royal norfolk regiment records royal norfolk regiment records

It deployed to the Western Front on the outbreak of the First World War (1914-18), remaining there throughout the conflict. 5th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment during the Second World War 1939-1945. Millions of families throughout the UK suffered the loss of close family relatives in the Great War of 1914 -18. One article dated 27th August 1915 noted: It is with the deepest regret that we publish the list of missing officers of the 5th (Territorial) Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment. It landed in Normandy on D-Day (6 June 1944). 5621230. Apparently the Norfolk's had got the nickname of "the babes in the woods" after the place where they were camped. Stanley John "Tanker" Barker 2nd Btn. Following a prisoner exchange, it returned to Spain, serving in the defeat at Almanza in 1707. Captain Frank Peter Barclay, was awarded the Military Cross, and Lance-Corporal Davis the Military Medal. This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and subsequently served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. What happened to the Sandringhams during the disastrous Dardanelles campaign in the middle of their first battle, on the afternoon of August 12 1915? If you have any unwanted Subscribe now for regular news, updates and priority booking for events, All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, 1688: muster roll of Sir Henry Cornwell's Regiment and other forces at Chester, 1709-42: musters at Worcester (1709) and Minorca (1742), 1765-71: Lt General William Whitmore's accounts for equipping the regiment, c1845-46: 3rd company's order book, India, National Army Museum Templer Study Centre, 1735-46: muster rolls, accounts and rosters of Major-General Reade's Regiment, 1883-96: Colonel EHH Combe's scrapbook rel the 2nd Volunteer battalion, especially rel the mess at annual camps, About our In October 1940 the battalion was assigned to 205th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home), then the 220th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home). This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and subsequently served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. [19] It surrendered at the Battle of Saratoga in autumn 1777 and its men then spent three years as prisoners of war as part of the Convention Army. Inspection of the Norfolk Artillery Militia (commanded by Lord Suffield) by Sir Evelyn Wood. In 1751, it was numbered like most other British Army regiments and named the 9th Regiment of Foot. Again not much happened, or much he would speak about. If the information here has been helpful or you have enjoyed reaching the stories please conside making a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting or this site will vanish from the web. [78] Five members of the Royal Norfolks, the highest number of any British Army regiment during the Second World War, were awarded the Victoria Cross: The 1st Battalion was a regular army unit that was stationed in India at the outbreak of war and was recalled to Britain, arriving in July 1940 during the Battle of Britain. [2] In January 1788, the regiment embarked for the West Indies and took part in the capture of the island of Tobago and in the attack on Martinique. BBC - Remembrance - Memorial Wall Unit History: Norfolk Regiment - Forces War Records They were part of the 185th Infantry Brigade originally assigned to the 79th Armoured Division but the brigade (including the 2nd Royal Warwickshire Regiment and 2nd King's Shropshire Light Infantry) transferred to the 3rd Infantry Division, with which it would remain with for the rest of the war. [39], The regiment was sent to Canada with most of Wellington's veteran units to prevent the threatened invasion by the United States, and so arrived in Europe too late for the Battle of Waterloo. - 2nd Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment during the Second World War -. Its early service included guarding the European settlement at Yokohama during the Japanese Civil War (1863-68). It stayed in Mesopotamia for the rest of the war. (d.26th Jan 1942), Budd Frederick William. [2] It inherited all the battle honours and traditions of its predecessor regiment. Royal Norfolk Regiment, L/Cpl. Armed forces records held by other archives - The National Archives 2nd Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment crossing a river, Orange River Colony, 1907. The Regiment went on to serve during Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885-87), Anglo - Boer War (1899-1902) and two World Wars. THE SUFFOLK REGIMENT, 1685-1959 | The National Archives In July 1916, reinforcements enabled 2nd Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment to re-form. [97], St Saviour's Chapel in Norwich Cathedral is the chapel of the Royal Norfolk and Royal Anglian Regiments. The Royal Norfolk Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army until 1959. [31], The regiment returned to the Peninsula in March 1810 and fought under Wellington at Battle of Bussaco, Portugal in September 1810,[32] the Battle of Sabugal in April 1811 and the Battle of Fuentes de Ooro in May 1811. See also Norfolk Military History, See also the page on Norfolk Military History. In June 1685, Henry Cornewall raised a regiment at Gloucester to help King James II suppress the Monmouth Rebellion. He died in Belfast in 1962 and is buried in the Roselawn Cemetery. It served with the British Army until 1958, when it was merged into the 3rd East Anglian Regiment. Finance is provided by PayPal Credit (a trading name of PayPal (Europe) S. r.l. The second myth has to be covered by considering a number of claims: We know that a number of the Norfolks managed to advance 1400 yards to a sunken road before stopping and awaiting the rest of the battalion. There were also 20 women and 12 children aboard. Throughout most of their existence, all three battalions remained in the United Kingdom assigned to coastal defence duties and training to repel a German invasion and, in October 1941, the division left, destined for the Middle East. Royal Norfolk Regiment - Wikipedia Scots Guards records are currently held by the Scots Guards Archives. Want to find out more about your relative's service? Musters of 1523, 1569, 1572, 1574 and 1577. The 2nd Battalion remained in Britain until June 1942 when it was shipped to India andBurma. The company was composed of Captain Lancelot Sandys, Lieutenant Robert Henly, two sergeants, two corporals, fifty private soldiers, and a drummer, and arrived in Bermuda along with the new Governor, Captain Benjamin Bennett, aboard HMSLincoln, in May 1701. This led to other theories that they had been kidnapped by aliens who had landed in flying saucers and a book and TV adaptation depicted a highly charged new solution to the mysteries, suggesting they had been executed by the Turks. [101] Another distinction of the Norfolk Regiment was the inclusion of a black line in the gold braid of officers' uniforms from 1881 onwards. [59] [60], In 1908, the Volunteers and Militia were reorganised nationally, with the former becoming the Territorial Force and the latter the Special Reserve;[61] the regiment now had one Reserve and three Territorial battalions. In fact what was known as E Company (The Sandringham Company) ceased to exist on February 8th 1915, when during a major reform they converted to a 4 company battalion, merging with C Company to become Kings Company. Pte. Barclay would later lead the 1st Battalion in the North West Europe campaign towards the end of the war. Cpl. 2nd Battalion The Norfolk Regiment - Kohima - WW2 The Royal Leicestershire Regiment. JRF Heath 2nd Btn. [100] When the regiment was redesignated as the "Royal Norfolk Regiment" in 1935, it was specially permitted to retain the yellow facings instead of changing to blue. Norfolk Militia Officer.jpg 1,170 . And They Loved Not Their Lives Unto Death: The History of Worstead and Westwicks War Memorial and War Dead by Steve Smith. Royal Norfolk Regiment (d.28th May 1940), Sgt. This decision was due to a growing shortage of manpower, especially in the British Army and in the infantry in particular and the young soldiers of the disbanded 70th were sent to other battalions of the regiment serving overseas. We are now on Facebook. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google ", Charles Harbord Suffield (5th Baron), Alys Lowth 1913 My memories, 18301913 p103 "THE NORFOLK ARTILLERY of transfers from the East and West Norfolk Militia and a few volunteers. The role of the Holding battalion was to temporarily 'hold' men who were homeless, medically unfit, awaiting orders, on a course or returning from abroad. The story goes that he slept to attention! [99], The dress worn by the Regiment's predecessor units in the late 17th and early 18th centuries included orange and subsequently green facings. The Great War saw an estimated 10 million lives lost, with more than twice of that number wounded. [15] It sailed for Cuba with George Keppel, 3rd Earl of Albemarle in March 1762 and took part in the siege and subsequent capture of Havana in summer 1762. It was here that the surviving officers managed to take stock of what had happened and Major W Barton and Lieutenant Evelyn Beck led the survivors back to friendly lines when it became dark. The Suffolk Regiment | National Army Museum However, one of the aims of this project is to provide access to the unique body of information in a way that appeals to the wider community, by providing context in an engaging way, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum, Shirehall, Market Avenue, Norwich NR1 3JQ. Army Service Numbers 1881-1918: Norfolk Regiment - 1st & 2nd Battalions [80], During the Battle of France in 1940, Company Sergeant-Major George Gristock of the 2nd Royal Norfolks was awarded the Victoria Cross. [90], The 8th Battalion was renumbered as the 30th Battalion and used for garrison duties in Italy during which the 43rd Infantry Brigade, which included 30th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry and 30th Battalion, Dorset Regiment, was made to appear as a full division for deception purposes. The Wartime Memories Project is run by volunteers and the free to access part of the website is funded by donations from our visitors. By 1747, this unusual shade had evolved into yellow, which was retained until 1881 when, in common with all English and Welsh regiments, the newly renamed Norfolk Regiment was given white distinctions on its scarlet tunics. The Regiment was awarded the Royal title in 1935 as part of the King George V silver jubilee celebrations becoming the Royal Norfolk Regiment. Shorter histories and books or pamphlets on aspects of the regiment's history will be found throughout the catalogue. [86], The 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment was formed in May 1939 as a 2nd Line Territorial Army duplicate of the 5th Battalion and, therefore, contained many former members of the 5th. to help with the costs of keeping the site running. L/Cpl. Items on display include a sergeant major's pace stick, tea cups from . [4] In April 1689 the regiment, under Cunningham's command, embarked at Liverpool for Derry for service in the Williamite War in Ireland. The battalion landed on Red Queen Beach, the left flank of Sword Beach, at 07:25 on 6 June 1944, D-Day. It has deployed on a variety of operations across the UK and around the world, including the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Royal Norfolk Regiment Living History Group, also known as 'The Holy Boys' (a nickname of the Norfolk Regiment), began life in 1989 with a small group of Norfolk Regiment enthusiasts. In 1751, it was renamed the 9th Regiment of Foot. Neither of these battalions saw service overseas and remained in the United Kingdom throughout the war as part of the Home Forces with the 9th Battalion apparently being disbanded in August 1944 when its parent unit (25th Brigade attached to 47th (Reserve) Infantry Division) was disbanded. Britcher Arthur Alfred. [27], In June 1808, the regiment sailed to Portugal for service in the Peninsular War. Pte. Like this page to receive our updates. Norfolk Regiment (d.17th Dec 1991). Benjamin John Armstrong 1949 p284 "Two evenings were devoted to the entertainment, and the Corn Hall was crowded. They were then fired upon by two machine guns; 97 were killed and the bodies buried in a shallow pit. The National Army Museum works with a network of Regimental and Corps Museums across the UK to help preserve and share the history and traditions of the Army and its soldiers. [2] Cornewall resigned his post following the Glorious Revolution and command went to Colonel Oliver Nicholas in November 1688. [9], In 1701, over the objections of General William Selwyn, the threat of war led the English government to post an Independent Company of regular soldiers, detached from the 2nd Regiment of Foot, to Bermuda, where the militia continued to function as a standby in case of war or insurrection. He took his discharge in India, as did my mother and they married there then my brother was born there. Claude John Wilkinson, DSO, This page was last edited on 2 February 2023, at 12:36. After his discharge, Dad was in the Indian Police until the Pakistan India separation they then went home to the UK. To find out more about how we collect, store and use your personal information, read our Privacy Policy. Pte. In 1959, it was amalgamated with The Royal Norfolk Regiment to form the 1st East Anglian Regiment (Royal Norfolk and Suffolk). Want to know what life was like during the War? 1st Battalion, The Royal Norfolk Regiment being presented with new colours, 1946. ", History, Gazetteer and Directory of Norfolk, and the City and -p335 William White 1864 "The Militia Babracks, a handsome range of red brick buildings adjoining the Naval Hospital, were erected in 1856 for the accommodation of the staffs of the East Norfolk Militia and the Norfolk Artillery Militia. Play Ep 117: Royal Norfolk Regiment - Battle of Kohima Part 3 Song by from the English album Pete & Gary's Military History - season - 3. [104][105] It subsequently became a central part of the badge of the Norfolk Regiment. Entries in the ledger are all made by hand, using pen and ink, and record casualty and sickness details for more than fifteen thousand soldiers of the 1st and 2nd regular battalions, and the 7th, 8th and 9th service battalions of the Norfolk Regiment. If you have a general question please post it on our Facebook page. At first it was awarded only to British Army . After the war, the regiment became the Royal Norfolk Regiment on 3 June 1935. In 1788, it began an eight-year deployment in the West Indies. William John O'Brien Daunt, CBE, 19511959: Brig. [67], On 12 August 1915, the 1/5th Battalion suffered heavy losses at Gallipoli when it became isolated during an attack. I clearly remember him telling us that after an air raid he and his company were given the job of cleaning out the basements of the shops. Pte. The Royal Norfolk Regiment | National Army Museum [87] The 59th Division was one of the follow-up units after D-Day in June 1944 and was considered by General Sir Bernard Montgomery as one of his best divisions. [Norwich Record Society: Vols I,VI,VII (1931/5/6)] Militia Regiment and Musters. The history of Norfolk: from original records and other vol.2 p468 Robert Hindry Mason 1884, History of freemasonry in Norfolk, 1724 to 1895 Hamon Le Strange 1896 --p296 " this company was the first nucleus of the battalion, now the 3rd Volunteer Norfolk Regiment, of which he became Lieut.-Colonel. He was also a School Governor, Parish Councillor, Secretary of the British Legion and was largely responsible to raising money for the clock on Mulbarton Church tower, placed as a reminder of those men who fought and died for our freedom. Details and locations are to be found in the book "Militia Lists and . Unit History: Royal Norfolk Regiment - Forces War Records photographs, documents or items from the First or Second World War, please do not destroy them. It spent 12 years there, fighting in the First Afghan War (1839-42) and the First Sikh War (1845-46). That same year, it raised two additional battalions from militia volunteers. In 1889, it was replaced in India by 1st Battalion, which had spent the previous three decades in the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, South Africa, Ireland and Britain. [44] The Norfolk Artillery Militia was formed in 1853. Copyright Historic UK Ltd. Company Registered in England No. Our Barker George Henry. The 1st Battalion progressed up the beach and engaged the 736th Grenadier Regiment at the fortified position on Periers Ridge codenamed Hillman Fortress. 5th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment served with 53rd Infantry Brigade, 18th Division in a home defence role until late 1941 when they were posted to the Far East. Field Marshal Sir Colin Campbell began his long military career during this period, when he was commissioned into the 9th Foot in 1808. The Royal Norfolks - THE MASSACRE AT LE PARADIS - HELL IN PARADISE 1st Battalion was still in India on the outbreak of the Second World War. It was formed as the Norfolk Regiment in 1881 under the Childers Reforms of the British Army as the county regiment of Norfolk . the name of the archive where they are held, and reference information to help you find the collection. Records of Royal Norfolk Regiment from other sources. [54], The regiment was not fundamentally affected by the Cardwell Reforms of the 1870s, which gave it a depot at Gorleston Barracks in Great Yarmouth from 1873, or by the Childers Reforms of 1881 as it already possessed two battalions, there was no need for it to amalgamate with another regiment. [53] The regiment saw action at Kabul again in 1879 during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. Royal Norfolk Regiment in the Second World War 1939-1945 - The Wartime ", These were the 3rd Battalion (Special Reserve), with the 4th Battalion at, Further information on this unit can be found in, Horse Guards Letter dated 30 July 1799: "His Majesty has been pleased to confirm to the 9th Regiment of Foot the distinction and privilege of bearing the figure of Britannia as the badge of the Regiment. [20], On 31 August 1782, the regiment was linked with Norfolk as part of attempts to improve recruitment to the army as a whole and it became the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot. By the end of the war in Europe, the 1st Battalion had gained a remarkable reputation and was claimed by Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery, the 21st Army Group commander, as 'second to none' of all the battalions in the 21st Army Group. Meanwhile, 2nd Battalionwas back in India when the First World War started. The Norfolk Regiment fought in the First World War on the Western Front and in the Middle East. Therefore, Territorial units were split into 1st Line units, which were liable to serve overseas, and 2nd Line units, which were intended to act as a reserve for the 1st Line serving overseas. It was captured at Saratoga the following year and interned for the rest of the conflict. They would remain so until August 1945, during which time they were used as forced labour on projects such as the Death Railway through Burma. This article is designed to tell the true story of what happened to the 1/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment on 12th August 1915 at Kuchuck Anafarta Ova, Gallipoli, during World War One. Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest. Forebear Regiments Thought the presentation & interpretation made the subject accessible". the seller's shipping history, and other factors. [16], Following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and the end of the war, the regiment moved to a posting at St Augustine, Florida, where it remained until 1769. Davis Frederick Lloyd. Up to 4 Territorial and Volunteer battalions. [82], The 2nd Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Eric Hayes, were attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade, part of the 2nd Infantry Division, which was holding the line of the La Basse Canal and covering the retreat to Dunkirk. May Staying at Yarmouth. It took part in the occupation of Germany with the British Army of the Rhine, before going on to serve in Korea during 1951-52. Add a Name to this List Helping people find out more about their relatives wartime experiences since 1999 by Pte Francis Arthur Manning 6th Btn Royal Norfolk Regiment (d.14th July 1941) Private Francis Manning served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment 6th Battalion in WW2.He died 14th of July 1941 aged 28 years and is buried Feltwell (St Nicholas) Churchyard United Kingdom. 4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment in the Great War - The Wartime Memories The Territorial 7th Battalion also served in France, where most of its soldiers were captured. It then records against their name details of the casualty, sickness or prisoner of war status, including details of hospitalisation. . Add a Name to this List [83], The bodies of the murdered soldiers were exhumed in 1942 by the French and reburied in the local churchyard which now forms part of the Le Paradis War Cemetery. Pte. [66] The two territorial battalions both served in the Gallipoli campaign in mid-1915. They were scattered over an area of about one square mile, at a distance of at least 800 yards behind the Turkish front line. No other regiments appear to have such a record. (d.27th January 1942) L/Cpl. Pte. Stevenson Norman. Email This BlogThis! These were mainly used in home defence roles and as a source of reinforcements for the overseas battalions. The Royal Norfolk Regiment Museum, which includes the relevant archives, covers the history of the Regiment from 1685 and on through the amalgamations to show how the 9th of Foot's traditions are still maintained within A (Norfolk) Company of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment today. 2nd Battalion arrived back in England in 1923 after brief spells in India, Iraq and Aden. The History of the Norfolk Regiment History covering the period 4th August 1914 to 31st December 1918. [30] The 51st Division was stationed on the Maginot Line and therefore escaped encirclement with the rest of the BEF during the Battle of France where they spent some time attached to the French 10th Army. [41], The regiment saw action at Kabul in August 1842 during the First Anglo-Afghan War[42] and at the Battle of Mudki and the Battle of Ferozeshah in December 1845[43] and the Battle of Sobraon in February 1846 during the First Anglo-Sikh War. Listen Ep 117: Royal Norfolk Regiment - Battle of Kohima Part 3 song online free on Gaana.com. William Herbert McQuitty 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. [37] The regiment pursued the French Army into France and fought them at the Battle of Nivelle in November 1813[38] and the Battle of the Nive in December 1813. The Royal Leicestershire Regiment | National Army Museum 1st Battalions next deployment was to North America for the closing stages of the War of 1812 (1812-15). Terms of Service apply. Abrahams James Michael. Both battalions were used mainly to supply reinforcements to those battalions of the regiment that were overseas. Want to know what life was like during the War? [63], The Norfolk Yeomanry (TF), having fought dismounted in the Gallipoli Campaign, were withdrawn to Egypt, where they were reorganised as infantry and redesignated as the 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, in the 74th (Yeomanry) Division (the 'Broken Spur' division). [93], The regiment served in Korea in 195152 during the Korean War, and in Cyprus in the fight against EOKA in 195556. Norfolk Record Society Vol VI and VII. The Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum archive holds a unique record of many soldiers who were on active service with the regiment during the First World War. He apparently said "they will be bombing the babes in the woods next". These records in series WO 98 are the registers of the Victoria Cross between 1856 and 1944. [4] The regiment briefly returned to England, but in May 1689 Cunningham was replaced by William Stewart, under whom the regiment took part in a successful relief of Derry in summer 1689. If you have already submitted a story to the site and your UID reference number is higher than 261046 your information is still in the queue, please do not resubmit, we are working through them as quickly as possible. One of them, 1/5th Battalion, included the Sandringham Company, raised on the royal estate. 4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment was a unit of the Territorial Force with its HQ in St Giles, Norwich, they were part of the Norfolk and Suffolk Infantry Brigade, East Anglian Division. In the ensuing campaign in North-West Europe, the regiment won two of its five Victoria Crosses of the war, the highest number for any single regiment. 540 officers and men left Queenstown in the SS Orotava the following month for Cape Town. [69] The 1/6th (Cyclist) Battalion was in Norwich on the outbreak of war: however, the 1/6th never served overseas and remained instead in Norfolk throughout the war until 1918 when it was sent to Ireland. Charles Arthur Lake 2nd Btn. If you would like to know how we handle complaints, please click here Learn more about Product Partnerships Limited - opens in a new window or tab . It continued in British Army service until the 1881 reforms, when it was amalgamated with the 48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot to form The Northamptonshire Regiment. It is likely that this is the Second Battalion which was sent to France - Photograph courtesy of Ralston Ryder 1939 The photographs above and below from two separate collections were taken of the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment at Oxney Camp in September 1939. In 1854, it served at Sevastopol during the Crimean War (1854-56), before moving to Canada two years later. The local papers initially reported the loss of 5th Norfolk officers on 28th August 1915 and accounts from men who were there were published soon after, especially in the Yarmouth Mercury and the Lynn News. The Regiment went on to serve during Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885-87), Anglo - Boer War (1899-1902) and two World Wars. The Fourteenth Army was commanded by the popular and highly respected William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim. They were posted to Burma and saw action against the Japanese. And the mystery was, in fact, cleared up by the press very early on. The regiment fought with distinction in the Second World War, in action in the Battle of France and Belgium, the Far East, and then in the invasion of, and subsequent operations in, North-west Europe. Over the next 40 years, the regiment served in Ireland, Minorca, Gibraltar and the West Indies. This, in turn, converted into a battalion of The Royal Anglian Regiment in 1964. It was originally made from the bronze cannon captured during the Crimean War (1854-1856). On 14 October 1942, the battalion was transferred to the 176th Infantry Brigade, alongside the 7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment and 6th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment, of the 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Division. Since then. The 74th Division was then sent to reinforce the BEF in France, where the 12th Norfolks were detached to the 31st Division, with which the battalion served during the final Hundred Days Offensive. At first, like others, I thought that the officers and men who are now reported missing had returned to other trenches but later I found that this was not the case. Meanwhile, 2nd Battalion joined the British Expeditionary Force in September 1939. Then the next bit of family history starts around Hull after the evacuation. Virtually all of them were taken down when they bunched up in a gap covered by a machine gun. Three of its Territorial battalions (4th, 5th and 6th) were captured at Singapore in 1942.