No.10508, Private, Douglas James RICE
Aged 23
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Douglas James Rice was born in Stowlangtoft (4th qtr 1893 Stow 4a:744), son of Thomas Walter and Annie Maria RICE(née CROSSMAN).
1901 census...Aged 7, he was at Rectory Cottages, Stowlangtoft with his father Thomas W RICE [36] domestic groom/gardener born Bures; his mother Ellen M [30] born Bures; brother Frederick [9] born Assington; twin brother Edward [7] and Frank [4] born Stowlangtoft. 1911 census...Aged 17, a houseboy, he was at 105 Harley Street, Marylebone with the HOVELL family. His family were still at Rectory Cottages (mother now recorded as born Colchester); Frederick (farm labourer), Edward (grocer's assistant) and Frank (houseboy). His "Soldier's Effects" entry has his sole legatee as Nellie M Gunn. No pension card has been found. |
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He enlisted in Maidenhead when resident in Stratford.
"Soldiers Died" say he was killed in Action, his "Personal Effects" entry says he died of wounds. Either way the 5th Berkshires at the time were alternating with the 9th Essex in defence at Monchy-le-Preux. CWGC has Douglas as the only death in the Battalion on 21st.
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