ADDY, Lieutenant Edward

Lieutenant Edward Addy

9th Battalion, AIF

by Robert Simpson

Edward Addy was born on 5^th July 1872 at Catfield (or Ludham in some records, they are close to each other) in Norfolk in England. His parents were Edward Addy and Maria Ann Garrod, who had been married on 17^th December 1871 in Catfield Norfolk. His father had been born there also in 1846 and Maria had been born in the same year in Norwich. Edwards father was an agricultural labourer in Norfolk when he married, but by the 1881 census had become a “Carman” and they were living at 10 Cumberland St in London. Edward was the eldest of seven children, with Emily being born in 1873, Marion in 1874, John in 1877, Maud Martha in 1881, Simon in 1884 and Alfred in 1887. Edward was baptised on 20^th July 1872 at the parish of Catfield in Norfolk. The register seems to list a middle name of Long, but the document is faded and has bled through the pages, so it is hard to read. It is the only time a middle name is mentioned. His father was listed as a labourer. The first three children were born in Norfolk, then they shifted to London, where the next three were born and in the 1881 census they were living at 10 Cumberland Place in Camberwell, a district in South London. Edward (the father) was now listed as a Carman. Their last child was born in North Walsham, in Norfolk.

On 6^th September 1887, Edward enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment as Private Norfk/2013 at Great Yarmouth. He stated he was born in the Parish of Catfield, near the town of North Walsham in the County of Norfolk. Edward was a British Subject of 18 years and 3 months, and his trade was Florist. He lived with his parents, was single, was not an apprentice, had not been imprisoned and he did serve previously with the 3^rd Norfolk Regiment. Edward had been previously rejected as it was stated he was “under standard”. He was 5 foot 5 inches tall, weighed 119 pounds, had a chest measurement of 33¾ inches and had a fair complexion with light hazel eyes and sandy hair. His Religious denomination was Church of England. He had a dark mole on his right breast. Edward was examined and passed fit and appointed to the Norfolk Regiment by the 10^th. He had enlisted for 7 years Army Service and 5 years Reserve Service. His father was given as next of kin, with his address as 3 Chimney Yard, East Ruston, Stalham. It was later crossed out with deceased written next to it and Edward’s wife’s name added. Edward was at the Depot from 6^th September 1887 to 16^th November 1887, before being transferred to the 1^st Battalion as Private from 17^th November 1887 until 13^th February 1889. He continued service with the Norfolk Regiment at the Depot as Private from 14^th February 1889 and was granted 1 pence Good Conduct pay on 6^th September 1889. Still as a Private, he was transferred to the 2^nd Battalion on 4^th March 1890. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 15^th October 1890 and then Paid Lance Corporal on 26^th May 1891, before being promoted to Corporal on 10^th August 1891.

Marie passed away in April 1889 in Smallborough, Norfolk.

In the 1891 census, he is listed with the rest of the Norfolk Regiment at a Military Camp at St Botolph in Colchester as a Private, but his age looks like it is recorded as 26 (Hard to read as it has a line through it and probably an error as it would mean he was born in 1865). It states he was born in Catfield Norfolk.

Edward was then transferred to Depot as Corporal on 16^th May 1892, passed for promotion to Sergeant on 22^nd July 1892 and was sent back to the 2^nd Battalion on 7^th July 1893. On 19^th August 1893, he extended his Army Service to complete 12 years with the Colours, and he was transferred to 1^st Battalion Norfolk Regiment on 30^th September 1893, still as Corporal. He was appointed unpaid Lance Sergeant on 25^th April 1894 and then promoted to Sergeant on 11^th July 1894. On 21^st November 1894, he re-engaged for the Norfolk Regiment at Allahabad for such term as shall complete 21 years of service, still at the rank of Sergeant. The Norfolk Regiment (9^th Foot) was stationed at Allahabad in late 1897. They had been there since 1893. He received his Mounted Infantry Certificate on 29^th September 1896 and passed a course of instruction in Supply Duties and Transport on 15^th March 1898. The 1^st Battalion was sent to Bombay in 1898. His service records note he was involved with the campaigns Tirah and Punjab Frontier 1897-98. Edward had not been wounded, nor had he any instances of gallant conduct. He was transferred to 4^th Norfolk Regiment on 15^th February 1900. Edward was promoted to Colour Sergeant on 21^st August 1901 and then transferred to Permanent Staff of 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment as Colour Sergeant on 24^th April 1904. He was entitled to the India Medal 1895 with Tirah and Punjab Frontier 1897-1898 clasps and the Long Service and Good Conduct medal with gratuity under Army Order No. 242 of 1907. He qualified for Special Instructor of Musketry (Distinguished) on 8^th November 1901. Edward passed class of Instruction at Sparkbrook Small Arms Factory at Birmingham on 19^th December 1903. His Certificates of Education were listed as Second 28^th September 1888, Transport Duties 15^th March 1898 and award Group 2 First Class Certificate on 28^th March 1904.

In the 1891 census the rest of the family was in a bit of turmoil. The eldest sister, Marion was listed as head of the house and guardian, with a note saying that “father in asylum”. John was an agricultural labourer at 13 years old, Martha (8) and Simon (6) were listed as scholars and Alfred was 3. Simon Addy was born 13^th December 1884 in Camberwell, London. In the 1901 census, he was living as a boarder with other people in Durham and he was a labourer above ground at a mine. He died in 1903 in Ludham, Norfolk and was buried on 24^th December.

Edward Addy (the father) passed way at Blofield, Norfolk in January 1904.

Edward was transferred to 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment as Colour Sergeant on 24^th April 1904 and was granted service pay Class 1 dated from 1^st April 1904. On 1^st April 1908, he was transferred to 5^th Battalion as Colour Sergeant and on 31^st July 1908 he was permitted to remain in the Service beyond 21 years. In November 1908, he received deferred pay of 32 pounds and 5 shillings.

On 5^th September 1909, Edward was discharged to pension. He was listed as Colour Sergeant Norfolk/2013 in the Permanent Staff 5^th Battalion Norfolk Regiment (Territorial Force). Edward was discharged at Great Yarmouth. A description was given on him: – age 40 years and 3 months, height 5 foot 8¼ inches, chest measurement of 42 inches with range of expansion 2½ inches, and he was of fair complexion with hazel eyes and brown hair. His trade was a florist and he intended to live at Ford Street Fordham. The only descriptive mark he had was a mole on his chest. He was “discharged in consequence of having claimed his discharge after three months’ notice, vide para 390 (XXIII) Kings Regulations 1908.” In his service records under cause of discharge was originally written “medically unfit for further service”, which had been crossed out and the above entry written in. His conduct and character were exemplary and he was “A good clerk, painstaking and industrious. Accustomed to care of horses (MT and Transport)”. His form stated his classification for Service or Proficiency Pay was First Class and his certificate of education stated Second Class and underneath is written Group 2 First Class. His accounts were correctly balanced at East Dereham by an officer for the Commanding Officer of the 5^th Norfolk Regiment and Edward acknowledged he had received all his pay, allowances, clothing and all just demands up to that date. He signed that he had requested to be discharged from His Majesty’s Service on his own free will. The record showed he had served 22 years. The discharge was confirmed on the same day by a Colonel in Records at Warley. With his 22 years’ service with the Norfolk Regiment, he spent 10 years as Colour Sergeant-Instructor at Bungay, Yarmouth and Gordonstone-on-Sea. Afterwards he served for 7 years in India. For his time in India, he was awarded the “1865” India Medal with clasps Tirah and Punjab Frontier (according to De Ruvigny’s Roll). The duplicate 4^th supplementary medal roll for Commissariat-Transport Department shows Regimental Number 2013 Sergeant E. Addy of the 1^st Norfolk Regiment had not yet received the 1895 India medal and was entitled to the clasps Punjab Frontier 1897-98 and Tirah 1897-98. They were claimed under clauses h and 1 of paragraph I of the Army Order No. 98 of 1898. He was also awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct medal, as noted on the discharge form. His character on being discharged was exemplary. Edward signed his service record as E Addy Colour Sergeant 5^th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. He was claim number 87253 to pension submitted to Chelsea Board, with the Board’s decision that 31 pence were to be paid as his pension. Again, his character was noted as exemplary.

In all, his service with the Norfolk Regiment reads: –

Home 6.9.1887 to 20.12.1887 106 days

Gibraltar 21.12.87 to 21.02.89 1 year 63 days

Home 22.02.1889 to 29.09.1893 4 years 220 days

India 30.09 1893 to 10.03.1900 6 years 162 days

Home 11.03.1900 to 05.09.1909 9 years 179 days

Total 22 years

 

On 31^st October 1900, he married Annie Lauren Gladden at St Giles, Colchester, Essex. She had been born in Mayland Suffolk in late 1880. The Army marriage record shows he was No. 2013 Sergeant Edward Addy, a bachelor and Annie was a spinster. William H Wardell was the rector at the church. At the time, she was living at 72 Magdalen Street Colchester. Her parents were John Gladden, a chimney sweep, and Maria. Captain Dorr, Adjutant of the 4^th Norfolk Regiment signed the copy of the marriage record. A blue pencil line had been put through the copy with “Transferred to Pet Staff 2^nd V.B. N.R.” written above it (Permanent Staff 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment). They had four children. On 6^th August 1904, Dorothy May Addy was born. Edward John Addy was born on 27^th April 1907 and Pearl Mary Addy was born on 30^th August 1910. The 1901 England census shows them living at 31 Victor Road Colchester, the house of Charles Youngs and his wife Agnes, (Annie’s brother in law and her sister), who was a labourer in an iron foundry. Edward was listed as a Sergeant in the Norfolk Regiment.

Edward was listed in the 1904 elector register for the Eastern Division of Norfolk, Parish of Catfield, Great Yarmouth as number 18, land and tenement, with the description of the qualifying property as “Heath”. In the 1906 Register, he was listed as number 425, with freehold house and land at Bridge Street.

 

In 1911, Edward and the family moved to Australia. The Zieten was the ship they boarded, which had originally left Bremen in Germany. They arrived at Freemantle on May 1911, where Edward was listed as an Oil Salesman and the family’s nationality was English and their race was listed as white. Their destination was Brisbane. Another record shows the ship arrived in Melbourne on 29^th May 1911 and departed for Sydney, arriving there on 2^nd June. He joined the Commonwealth Forces as a Staff-Sergeant Major. In the 1912 electoral roll, they were living at Craig Street, Red Hill in Brisbane. No occupation was listed for either of them. With the 1912 Cadets Parade, Sergeant-Major Addy was present as instructor for area 8B. They are listed in a few electoral rolls for 1913; Walton Street in South Brisbane, Annie by herself at Brisbane Street Annerley, both in Craig Street in Red Hill and Walton Street again. Edward was listed as a soldier and Annie did home duties. Their final child, Raymond Clive Addy was born on 27^th February 1913 in Brisbane. In March 1913, the annual military competition to decide the champion team of the 8^th Battalion Senior Cadets was held. With other officers, Sergeant-Major Addy was present and assisted in the preparation grounds, targets, etc. A sports meeting was held in June 1913 and was carried out under his and other officers’ supervision. The Warwick Examiner and Times of Saturday 18^th July 1914 had the following article: “A large number of parents of cadet trainees, trainees, and friends of Sergeant-major E. Addy entertained him at a farewell dinner at Webster’s Town Hall Café last night. Special reference was made to the good feeling which exists between all ranks in the area, and to the excellent qualities of the sergeant-major, who has been transferred to Warwick. As a small mark of esteem, the sergeant-major was presented with a silver wristlet watch, a kit bag, and safety razor. Sergeant-major Addy responded to the toast of his health and said that he gave his best efforts to his area duties, and while he was sorry to leave South Brisbane and the many friends he had made during the two years and three months’ service in training area 8B, he was pleased to know that those services have been appreciated by the boys and their parents. (The Staff Sergeant-major arrived in Warwick on Wednesday and took up his duty with training area 11C, 3^rd Brigade, on Tuesday.)” The Daily Standard in Brisbane had an article on 19^th September 1914, under the heading of Promotion “Sergeant-major E. Addy, formerly of training area 8B (South Brisbane), and who was transferred last July to training area 11C (Warwick), has been appointed Regimental Sergeant-major of the 9^th Infantry, Australian Expeditionary Force.”

 

When war broke out he volunteered with active service with the 9^th Battalion AIF, joining on 19^th September 1914. He was previously with Instructional Staff, on which he had been serving for 2½ years at Enoggera. He enlisted at Enoggera and was given the Regimental Number 1 as Warrant Officer. Edward stated his place of birth and said he was a British Subject. He was 42 years and 2 months old, had never been an apprentice and his occupation was listed as ‘Soldier (S.S.M.)’. His previous service was 22 years with the Norfolk Regiment (claimed discharge after 3 months’ notice) and he was still serving with Instructional Staff (and had so for 2½ years). With his enlistment at Enoggera, 2^nd Lieutenant W J Williams was the Attesting Officer.

 

Annie and the family had left Brisbane in June 1914, bound for London on the Miltiades in 3^rd Class. They arrived there on 3^rd July 1914 and intended to make England their home. Edward noted she was next of kin and her address 72 Magdalen Street Colchester England (later changed to 141 Magdalen St., but 2 copies of the form had the street number the other way around).

 

His physical description was height 5 foot 7½ inches, weight 148 pounds, chest measurement 39 inches, of fair complexion with light hazel eyes and brown hair. His Religious Denomination was Church of England. He had a mole on his chest and was tattooed on chest, arm and legs. He was passed fit at Enoggera on the 19^th (two copies say Warwick?) and was appointed to Headquarters of the 9^th Battalion AIF by his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Harry William Lee at Enoggera. He was listed as Regimental Sergeant Major with the 9^th Battalion on that date, and the date of promotion to Warrant rank was given as 15^th August 1914. His term of service was for the duration of the war.

Edward embarked on HMAT Omrah A5 at Brisbane on 24^th September 1914, with the rest of the 9^th Battalion as Warrant Officer with the Service Number 1, as recorded on the Nominal Roll. He was listed as 42 years old on the Nominal Roll, with no address listed. His next-of-kin was listed as Mrs. Annie Laura Addy of 141 Magdalen Street Colchester in England. His religion was Church of England. Up until 23^rd September 1914, he was paid 12 shillings a day, and afterwards he was paid 10 shillings and 6 pence and 2 shillings and 6 pence of that was for deferred pay. While en route to Egypt, members of the 9^th Battalion provided a guard for the 44 survivors of the Emden. They arrived in Egypt in early December. On 1^st January 1915, he was attached supernumerary to C Company Signallers. While in Egypt he filled out a will, a copy of which stated “In event of my death I give the whole of property and effects to my wife Annie Laura Addie.” (Obvious translation error, another copy has the correct spelling, Addy). It was signed on 30^th January 1915 at the Pyramids by E Addy RSM No. 1 9^th Battalion AIF. Another copy has beside his name, “since promoted Lieutenant”. On the Ionian, he embarked with troops at Alexandria on 2^nd March 1915 to join the M.E.F. for the Gallipoli Campaign.

With the 9^th Battalion, Edward landed on Gallipoli on that fateful morning of the 25^th April 1915. He was not in the first boat with Lieutenant Duncan Chapman, and probably landed later in the morning. The battalion was heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line of the ANZAC beachhead during its’ time there.

He was promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant on 28^th April 1915 in the 9^th Battalion at Gaba Tepe, and he was appointed Lieutenant on 24^th July 1915 (other records have 8^th May 1915 with the commission dated from 26^th April or 4^th August 1915 at Anzac. Three records mention this last date.). It was written of him “Of these officers it is to be regretted that Addy did not survive the Anzac period, dying as the result of illness. Some have considered this promotion, without previous examination, to be the highest honour that could be transferred on an N.C.O.”

The war diary for the 9^th Battalion on 20^th July 1915 at ANZAC show that “Lieut A ADDY sent away ill”. Edward was sent to No. 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Mudros from Gallipoli, being admitted on 20^th July before being transferred on the 21^st. Recorded as “slightly sick”, he was sent to Malta on HMHS Neuralia and was admitted to Imtarfa Hospital on 25^th July 1915. He died from dysentery at Imtarfa Hospital on Malta at 7.45 pm on 17^th August 1915 of dysentery and heart failure. His clinical case sheet recorded he was “conscious to within 12 hours of death, though wandering in mind at times, died from heart failure Aug 17 1915.” Edward was buried at Pieta Military Cemetery at Tal-Pieta, Malta. Pieta Military Cemetery is situated in Our Lady of Sorrows Street, (Triq Id Duluri) Pieta. His gravestone has the epitaph “His life for his country, his soul to his God”. His memorial is located at Panel 54 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial and his name is being projected onto the outside wall at various times until the end of the Centenary period. Annie filled out the form for the Roll of Honour at the AWM. She gave the following details: Name – Edward Addy, Unit – 9^th Battalion AIF, Town – Woolloongabba Brisbane Queensland, Birthplace – Catfield Norfolk, Date of Death – 18.8.15 died of disease, Calling – Solider Lieutenant in 9^th Australian Infantry, Age – 43 years, and School and Training – Soldier Colour Sergeant for 22 years in Norfolk Regiment English Imperial Force. He was born in Britain and came to Australia when he was 39 years old. She gave her details as Annie L Addy, wife, 72 Magdalen Street Colchester, which was crossed out with a note “1929 widow remarried new name and address unknown”. Probate was done in 1916, with the index reading “ADDY Edward of Walton-street Brisbane Australia Lieutenant 9^th Australian Imperial Division died 17^th August 1915 at Imtarfa Hospital Malta on active service Administration (with Will) London 27 November to Annie Laura Addy widow.” Effects were listed as 92 pounds and 3 shillings. The Australian Death Index lists his death date as the 18^th, on page 8, registration number 000034. His gravestone has the 18^th inscribed as does his CWGC record. It would seem there is some conflict with his actual date of death. The picture of his grave was donated to the Australian War Memorial by the President of Malta. He is also remembered in the Roll of Honour at the Tower of London, listed as number 20 in the list of 25^th October 2014.

A hospital card from Australian Troops MEF, No. 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Mudros reads that Lieutenant E Addy aged 43 of the 9^th Battalion AIF had dysentery and had been admitted there on 20^th July 1915 and transferred on the 21^st, after 2 days’ treatment. Another from Imtarfa Military Hospital at Malta M.E.F. Gallipoli for him shows that he was admitted from Neuralia on 25^th July 1915. He had 24 days’ treatment and died on “17/8/15”. That entry seems to have been erased and retyped. Field Service Army Form B. 2090A. originally had the date he died as August 17^th 1917 at 7-45 p.m., but it was altered to 18^th and initialled. Nature and date of report reads “Extract from Clinical Case Sheet – Conscious to within 12 hours of death, though wandering in mind at times, died from heart failure Aug.17.15”. That entry in the form was made by G Basil Price Capt. RAMC, M.O. I/C. The form stated he was buried at Pieta Cemetery, Valletta, Malta on August 18^th 1915 at 6pm, which means he had to die on the 17^th, not 18^th. There was no trace of a will. The form was signed by Captain Charles G Waddington AAMC, who was in charge of the Imtarfa Military Hospital at Malta. An entry in his service record reads “Died of Dysentery at Malta 18/8/15 (By cable)”, but below it reads “17/8/15. DIED Malta. Buried Pieta Cemetery 18/8-15Grave no. 6 Row 8A”, under authority MEFO 59/2-15. It would seem that the wrong date of death was then promulgated through other records and entries.

Army Form B. 2090 A., the report of the death of an officer, shows that Lieutenant E Addy of the 9^th Battalion died of dysentery in Imtarfa Hospital at Malta on 18^th August 1915 and was buried at Malta. It was reported to Alexandria on 1^st October 1915 by C. in C. Malta by Cable WB1037 and signed by Major Cyril Griffiths.

A pension was paid to each of Edward’s children, with Annie as trustee at 72 Magdalen St Colchester. They all commenced on 19^th September 1915, and were to be reviewed on 28^th July 1920, for expiry of eldest child’s pension on 5^th August 1920 and increase of other child’s pensions. Dorothy May was paid 1 pound a fortnight, John Edward 15 shillings, with pearl Mary and Raymond Clive both getting 10 shillings. On 16^th December 1915, they were all changed to 13 pounds yearly, with Annie getting a pension of 91 pounds per annum as his widow.

The Daily Standard of Brisbane had under the 67^th Casualty List of those ill, “Lieutenant G. Addy, 9^th Battalion, England (disembarked at Malta).” This was repeated in papers in other states. The 74^th Casualty List, published in the Maryborough Chronicle of 7^th September 1915, under the heading “Died of Illness” is the entry “Lieutenant E. Addy, 9^th Battalion, England.” It was also mentioned in papers in other states, but some have him in he killed section.

The Officer in charge of Base Records in Melbourne on 19^th November 1915, wrote to Mrs A Addy of 141 Magdalen Street Colchester, advising her “With reference to the report of the regrettable loss of your husband, the late Lieutenant E. Addy, 9^th Battalion I am now in receipt of advice which shows that he died of dysentery, at the Intarfa Hospital, Malta, on the 18^th of August 1915. These additional details are furnished by direction, it being the policy of the Department to supply all possible information in connexion with deaths of members of the Australian Imperial Force.”

An inventory of Edward’s effects in a brown paper package was received by Department of Defence on 7^th February 1916, the contents of which included: 1 wristwatch, 9 badges and numerals, 8 coins, 1 cigarette holder, 2 note books, 1 razor, 1 broken mirror, 1 pair of scissors, 1 knife, 1 whistle, letters and photos. Another package had been received on 30^th December 1915, which were the contents of 1 unlocked kit bag which contained 1 revolver in case, 1 pair of breeches, 1 comforter, 1 hair clippers, 2 towels, 1 tunic, 1 pair of boots and 1 pair of leggings, 1 water bottle, knife, fork and spoon, 1 wire cutters, 1 strap, 1 braces, 1 strop, 2 handkerchiefs, 1 housewife, 1 F. S. cap and cover, 1 khaki shirt, 1 cap comforter, 1 sweater, 2 underpants, 1 undershirt, 1 pyjamas, 3 sox and 2 canvas bags.

AIF Headquarters wrote to the Secretary of the Department of Defence in Melbourne on 3^rd February 1916, about a request from Messers Marshall Son & Potter Solicitors in Colchester England asking for the original will for Edward which had been forwarded to the Secretary last December.

Base Records sent a letter on 16^th March 1916, regarding the will of Edward to Finance Member that his will had been sent to D.P.M. 1^st M.D. on 15^th January and he had bequeathed “the whole of his property and effects to his wife, Annie Laura Addy, who resides at 141 Magdalen Street, Colchester, England.”

On 22^nd February 1917, the AIF Kit Store in London posted a parcel to Mrs Anne Addy of 72 Magdalen Street Colchester by registered post, which was an identity disc of the late Lieutenant E Addy. The disc had been found in the kit of Major D. K. Chapman (10/2/17).

A letter from the Commonwealth Bank on 16^th March 1917 to Base Records asked for the official notification of death of account number 62626 Edward Addy, deceased. Base Records replied on 17^th April 1917 with a reply and a certificate of death which stated he died from dysentery on 18^th August 1915 and was confirmed by various Army Forms and cables.

On 28^th March 1917, Base Records sent Mrs Addy a “form of warrant covering the appointment of your husband, the late Lieutenant E. Addy, 9^th Battalion, as a temporary Warrant Officer in the Regular Forces of the British Army.”

His commission was delivered in London on 28^th November 1919. His Memorial Scroll and Plaque were sent to his wife on 1^st December 1922. The pamphlet “Where the Australians Rest” was also sent to her.

The Commonwealth Bank Savings Bank Department sent Base Records in Melbourne a letter on 8^th June 1920, regarding Lieutenant Edward Addy 9^th Battalion 1^st Australian Division – deceased, stating “We are in receipt of a letter from our London Office in which is stated that passbook No. 3810 in the name of Edward John Addy, a son of the deceased, is amongst the effects of the above deceased, and Mrs Addy, the widow, states she has not been able to get them from whoever has them, and also that they have been left behind in Brisbane.” They stated the Public Curator knew nothing on the effects and wished to know where they were and could they be sent to the bank “as depositor is anxious to withdraw the balance.” Base Records replied, saying that two bags of personal effects were sent to his widow by Thomas Cook and Sons and forwarded to his wife. The inventory shows there was no passbook in them.

He is mentioned on the Catfield War Memorial.

 

His grave on Malta.

 

Of his brothers and sisters: –

Emily was baptised at Catfield, Norfolk on 24^th September 1876. Her father was listed as a labourer. After the 1881 census, she seems to vanish.

Marion, after becoming the head of the house in the 1891 census, married Albert Arthur Herbert Bland Grapes in 1901 and they lived in Ludham between the 1901 and 1911 census. (Well she took his last name- according to her husband’s service record and England civil marriage registration they were married in early 1917?). Albert attested with the Inland Water Transport Corps Royal Engineers as Sapper 178888 at the age of 42 years in July 1916. His civilian occupation was a Waterman. Albert reached the rank of Acting Corporal and had his service number changed to SR313741. He was demobilised in 1919 and received the British War and Victory medals. Albert passed away in 1954 and Marion in 1956 in Norfolk.

John was baptised in 1888 in Ludham. After being at work in the 1891 census, he joined the militia on 18^th January 1894. The attestation gives his birth at Kentish Town, near the town of London in the County of Middlesex. He was living at Ludham and was a labourer of 18 years and 1 month, he was single and not an apprentice. He was 5 foot 5 ¾ inches tall, weighed 116 pounds, chest from 32 to 35 inches and of fresh complexion with brown eyes and light brown hair. His religion was Church of England. He was posted to the 3^rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment as Private 2962 from 18^th January 1894 to 1^st March 1894 (drilled on enlistment for 43 days) and then was transferred to the Norfolk Regiment on 2^nd March 1894. An address of How Hill, Ludham Norfolk is on the back of the form. No other document is available to show what happened to him. There are two possibilities – a John Addy, a Private of the 1^st Norfolk Regiment, who died of enteric fever in Allahabad (one of many) on1st April 1896 and was buried on the 2^nd. But no regimental number is noted for any of those records of his death and it gives his birth as 1876. His personal estate of over 9 pounds was advertised in the London Gazette of 26^th February 1897 for next of kin to claim. There are also various entries in ship’s records for a John Addy, a farmer travelling between England and Australia. The first record is in 1907, in 3^rd Class on the Orient, arriving in Brisbane on 18^th September. He must have returned to England sometime, married and returned to Australia in January 1914 with his wife, Flo and son Joseph on the Demosthenes, although it seems to indicate they went to South Africa. There is another entry for the family in March 1914, having them depart London for South Africa again. After that, no more records can be found for him.

No other records can be found for Maud Martha after the 1881 census.

Alfred had been born in the parish of East Ruston, near the town of Stalham in Norfolk County (according to both attestation forms) and was also baptised in 1888 in Ludham. In the 1901 census in Ludham, he was with his sister Marion and her husband, he was listed as an agricultural labourer. Alfred joined the P.W.O. Norfolk Royal Garrison Artillery (Militia) as Gunner 2894 on 25^th February 1902 at Greater Yarmouth. He was 17 years and 4 months old and was a labourer and single. He was 5 foot 6 5/8 inches tall, weighed 121 pounds, chest from 32 to 34 inches, of fresh complexion with grey eyes and brown hair. His religious denomination was Wesleyan and he had no distinctive marks. Two addresses are written on the back of the form, Cold Harbour Ludham Norfolk and 17 Primrose Road Thorpe Hamlet Norwich. He attested in the 5^th Battalion and did 49 days training for that year. He also did training in 1903 and 1904, but in 1905 he was absent and was listed as a deserter. It seems Alfred boarded a ship to New York in 1905, as a record for an Alfred Addy, a 17-year-old labourer (age is not right), shows he boarded the Philadelphia on 18^th March 1905 from Southampton. That is a possibility only, as the 1911 census shows an Alfred Addy as a boarder in a house in Kettering, Northamptonshire. His age was 24, he was single but he was born in Catfield, Norfolk. His occupation was printers’ minder. Are they all the same person? On 5^th May 1911, an A Addy left London on the Mamari in 3^rd Class, a single labourer bound for Sydney, arriving there on the 15^th June. Another ship record shows Alfred Addy left Liverpool for Sydney, but landed in Melbourne, “to hospital”. The ship then arrived at Sydney on 25th November 1913. This may not be him, as in 1913 he is recorded on the Queensland electoral roll as a soldier at Victoria Barracks, Petrie Terrace. The 1915 roll shows him at the same address with a date from 11^th September 1914. Unfortunately, there is another Alfred Addy, born a year earlier to different parents in the Norfolk area, so it is not possible to prove all records are for this Alfred. The military record recorded in his AIF attestation describes his previous service as 12 months’ police service in London and 3 years R.A.F.A. and still serving. So, he would have had to be in Australia by 1911. There is a record for 433 Alfred Addy in the Royal Australian Field Artillery, but it only says Discharged …?… 12/6/18 RDO 22/18 and nothing else.

Alfred attested with the 4^th Field Artillery Brigade AIF, 3^rd Division on 23^rd September 1915 as Private 20214. It was later changed to the 8^th Brigade. He gave his birth as in the Parish of East Ruston, Town of North Walsham in Norfolk. He was a fettler of 27 years and 11 months old. His next of kin was given as his sister A Addy of 72 Magdalen Street Colchester, in Essex. There is also a line that he was rejected from the 1^st AIF for supposed syphilis. His original attestation was with 1^st Field Artillery Brigade as Gunner 82 on 23^rd August 1914. He gave Edward as his next of kin with his address as Treasury Building in Brisbane. Alfred was discharged on 31^st October 1914 at Albany as medically unfit. After being approved for a second time, he was sent to Signal School and was promoted to Sergeant on 1^st April 1916 and proceeded to France to 3^rd DAC on 24^th November 1916. He was sick a couple of times in France and then was sent to England on 2^nd January 1918 with debility and was sent back to Australia on the 24^th and discharged with diabetes. He died in 17^th A. G. Hospital at Enoggera on 27^th February 1920 from complications of diabetes, acidosis toxaemia and cardiac failure and was buried at Toowong Cemetery on the 28^th in grave number 81/271. (Now Plot: 10. 41. 6. S/171.) He must have been in that hospital for a while, as the 1919 electoral roll shows him to be at that same address. His sister Marion was notified, as she had been added as next of kin. Her address was Flint St Ludham, England. Alfred was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. Presumably they were sent to Marion. The Daily Mail of 21^st May 1920 has a Statutory Notice to Creditors for his estate by the Public Solicitor. It was also placed in the same paper a week after. There is some error with his first name, the records for Queensland deaths has it as Albert, this was copied to CWGC and to his monument on his grave. His service and medical records confirm it as Alfred. His medical records are open, but not online. They may show where the error was made.

There are medal rolls for and E Addy of the 1^st East Lancashire Regiment who served in India as Private 3592, being awarded the India Medal 1895 with Relief of Chitral 1895 clasp and in the Boer War, being awarded the QSA with CC OFS and TV clasps and KSA with 01 and 02 clasps. The Boer War medal rolls also have a J Addy of the same regiment, Private 6078, receiving the same medals and clasps, who was placed in the Army Reserve afterwards. It would seem they are not the Edward and John Addy of this family.

Edward gained a mention in De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour. It includes the only photo of him and a description of his life, family and service and also records his date of death as the 17^th.

 

 

Of his family: –

In the last quarter of 1927, his wife Annie remarried, marrying Ernest Boole. In the 1950’s they lived at 27 Railton Road Norwood, in the Lambeth County of London. Nothing else is known of Ernest. Annie passed away in August 1982 in Colchester, Essex.

Dorothy May Addy had been born in Bungay, Suffolk and married Percy E Bright in 1926 in Colchester Essex. After that the records get a bit confusing. At some time, she came back to Australia to live, and in 1942 she was at Rainbow in Victoria, but the listing is under her maiden name. She then moved back to England, where in 1963 she was at Bermondsey, again under surname Addy. Not sure if these records are hers or someone with the same name. She passed away in August 1977 at Southend on Sea in Essex, under the surname Bright and it gave her birth date as 6^th August 1904. Percy died in the same place in August 1984, and his birth date was listed as 12^th January 1900.

Edward John Addy had also been born in Bungay, Suffolk. Annie applied to the Australian Government in 1923 for the Soldiers Children Education Scheme for Edward, but as the file is not online, the outcome of that request is not known. (Citation NAA: A2487, 1923/4785). He married Lilian Ada Dobney in 1937. Nothing else is known about him, apart from him dying on 18^th November 1960 at Sidcup in Kent in Bexley and Welling Hospital. His address was 72 Sidmouth Road Welling in Kent and his estate was left to his wife, with effects of over 3600 pounds. He was buried in Bexleyheath Cemetery on 23^rd November.

Pearl Mary Addy had been born in Fordham, Essex. Not much else is known of her apart from travelling with the family to Australia and back. She married Joseph Thompson in 1928 in Colchester. Joseph had been born in 1908. After that, no records can be found for her.

Their youngest son, Raymond Clive Addy was the only family member born in Australia. Raymond married Lucy May Flyde in Gosport, Hampshire in March 1939. Their residence was in London. He served in WW2 as Lance Corporal 5947065 in the 1/7 Battalion Middlesex Regiment, a Territorial Battalion. It was organised as a machine gun battalion during the war and served in France in 1940. After being used in offensive and defensive operations, the battalion was withdrawn from Dunkirk. Being redeployed to North Africa, they were assigned to the 51^st Division. The Battalion took part in the battle of El Alamein and subsequent operations. Raymond was killed in action on 23^rd March 1943 in Tunisia, North Africa. He was buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, with others from the same Battalion. His headstone reads “5947065 L. Cpl R. C. Addy The Middlesex Regiment 23 March 1943 Age 30 (Cross) We miss his smile, his kindly ways. Wife Lucy, sons Dennis, John And mother”. He is one of five soldiers of the Middlesex Regiment buried there who were killed on that day. Raymond was originally buried at position 5GR/WJD/2040, but when the cemetery was concentrated on 7^th April 1944, he was placed at Serial 904, Plot 5, Row E, Grave 8. His home was listed as Finchley, Middlesex.

 

 

Lance Corporal Raymond Clive Addy

Edward’s medals are India Medal 1895 with Punjab Frontier 1897-98 and Tirah 1897-98 clasps, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The museum has his British War Medal and Memorial Plaque.