No.16107, Private, Victor James ELSDEN
Aged 23
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Victor James Elsden was born in Pakenham on 31st August 1892 (4th qtr 1893 Thingoe 4a:725 ), son of James and Martha ELSDEN (née DEW).
Baptised in St Mary's Pakenham on 23rd September 1893. 1901 census...Aged 7, he was at Church Hill, Pakenham with his father James ELSDEN [46] horseman; his mother Martha [53]; sister Rosea L [17] and brother Edwin G [12]. All were born in Pakenham. 1911 census...Aged 17, a farm labourer, he was still at Church Hill with his parents (mother now recorded as born in Hunston; brother Edwin George (baker). His mother had lost 3 of her 6 children. His father died in 1913. On the pension card his mother was at The Street, Pakenham. |
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Having missed the horrific 1st day on the Somme, the 7th Suffolks moved up for a frontal assault on Ovillers. Assaulting in eight waves, the leading one starting 10 minutes before zero, which was set for 3:15 am. The first 4 waves got to the German 3rd line, some penetrating the village. In the darkness however the following waves failed to make touch and the Germans were able to rush in and cut them off. At the 3rd line of resistance fierce fighting took place which led to the attack coming to a standstill and the battalion losing heavily. Only 4 officers were not casualties, a total of 470 casualties were recorded. CWGC has a total of 157 killed of which 112 have no known grave
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