1872]. Home: St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1891 to 1901), White Hart Yard, Little St Marys, Long Melford (1911), 106 York Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (1921), Inmate of the Lunatic Asylum at Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire [1922] to (1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1901), Roadman (1911). Service Record: James enlisted on 26.5.1915 as Pte.3488 with 1/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, landing ay Suvla Bay in Gallipoli on 10.8.1915 as part of 163rd Brigade, 54th (East Anglian) Division. and later transferring as Pte.34302 to the Essex Regiment, although the battalion is unknown. It is possible that Private Theobald also saw action during the Palestine Campaign of 1917. He was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged in January 1919.[55] He appears to have been deeply traumatized by his experience while serving overseas, spending the next four decades as an inmate of the County Lunatic Asylum at Fulbourn in Cambridgeshire.[56] Died: Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire in 1964.
Theobald, James Pearson – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1903. Parents: David Theobald (Builder) and Martha Julia [née Pearson]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Edward Stanley Forster [b1899]. Home: St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1911), Ashville, 43 Rushmere Road, Ipswich, Suffolk [1922], emigrated to Canada in 1923. Occupation: Fitter’s Mate [1922]. Married: Edith Henrietta Victoria Rogers in 1923. Service Record: James enlisted August 1922 as Gnr.7875417 with the Royal Tank Regiment, receiving his discharge on medical grounds three months later.[57] Died: Ontario, Canada on 2.10.1981.
Theobald, John ‘Alfred’ – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 2.12.1867.[58] Parents: Alfred Theobald (Bricklayer) and Mary Ann [née Ambrose]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Bertie Theobald [b1884]; also, cousin of Clement Theobald [b1872], Amos Theobald [b1881], Clement Chevalier Theobald [b1886], Alfred Theobald [b1889], Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875] and Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1871 and 1881), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1901 to 1939). Occupation: Carpenter (1901 and 1911), Postman (1939). Service Record: Alfred enlisted in 1892 as Gnr.1282 with the Suffolk Artillery, being discharged in 1898. It is not known if he saw service during the First World War as no definitive record has been found.[59] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1940.
Theobald, Maurice Stanley – Born: Great Waldingfield, Suffolk in 1884. Parents: George James Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) and Anna Maria [née King]. Family Connections: Brother to Sidney Richard Theobald [b1887]. Home: Folly Road Cottage, Great Waldingfield, Suffolk (1891), Rotten Row, Long Melford (1911), 89 Park Road, Acton, Middlesex (1921). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1911). Married: Ethel Mary Hayward in 1907 [d1919] and Evaline R.A. Webb in 1920. Criminal Record: Maurice’s wife Ethel was brought before the Long Melford Petty Sessions in 1911 for child neglect. According to the evidence of Inspector Bartholomew of the National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children, she kept [the child] in a filthy condition, the only care being provided by the husband. When entering the house he found ‘a pile of dirty linen on the stairs and the bedroom generally in a filthy state’. When he visited eleven days later no improvement had been made, the bed having been destroyed as it was in such a disgusting state, the family being reduced to sleeping on a straw mattress. Despite warnings of prosecution a subsequent visit found the child in ‘a disgracefully neglected condition. Ethel Theobald escaped a custodial sentence due to the age of her child. Two months later Ethel was back before the magistrates, again charged with child neglect. She was sent to prison for two months, her eight-month-old child being incarcerated with her.[60] Died: Staines, Middlesex in 1928.
Theobald, Montague Samuel – Born: Borley, Essex on 12.5.1899.[61] Parents: Thomas William Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) and Anna Maria [née Finch]. Family Connections: Brother to Albert Ernest Theobald [b1889] and Basil Edward Theobald [b1892]; also, brother-in-law of Percy Charles Munden [b1895]. Home: Purkiss Farm, Borley, Essex (1901 to 1911), Old Road, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex (1939) to [1993]. Occupation: Police Constable (1939). Married: Florence Beatrice Mower [d1922] in 1921 and Violet Lilian Claggett in 1926. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found, Montague may have been conscripted as Pte.35262 with 5th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. If this assumption is correct, then he was transferred to the Regiment’s 9th Battalion before moving as Pte.80266 to the Northumberland Fusiliers.[62] Died: Frinton-on-Sea, Essex on 14.4.1993.[63]
Theobald, Owen – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 3.4.1895.[64] Parents: Amos Theobald (Builder) and Mary Ann [née Snell] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Percy Theobald [b1892]; also, uncle of Gilbert Ernest Theobald [b1920] and nephew of Clement Theobald [b1872]. Home: St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), Hall Street, Long Melford [1925] to (1939). Occupation: House Painter (1911), Watchmaker [1925 to 1937], Watchmaker and Repairer (1939).[65] Married: Rose Wright [d1943] in 1920 and Edith C. Taylor in 1946. Service Record: Owen was conscripted as Pte.GS/27208 with 8th [Service] Battalion, Royal Fusiliers [City of London] Regiment, being posted to France from 9.7.1916 to 28.9.1916 as part of 36th Brigade, 12th [Eastern] Division, and seeing action during the Somme Offensive of 1916. Private Theobald was severely wounded resulting in the loss of a leg. It is not known exactly when and where this incident occurred, however the last time that the Battalion recorded any casualties before Owen was shipped home, was on 4.8.1916 when it launched an attack on the German front line, from the British held trench dubbed ‘4th Avenue’ north of Pozièries.[66] He is recorded as an ex-soldier at the baptism of son Neville Owen on 4.11.1918[67] and in 1922 was granted him a payment of £10 from the Army ‘towards Watch and Clock repairing business.[68] Died: Lexington, South Carolina, USA on 12.1.1985 and buried in Long Melford.[69]
Theobald, Percy – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 17.6.1892.[70] Parents: Amos Theobald (Builder) and Mary Ann [née Snell] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Owen Theobald [b1895]; also, uncle of Gilbert Ernest Theobald [b1920] and nephew of Clement Theobald [b1872]. Home: St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1901) to [1948]. Occupation: Bricklayer (1911 to 1939). Married: Nellie Catherine Levett in 1913. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in October 1916, Clement Theobald and Sons builders, applied for Percy’s exemption, which was granted for three months. In February 1917 his employer made a second application, which was refused.[71] He was conscripted on 8.3.1917 as Pte. G/22617 with 3rd [Reserve] Battalion, The Buffs [East Kent Regiment], transferring to 6th [Service] Battalion in France as part of 37th Brigade, 12th [Eastern] Division later moving as Pte. G/16839 to 13th (Service) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, under the command of 116th Brigade, 39th Division. This battalion and its sister unit 12th Sussex, with whom he may also have served, saw action during the Third Battles of Ypres and it may have been here that Percy was wounded. He was issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged on 28.2.1918.[72] During the Second World War he was a member of the Local Defence Volunteers in Long Melford, being part 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.[73] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 3.10.1948.[74]
Theobald, Sidney Richard – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 25.4.1887.[75] Parents: George James Theobald (Agricultural Labourer) and Anna Maria [née King]. Family Connections: Brother to Maurice Stanley Theobald [b1884]. Home: Folly Road Cottage, Great Waldingfield, Suffolk (1891), servant to Edmund Robinson (Farmer) at Asberry, Old Byland, Yorkshire (1901), Southgate Street, Long Melford [1906], Post Office and Temple Hotel, Welburn, Yorkshire (1911), 22 Back Park Row, Kirkstall, Leeds, Yorkshire [1917], 75 Kirkwell Lane, Leeds [1920], Marton-le-Moor, Yorkshire (1939). Occupation: Horseman on Farm (1901), Agricultural Labourer [1906] to (1911), Motor Man [1917], Cowman and Stockman (1939). Married: Susannah Boyes Douglas [d1948] in 1917 and Annie S. Gardner in 1938. Service Record: Sidney enlisted in 1906 as Pte.7114 with 3rd [Militia] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, purchasing his discharge in 1907. He re-enlisted on 8.8.1914 as Pte.4/8420 of 1st Battalion, The Prince of Wales’s Own [West Yorkshire] Regiment, being posted to France on 24.3.1915 as part of 18th Brigade, 6th Division and stationed in the Ypres Salient until 1916. According to his entry in the National Roll for the Great War he was severely wounded and discharged on 10.5.1916.[76] Died: Northallerton, Yorkshire in 1962.
Theobald, Walter Clifford – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 7.9.1887.[77] Parents: Stephen Theobald (Carpenter) and Annie [née Everett]. Family Connections: Brother to Herbert Edward Theobald [b1873], Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875]; also, brother-in-law of Frederick George Tolchard [b1888] and cousin of Clement Theobald [b1872], Alfred Theobald [b1867], Frederick Stephen Theobald [b1875], Bertie Theobald [b1884] and Amos Theobald [b1881], Clement Chevalier Theobald [b1886], Alfred Theobald [b1889]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1891 and 1901), Training Depot, Royal Engineers, Gibraltar Barracks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot, Hampshire (1911), Abbarria Barracks, Cairo, Egypt (1921), 102 Walsall Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire (1939) to [1949]. Occupation: Military Clerk (1911 to 1921), Civil Service Clerk in the War Office (1939). Married: Ada Cooper in 1913. Service Record: Recorded as a Lance Corporal with the Royal Engineers in 1911, Walter was posted to France with the original British Expeditionary Force from 9.8.1914 as Cpl.15296 of the Railway Transport Establishment. By the end of the War, he had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was serving with the military in Egypt in the 1920s and is listed as War Office Clerk in 1935.[78] Died: Lichfield, Staffordshire on 30.12.1949.[79]
Theobald, William Harry Stanhope – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.11.1899.[80] Parents: Harry Stanhope Theobald (Wheelwright) [see above for details] and Annie Maria [née Cadge] (Crinoline Horsehair Weaver). Home: Church Row, Long Melford (1901), St Marys Street, Long Melford (1911 to 1939). Occupation: Bricklayer [1916], Motor Bus Proprietor (1939). Married: Edith Raymond in 1928. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in October 1916, Clement Theobald, and Son’s builders, applied for exemption on William’s behalf, which was granted for three months.[81] He was conscripted as Pte. GS/77757 with 17th [Service] Battalion [Empire], Royal Fusiliers [City of London] Regiment, and was posted to France from 5.5.1918 to 12.6.1918, as part of 6th Brigade, 2nd Division.[82] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 18.1.1969.[83]
Related Biographies
Dakin, George William – Born: Lavenham, Suffolk on 28.2.1872.[84] Parents: George William Dakin (Horsehair Curler) and Emily Ann [née Younger] of Long Melford (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Albert Henry Dakin [b1886]; also, cousin of Jonathan Younger [b1879] and Sidney Charles Younger [b1898], and brother-in-law of James Theobald [b1881], Arthur William Clary [b1881] and Amos Henry Clary [b1897]. Home: Church Gate, Glemsford, Suffolk (1881 and 1891), St Catherines Road, Long Melford [1894], 80 York Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (1911), 38 Gwyder Street, Cambridge [1918], 129 Ross Street, Cambridge (1939). Occupation: Horsehair Curler (1901), General labourer (1911), GPO Wireman [1918], Window Cleaner (1939). Married: Kate Mary Ann Theobald of Long Melford in 1894. Service Record: George was conscripted on 12.6.1918 as Pnr.372410 with the Royal Engineers, receiving his discharge in December 1918.[85] Died: Gipping, Cambridgeshire 1952.
Farrance, Wilfred Arthur Thomas – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 23.4.1917.[86] Parents: Arthur Farrance (Labourer) and Mary [née Suttle]. Family Connections: Son-in-law of Albert Lionel Theobald [b1880] and brother-in-law to Albert John Theobald of Long Melford [b1907]. Home: New Road, Glemsford, Suffolk (1921), 7 Bells Lane, Glemsford (1939). Occupation: Horsehair Sorter (1939). Married: Daisy Janet Theobald of Long Melford in 1937. Service Record: Wilfred was conscripted as Pte.5775927 with 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, landing on the Normandy invasion area of Sword Beach on the morning of D-Day 6.6.1944. His unit pushed forward to take an enemy fortified position code-named Hillman Fortress on Periers Ridge, the attack costing the battalion 150 casualties. Died: Private Farrance fell during this action and was buried on 7.6.1944 in La Delivrande War Cemetery [grave ref: X.B.3], Douvres, Normandy, France. He is also remembered on the War Memorial in Glemsford.[87]
Forster, Edward Stanley – Born: Burnham Overy, Norfolk on 7.2.1899. Parents: Edward Stanley Forster (Postman) and Lizzie [née Rumbles]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of James Pearson Theobald of Long Melford [b1903]. Home: Front Street, Burnham Sutton, Norfolk (1901), Burnham Westgate, Norfolk (1911), East End House, Docking, Norfolk [1917]. Occupation: Outfitter’s Assistant [1917]. Married: Constance Cornelia Theobald of Long Melford in 1921. Service Record: Edward was conscripted on 7.2.1917, transferring after a period with the Labour Corps to the Border Regiment on 18.6.1918, then as Pte.144898 to No.9 Company, Royal Army Medical Corps, receiving his discharge in May 1919.[88] Died: Cambridge in 1977.
Hurst, Lionel Alexander – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk 11.3.1898.[89] Parents: Bernard Horace Hurst (Music Teacher) and Amelia [née Boggis]. Family Connections: Brother to George Bernard Hurst [b1903] and nephew of Alexander Burnett Hurst [b1862] and Walter Boggis [b1870]; also, son-in-law of Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875], and brother-in-law of Bernard Eric Stephen Theobald [b1902], Herbert Frank Theobald [b1913] and Wilfred Ernest James Kemp [b1899]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1901 and 1911), School House, Great Cornard, Suffolk (1939). Occupation: School Teacher [1916], Head Teacher (1939). Married: Edith Elvira Theobald in 1924. Service Record: Lionel was a member of the Long Melford Volunteer Training Corps in 1915,[90] enlisting in July 1916 as Ordinary Seaman No. Z/6044 with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. In April 1917 he qualified as a signaller, receiving his discharge in March 1919.[91] Died: Colchester, Essex in 1963.
Munden, Percy Charles – Born: Woodham Walter, Essex on 25.1.1885.[92] Parents: William John Munden (Builder) and Annie [née Harrington]. Family Connections: Brother to Alfred George Munden [b1893]; also, brother-in-law of Albert Ernest Theobald [b1889], Basil Edward Theobald [b1892] and Montague Samuel Theobald [b1899]. Home: The Street, Woodham Walter, Essex (1901) to [1918], Smaley Lane, Long Melford [1919] to (1921), Hall Street, Long Melford (1939).[93] Occupation: House Boy (1911), Carpenter for the Sudbury Concrete Company (1921), Motor Driver (1939). Married: Minnie Theobald of Long Melford in 1919. Service Record: Percy enlisted as Pte.12575 with 9th [Service] Battalion, Essex Regiment being posted to France on 30.5.1915 as part of 35th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. Percy’s unit saw action on numerous occasions, namely: the Battles of Loos in 1915, on the Somme in 1916, Arras and Cambrai in 1917, and in 1918 at Bapaume, Arras, Amiens, Albert, the Hindenburg Line, and the Final Advance in Artois.[94] By the time of his discharge in June 1919 he had risen to the rank of Sergeant.[95] During the Second World War Percy was a member of the Local Defence Volunteers in Long Melford, being part 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.[96] Died: Long Melford in 1969.
Tolchard, Frederick George – Born: Hitchin, Hertfordshire on 1.9.1888.[97] Parents: Frederick William Tolchard (Manufacturing Chemist) and Emma [née Newberry]. Family Connections: Brother to Leslie Arthur Tolchard [b1894] and Bernard Newberry Tolchard [b1898]; also, brother-in-law of Frank Stephen Theobald [b1875], Walter Clifford Theobald [b1887] and Thomas Robinson [b1895]. Home: Foundry Lane, Ampthill, Bedfordshire (1901), Royal Navy, Chatham, Kent (1911), The Ferns, The Green, Long Melford [1917], East View, The Green, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Butcher’s Assistant [1906], Sailor [1906 to 1923], Motor Mechanic (1939). Married: Matilda Elizabeth Theobald of Long Melford in 1914. Service Record: Frederick enlisted in 1906 as Boy Sailor No. 233976 in the Signals section of the Royal Navy. He served at sea during the First World War as a Leading Signalman on the troopship HMS Tyne from 13.6.1914; HMS Wellington from 1.6.1917; the protected cruiser HMS Thetis from 23.11.1917; HMS Vigorous from 5.1.1918; and the light cruiser HMS Danae from 8.6.1918 to 30.4.1919. Frederick was Mentioned in Despatches in September 1917 and awarded the Rumanian Distinguished Conduct Medal 3rd Class in 1919.[98] During the Second World War he served as a Special Police Constable in Long Melford.[99] Died: Newmarket, Suffolk in 1968.
Wellum, Walter Charles – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 7.9.1886.[100] Parents: Emma Wellum. At the Melford Petty Sessions in 1886 Clement Theobald [b1872] [see above for military record], builder of Long Melford was charged with fathering Walter outside wedlock. The Court ordered that he should pay maintenance of 2s 6d a week until the child was thirteen.[101] Family Connections: Cousin of Frederick Wellum [b1891]. Home: St Catherines Road, Long Melford (1891 and 1901), Military Barracks in Egypt (1911). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901), Soldier [1906 to 1918]. Service Record: Up to 1906 Walter was a volunteer with 3rd [Militia] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. In 1906 he attested as Pte.7261 with 1st Battalion, Suffolks, serving in Malta and Egypt up to 1913. He transferred to 2nd Suffolks and was posted to France as part of 14th Brigade, 5th Division, seeing action at the Battle of Mons on 23.8.1914 and at the Battle of Le Cateau three days later. This fiercely fought rearguard action saw the near destruction of Wellum’s unit, with only 111 out of nearly 1,000 men answering roll call the following day. Together with hundreds of his comrades, Walter was taken into captivity, spending the rest of the war in a prison camp at Döberitz in Germany, being repatriated on 14.12.1918. At least five other Melford men from 2nd Suffolks were killed or captured that day: Percy George Lawrence [b1895], David Manning [b1885], Alfred Martin [b1890], Harry Pettitt [b1877] and Stanley Arthur Wordley [b1894]. Their stories are to be found elsewhere in this Roll.[102] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1922.
Notes – [1] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [2] 1939 Register. [3] Published by Marten & Son, Ltd., of Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk in 1946. [4] Death Notice Suffolk and Essex Free Press 24.10.1963. [5] Date of birth from Baptism Register 15.5.1881, All Saints Church, Somerton, Suffolk. [6] Recorded as Lionel Pettit on UK Census for 1891, as Albert Pettit in 1901 and as Albert Theobald in 1911. [7] For the Tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 26.7.1916. [8] Baptism Register 19.5.1899 St Philip the Apostle, Tottenham. [9] His year of attestation based on the regimental numbers sequence shown in https://armyservicenumbers.blogspot.com/ 2012/03/royal-berkshire-regiment-1st-2nd.html. [10] For notification see London Gazette 17.12.1914. [11] Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372. [12] 1939 Register. [13] 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]. [14] 1939 Register. [15] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [16] Published by Marten & Son op. cit. [17] National Probate Calendar. [18] Date of birth taken from his RN Record. [19] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188] and Royal Air Force Airmen Records, 1918-1940 [AIR 79]. [20] National Probate Calendar. [21] 1939 Register. [22] 1939 Register. [23] National Probate Calendar. [24] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 19.8.1885, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [25] For details of the action and 2nd Suffolk’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/1437/1] and Lieutenant-Colonel C.C.R. Murphy The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 [London: Hutchinson and Co, 1928], pp.223-24. Also see his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: B271622], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [26] Baptism Register 14.8.1831 Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [27] The Bury Free Press 17.7.1858 and The Bury and Norwich Post 5.8.1862, 3.1.1865 and 22.8.1871. [28] Baptism Register 5.1.1873, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [29] The Bury and Suffolk Standard 23.11.1886. I am grateful to John Davies for bringing this case to my attention. [30] For Training Corps article see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 29.12.1915. [31] National Probate Calendar. [32] 1939 Register. [33] For a detailed account of this day’s action see the battalion War Diary [TNA – WO 95/1846/1]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372] and Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 [ref: 11/W/19778]. [34] Commonwealth War Grave Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929. [35] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 24.8.1875, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [36] For Training Corps articles see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 10.3.1915, 29.12.1915 and 9.10.1918. For the Tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 8.11.1916, 4.9.1918 and 9.10.1918. [37] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [38] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 6.2.1876, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [39] 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]. [40] National Probate Calendar. [41] 1939 Register. [42] Published by Marten & Son, op. cit. [43] 1939 Register. [44] Marriage Register 1946 St Matthias Church, Stockbridge, Sheffield, Yorkshire. [45] Baptism Register 5.1.1879, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [46] Recorded as Harry Stanhope on the UK Census Returns for 1891 and 1901. [47] For the Tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 21.6.1916. [48] National Probate Calendar. [49] Baptism Register 25.7.1873, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [50] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97]. [51] British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 [ref: 119958]. 1909For notification of trial see ‘Alleged Murder at the Curragh – Youthful Soldier in Dock’ The Irish Times 24.12.1908, ‘Barracks Tragedy – Sapper Committed for Trial’ Sheffield Daily Telegraph 31.12.1908, ‘The Curragh Military Tragedy’ The Kildare Observer 20.3.1909 and Aberdeen Daily Journal 16.3.1909. [52] Supplements to the London Gazette 23.9.1941, 28.5.1943 and 8.6.1944. [53] See Ruse file and wedding announcement in Bury Free Press 22.5.1937. [54] National Probate Calendar. [55] [WO 329 – Silver War Badge ref: B.99413] and Pension Card [ref: 11/M/75863]. [56] For more information on this institution see Records of Fulbourn Hospital (formerly Fulbourn Asylum), Cambridgeshire Archives [ref: GB 10 KHF]. [57] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. [58] Baptism Register 2.12.1867, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [59] Chelsea Hospital British Army Service Record [WO 97] up to 1898. [60] ‘Shocking Case of Neglect. Mother’s Treatment of Baby’ Suffolk and Essex Free Press 26.4.1911, The Bury Free Press 29.4.1911 and South West Suffolk Echo 24.6.1911. [61] 1939 Register. [62] Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [63] National Probate Calendar. [64] Baptism Register 18.2.1897, St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [65] For his occupation and address see Kelly’s Directory for Suffolk, 1925. [66] For details of 8th Royal Fusilier’s movements during the Somme Offensive see War Diary [WO 95/1857/1]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. My thanks to Owen’s grandson Stephen for the information about his life-changing injury. [67] Baptism Register for St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford [Bury Record Office ref: FL664/4/1]. [68] Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 [ref: 11/M/347547 & CL4089], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [69] Suffolk and Essex Free Press 24.1.1985. [70] 1939 Register. [71] For the Tribunal’s rulings see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 4.10.1916 and 28.2.1917. [72] [WO 329 – Silver War Badge [ref: 327651], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372], and Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 [ref:11/M/261246]. His obituary however remembers him as serving with the Essex Regiment in the Great War see ‘War Veteran dies in Melford’ Suffolk and Essex Free Press 14.10.1948. [73] Published by Marten & Son, op. cit. [74] National Probate Calendar. [75] Place of birth from his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. 1939 Register. [76] For details of 1st West Yorkshire’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/1618/2]. The entry on his Silver War Badge record [ref: 470764], records the reason for his early discharge as sickness, not wounds. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. Included in the National Roll of the Great War, Vol. VIII, Leeds, p.347. [77] Baptism Register 6.11.1887, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [78] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [79] See place of birth on his daughter Barbara Rose Theobald’s Birth Index record for 1923. For his official status see The London Gazette 8.3.1935, p.1653. [80] Baptism Register 3.12.1899, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [81] For the Tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 4.10.1916. [82] For details of 17th Royal Fusiliers movements in 1918 see War Diary [WO 95/1363/1]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [83] National Probate Calendar. [84] 1939 Register. [85] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. [86] 1939 Register. [87] Commonwealth War Graves Commission. My thanks to Robert Battell for kindly sharing Wilfred’s image. [88] 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]. [89] 1939 Register for Melford Rural District in Suffolk. [90] For Training Corps articles see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 10.3.1915 and 29.12.1915. [91] Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve: Records of Service [ADM 337/43] and Medal and Award Rolls [ADM 171/127]. [92] 1939 Register. [93] See also the Electoral Roll. [94] For more details of these actions see the Battalion’s War Diary [TNA – WO 97/1851]. [95] Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [96] Published by Marten & Son op. cit. [97] Date of birth from RN Record. [98] Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/414]. For notification of being Mentioned in Despatches see London Gazette 24.9.1917 and Suffolk and Essex Free Press 14.11.1917, and for the award of his Rumanian DCM see The Edinburgh Gazette 21.3.1919, p.1251 in the name of Frank Tolchard. [99] 1939 Register. [100] Baptism Register 17.3.1887, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. [101] For Petty Sessions article see Bury Free Press 27.11.1886. [102] For details of 2nd Suffolk’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/1424/1] and Lieutenant-Colonel C.C.R. Murphy The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 [London: Hutchinson and Co, 1928], pp.21-27 and 31-36. See also his PoW Record International Committee of the Red Cross [file ref: PA96], 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].
A theory on the origins of naming of generations of Theobalds with the forenames Clement Chevalier
Frances Theobald [1786-1834] bore a child illegitimately on 10.3.1805,[1] baptised on 22.3.1805 at Holy Trinity with the name Clement.[2] This may or may not have a bearing on Frances Theobald naming her son Clement Chevallier. The village surgeon around the time of Clement Theobald’s birth was John Chevallier, brother of Reverend Clement Chevallier. John appears as surety on the marriage licence of Robert Cream a fellow surgeon who came to Long Melford around 1812 probably to assist John Chevallier.[3] Robert Cream married Sophia Chevallier in 1812 (possible a sister or close cousin of John), the couple lived in Long Melford from 1812 through to the 1850s, producing several sons with Chevallier as a middle name and one son called Clement. It is possible that the eighteen-year-old Frances was a servant in the Chevallier household in Hall Street at the time of her falling pregnant. If she was the plaything of John Chevallier and/or his brother Clement, it may explain how Clement Theobald amassed enough capital to start a building business which survived under his name until the end of the twentieth century.[4]
Notes – [1] Birth date taken from his grave marker in the churchyard of Holy Trinity, Long Melford. [2] On the official Death Register he is Clement Chevalier Theobald. [3] Allegations for Marriage Licences in the Archdeaconry of Sudbury in the County of Suffolk p176, The Publications of the Harleian Society. [4] see CUBITT THEOBALD LIMITED overview – Find and update company information – GOV.UK.
Genealogical Tables

