23465, Private, Charles Ernest WRIGHT
Aged 21


11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
Died of his Wounds on Saturday 20th October 1917

Born in Newmarket in Q4-1896 [Newmarket 3b:509] to Charles and Ada WRIGHT (née DRAKE) of Granby Street (1901 census) later of Ingleside, All Saints Road, Newmarket.

1901 census...Ernest [4] was at Granby Street, Newmarket with his father Charles [36] a painter, born Kirtling, his mother Ada [36] born Cheveley, and sisters Mary [6] and an un-named 1 week old girl, both born in Newmarket.

1911 census...Ernest [14] a newsboy, was at Alma PLace, All Saints Road, Newmarket with his parents and sister May (Mary in 1901). There were only two surviving out of the 6 children born to Charles and Ada.
Their lodger was Cyril Woods.


Not having his military records it is not certain where or when he was wounded. The 11th Suffolks were actually relieved that day, moving back to Schreiboom. On the night of 18th/19th however, while in camp near Stray Farm, the camp was bombarded with gas shells, several being very badly gassed and the entire battalion more or less affected. Stray Farm was at Pilkem (a hamlet between Boezinge and Langemark, 6 km or so north of Ypres).


© Roy Beardsworth




Ernest is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemtery, Belgium- Ref:XI.G.22
and also on the Roll of Honour in St Marys Church, Newmarket

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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