No.2523, Private, Robert HEARN
Aged 23
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Born in 1892 (4th qtr Ipswich 4a:834) son of Herbert and Martha HEARN (née BLAKE)
1901 census...Aged 9, he was at 67 Chalk Lane, Bury St.Edmunds with his father Herbert HEARN [40] machine fitter born Bury St.Edmunds, his mother Martha [39] tailoress born Chedburgh; brother Herbert [13] born Ipswich, David [4] and William [1] both born Bury St.Edmunds; sisters Ethel [17] tailoress and Elizabeth [5] both born in Bury St.Edmunds. 1911 census...Aged 19, he was at Barrosa Barracks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot, a private in the 2nd Suffolks. At 27 Chalk Lane were his parents; sister Elizabeth Gertrude (dressmaker); brothers David Arthur (gunsmith), William George and cousin Dennis Ernest ELMER [4]. |
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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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