No. 240663, Private, Thomas WEBB
Aged 39
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Thomas WEBB "Tom" was born in Haverhill (Risbridge Q1-1878 4A:487), son of Adam and Emma WEBB (née DREW).
His father had first married Emma DREW who died in 1880, then he married Ellen MIZON in 1890, who died in 1892, and then in 1893 he married Betsy SMART
1881 census...Aged 3, he was at Mill Road, Haverhill with his widower father Adam WEBB [42] public servant; his sister Emily [24] a silk weaver; brothers Alfred WEBB [12], James WEBB [9] and Adam [6]. All were born in Haverhill 1891 census...Aged 13, caretaker's assistant, he was at 47 MillRoad, Haverhill with his father (school caretaker); stepmother Ellen [36] born Great Wratting; brother Adam (mat weaver); step-brothers Davis MIZON [13] rope maker, and Walter MIZON [10] both born Great Wratting; half brothers Fred WEBB [5] and George WEBB [4] (both born in Haverhill, mother not recorded) On 25th December, 1900, Thomas married Long Melford born Rose PARMENTER [19-6-1879]at The Old Independent Church, Haverhill, and set up home at 31 Eden Road, Haverhill. 1901 census...Aged 23, a mat maker, he was at 31 Eden Road, Haverhill with his wife Rose [21] (hair weaver). His father and stepmother Betsy [55] born Toppesfield, Essex, were at 47 Mill Road with his half-brothers Frederick Morris [15] and George Cater [14]. His father died in 1910 1911 census... Aged 33, he was still at 31 Eden Road, with his wife and sons Wilfred Jack [31-8-1905] and Thomas Charles [25-2-1908] They went on to have 2 more children, Cecil James [24-9-1911] and Constance Ivy [13-4-1914], still at 31 Eden Road. |
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He enlisted in Haverhill The South West Suffolk Echo of 15th December 1917 reported that:- "It is with regret that we have to announce that Pte. Thomas Webb,of the Suffolk Regt.,who resided at 31 Eden Road, Haverhill. was killed in action in France on September 26th, the official news relative to which was received last Friday. The deceased soldier was 39 years of age. Prior to joining up he was in the employ of Messrs.D.Gurteen and Sons as a mat maker for upwards of 22 years, being held in high esteem by his shopmates and by all with whom he came into contact. He was of musical tastes and for many years was a member of the Haverhill Brass Band, playing the euphonium. From his boyhood days he was a thorough sportsman, and at one time was a regular player for the Rovers at football, his position being amongst the halfbacks. Latterly he officiated as a referee with much success.On the cricket field during the season seldom a Saturday went by unless he donned a white coat of umpire for the second team. He will be much missed in the town, and the sympathy of all will be extended to his widow and four children. The following is a copy letter received by Mrs.Webb from the 2nd Lieut:- "It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your husband, Pte. T.Webb, who was killed in action whilst serving in this Battalion. He was a gallant soldier and his loss is greatly felt in this Company, in which he served so well.Please accept the sincerest sympathy of all who knew him." The war diary has, from position taken up on a line northwards from Fiztclarence Farm to Glencorse Wood:- "Trenches - Sept.26th - An advance could not be made before 5:45 am owing to the Bn on the left not being ready and at about 5:30 am the shelling became most intense and heavy casualties were suffered. The heavy shelling, thick mist and darkness caused confusion and it was impossible for the men to keep touch, but Platoon rushes were made and some Platoons made progress. Capts Lake and Scrimgeour with about 20 men succeeded in reaching the front line and later made a further advance, capturing 2 M.Gs and 13 prisoners who gave valuable information. Bn began to reform round xx? on LONG LANE." CWGC have 58 killed of which only 10 have identified graves. |
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