No.2176, Private, Alfred Edward LOFTS
Aged 23
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Alfred Edward Lofts was born in Higham (1st qtr 1893 Newmarket 3b:501), son of David and Eliza LOFTS (née PLUMB)
1901 census...Aged 8, he was at Middle Green Higham with his father David LOFTS [38] horsekeeper; his mother Eliza [37] born Newmarket; brother George [11]; sisters Florrie [5] and Alice [1]. All except his mother were born in Higham. 1911 census...Aged 19, a farm labourer, he was at Westley with his parents (mother now recorded as born Gazeley) and sister Lilian [9], born Higham. His mother had lost 1 of her 8 children. On the pension card his mother was in Westley. |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds
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. Harry's "Soldier's Personal Effects" entry actually states death "presumed on or since 21st August 1915". Obviously it is often impossible to accurately date such events.
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