No.34644, Private, Irvine Deveney CROSS
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Irvine Deveney Cross was born in Shipdham on 11th April 1892 (Mitford Q2-1982) son of James Willie and Edith Maria CROSS (née FITT ).
In 1897 he was at Elveden Voluntary Aided Primary School. 1901 census...Aged 8 he was at Cross Roads, Elveden with his father James CROSS [34] bricklayer born Nottinghill.London; his mother Edith [33] born Shipdham, Norfolk; sister Violet [10] and brothers Alexander [6], born in Shipdham and Donald [4] born Elveden; sisters Gladys [3], Ina [1] and Ada 10 months born in Elveden. 1911 census...Aged 18, domestic gardener, he was still at Cross Roads, Elveden with his parents; sister Violet; brother Bertie (domestic gardener); sisters Gladys, Ina, Ada, and Nora [9]; brothers Donald (boy on farm),Jim [6] and Harry [4]. The new siblings were born in Elveden. His younger brother Donald was killed in Gallipoli in 1915. see here |
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He enlisted in Brightlingsea,Essex.
According to the war diary, the battalion relieved the 1st King's Shropshire Light Infantry on 20th April in the LOOS left sector. On 22nd at 8 am they took part in operations against NASH ALLEY. Their support area in NOVEL TRENCH came under enemy artillery fire most of the day. They were forced back from NASH ALLEY by the determined and unexpected resistance in the German front line. They were also tired from 8 continuous days in the front line. They were relieved that evening by the 1st Buffs and proceeded on relief to the SOLENT TUNNEL under LOOS CRASSIER. CWGC records show 64 killed, only 12 have identified graves.
photo: Roy Beardsworth and also on the Weather Heath Memorial (Elveden Column by the A11) click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
