PETCH, Frederick


No.R/2696, Able Seaman, Frederick PETCH
Aged 22


Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division
formerly 326227, 8th (Cyclist) Bn, Essex Regiment
Died of Wounds on Thursday, 27th December 1917


Born on 12th October 1896 at 12 Victoria Place, Bury St.Edmunds (4th qtr Bury St.Edmunds 4a:823) son of Frederick and Ellen Amelia PETCH (née BLOYCE). Ellen Amelia seems to be BLOYCE or BLYTH. Baptised St.John's. Bury St.Edmunds on 29t November 1896

1901 census...Aged 4, he was at 12 Victoria Place, Bury St.Edmunds with his father Frederick Petch [42] maltster's labourer born Culford; his mother Ellen Amelia [34]; brothers Henry [17] bricklayer's labourer, Charles [12], Bertie [10] and Percy [1]; sisters Ellen [8], Dora [6] and Mary [3]

Admitted to St.James National School on 10th June 1907, resident Lambert Row.

1911 census...Aged 14, an errand boy, he was at 4 St.John's Terrace, Bury St.Edmunds with his parents, brother Bertie (labourer), Percy, and Walter [10]; sisters Mary and Hilda [4]; cousin Leslie PETCH [6]

He married Blanche HIBBLE in 1916, one time of 2 Chalk Terrace, Ashley, later to marry Harry E BAILEY in 1918, later at 55 Burney Street, Greenwich.


He enlisted on 19th July 1915 (apparently adding a year to his age) No. 3262278th (Cyclist) Battlion, Essex Regiment for 1 year 11 months, then discharged to re-enlist in Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. His R.N.V.R. records show his father as Mr Frederick PETCH of 25 Long Brackland, Bury St.Edmunds and wife Blanche PETCH of 2 Chalk Terrace, Ashley, nr. Newmarket. Drafted to 3rd Reserve battalion. Rated Able Seaman on 16th June 1917 and drafted to Hood battalion 4th July 1917. to BEF 13th Corps Depot 28th July 1917 and joined Hood Battalion in field 28th August 1917. Admitted to 2 Field Ambulance 2 Nov.1917, rejoined unit 6th Dec.
Died of Wounds at 21 CCS 27th Dec 1917



photo C.W.G.C.


Frederick Petch is buried in Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt, France 7:D:6

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


BACK