No.2544, Private, Harry ORBELL
Aged 23
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Harry ORBELL was born on 21st October 1892 in Stoke by Clare (Risbridge Q4-1892 4A:649), baptised in St John's Stoke by Clare on 21st May
1893, son of Charlotte ORBELL.
In 1898 his mother married William PERRY. In October 1895 he was admitted to Stoke by Clare School, guardian, his mother Charlotte of the The Street, Stoke by Clare, and re-admitted in 1899. 1901 census...Aged 8 he was in Stoke by Clare with his grandfather William ORBELL [77] retired rat catcher and his grandmother Elizabeth [60] char woman, all born in Stoke by Clare. His mother [28] was with her husband William PERRY [33] a Stoke by Clare born farm labourer at Houselands, Castle Hedingham. His step-father William Perry died in 1905 and in 1908 his mother married Albert SIZER on 4th September 1908 in the Risbridge Registar Office. Albert had previously been married (to Sarah FARRANT ?) 1911 census...Aged 18, a silk weaver, he was at 1 Bumpstead Road,Haverhill with his stepfather Albert SIZER [38] silk weaver; his mother Charlotte; step-brothers Frank SIZER [14] silk weaver and William George SIZER [13] shop boy; half sisters Vera Queenie [30/4/1909] and Ena Viola [11/7/1910]. Another half sister, Olive Irene was born 19/8/1911 and a step-sister Gladys 29/5/1902 All except Harry and his mother were born in Haverhill. His step father Albert served in the Labour Company of the A.S.C. from 1915 to 1919, including BEF from 12/7/1917. |
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The South West Suffolk Echo of 11th September 1915 reported that:- "Mrs. L. Sizer, of 11, Bumpstead Road, has been notified of the death of her son, Pte. H. Orbell was killed in action on the 21st. August (1915). He was a member of the 5th. Suffolk Regt." He attested in Haverhill, his number suggests very early in the war in 1914. According to Lt Col. Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment", the Battalion from 18th to 27th August were in local reserve trenches, working hard and constantly harassed by snipers and shrapnel. CWGC records show however that on the 21st they had 53 die,only one with a known grave. However no roll call had been taken for some days and it is firmly believed that many of these 53 had in fact died in a fierce action on the 12th. He was in the same unit and died the same day as Harry Nunn see here |
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