First World War men L-P
Malpress, George William – Able Seaman SS 3854, 25845, Royal Navy (HMS Queen Mary)
Born in Coates 09/11/1893
Died 31/05/1916 (Body not recovered for burial Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action.)
Attested on 18th February 1910 and found fit for the Northampton Battery RFA when he was 17 years 6 months old and employed as a messenger for the Great Eastern Railway Company. He was living at 52 Queens Road, Fletton, Peterborough. Height 5ft 5in, Chest 34, expansion 4in.
On 4th Feb 1912 (having served 1 year and 354 days) he was discharged because he had joined His Majesty’s Royal Navy. Mother: Hannah of 56 New Road, Peterborough, at the time of his death.
News report
10/06/1916 It was feared that one of the sailors lost on the Queen Mary was an old Coates schoolboy G. W. Malpress, the 9th Coates man to give up his life for King and Country. [Note: The Queen Mary was sunk in the Battle of Jutland]
Not listed on Coates war memorial; he is on Portsmouth Naval memorial
Find a Grave memorial number 56699776
CWGC link http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/3037375/MALPRESS,%20GEORGE%20WILLIAM
WGPP link http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=3318304
Born in Coates 09/11/1893
Died 31/05/1916 (Body not recovered for burial Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action.)
Attested on 18th February 1910 and found fit for the Northampton Battery RFA when he was 17 years 6 months old and employed as a messenger for the Great Eastern Railway Company. He was living at 52 Queens Road, Fletton, Peterborough. Height 5ft 5in, Chest 34, expansion 4in.
On 4th Feb 1912 (having served 1 year and 354 days) he was discharged because he had joined His Majesty’s Royal Navy. Mother: Hannah of 56 New Road, Peterborough, at the time of his death.
News report
10/06/1916 It was feared that one of the sailors lost on the Queen Mary was an old Coates schoolboy G. W. Malpress, the 9th Coates man to give up his life for King and Country. [Note: The Queen Mary was sunk in the Battle of Jutland]
Not listed on Coates war memorial; he is on Portsmouth Naval memorial
Find a Grave memorial number 56699776
CWGC link http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/3037375/MALPRESS,%20GEORGE%20WILLIAM
WGPP link http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=3318304
Martin, Ernest J. – Private 61631, Royal Fusiliers 24th (2nd Sportsman's) Battalion. Formerly 10322 East Kent Regiment.
Native of Mereside, Ramsey, Hunts. Enlisted March, resident Whittlesey. Son of John & Ellen Martin, Coates.
News reports
10/07/1917 Killed in action. Aged 22
04/08/1917 Reported Killed in Action
(Also a picture on page 2 of Private Ernest J Martin of Blackhall Farm, Royal Fusiliers)
18/08/1917 On Sunday evening a memorial service was held at Coates for the late Private E. J. Martin of Black Hill Farm who was Killed in Action about 3 weeks ago.
Listed on Coates War Memorial
Find a Grave memorial number 56473218
CWGC link http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/33771/MARTIN,%20E%20J
WGPP link http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=3845929
Native of Mereside, Ramsey, Hunts. Enlisted March, resident Whittlesey. Son of John & Ellen Martin, Coates.
News reports
10/07/1917 Killed in action. Aged 22
04/08/1917 Reported Killed in Action
(Also a picture on page 2 of Private Ernest J Martin of Blackhall Farm, Royal Fusiliers)
18/08/1917 On Sunday evening a memorial service was held at Coates for the late Private E. J. Martin of Black Hill Farm who was Killed in Action about 3 weeks ago.
Listed on Coates War Memorial
Find a Grave memorial number 56473218
CWGC link http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/33771/MARTIN,%20E%20J
WGPP link http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=3845929
Merchant, J - Sergeant – Cambs/Suffolk Regiment
News reports
24/06/1916 Private J. Merchant is in Leeds hospital with a wounded shoulder.
22/07/1916 Corporal J. Merchant (11th Suffolks) had so far recovered from his wounds that he had been moved from the war hospital to convalescence hospital at Leeds.
21/10/1916 Corporal J. Merchant Suffolks who was wounded, was now back at the front.
09/12/1916 Corporal J. Merchant (Suffolk Regiment) was to be congratulated in his promotion to Sergeant. He was in the same school in France as another Eastrea soldier, Company Sgt-Major G. Wheeler of the Suffolks.
30/06/1917 Sergeant J. Merchant had left Milton Hospital and gone back to his Regiment.
News reports
24/06/1916 Private J. Merchant is in Leeds hospital with a wounded shoulder.
22/07/1916 Corporal J. Merchant (11th Suffolks) had so far recovered from his wounds that he had been moved from the war hospital to convalescence hospital at Leeds.
21/10/1916 Corporal J. Merchant Suffolks who was wounded, was now back at the front.
09/12/1916 Corporal J. Merchant (Suffolk Regiment) was to be congratulated in his promotion to Sergeant. He was in the same school in France as another Eastrea soldier, Company Sgt-Major G. Wheeler of the Suffolks.
30/06/1917 Sergeant J. Merchant had left Milton Hospital and gone back to his Regiment.
Murfitt, Sydney – Private 160456, RGA
Address Queen’s Head Whittlesea (Coates in 1911 census Farm Labourer). Later Bassanhally Lodge, Eastrea Road, Occupation, Innkeeper.
Age 34 on attestation. Height 5ft 10¾ Chest Girth 38, Expansion 2.5in
Wife: Martha Elizabeth Lindsey, married 02/10/1901 at the Parish Church Coates
Medals BWM & VM Clasp 9404
20/06/1917 Posted 23rd X Battery 2nd Reserve RGA
07/07/1917 RGA Base Depot.
18/12/1917 Posted to 1st A School Cookery for course
03/02/1919 Discharged Transferred to Class Z, Invalid
Address Queen’s Head Whittlesea (Coates in 1911 census Farm Labourer). Later Bassanhally Lodge, Eastrea Road, Occupation, Innkeeper.
Age 34 on attestation. Height 5ft 10¾ Chest Girth 38, Expansion 2.5in
Wife: Martha Elizabeth Lindsey, married 02/10/1901 at the Parish Church Coates
Medals BWM & VM Clasp 9404
20/06/1917 Posted 23rd X Battery 2nd Reserve RGA
07/07/1917 RGA Base Depot.
18/12/1917 Posted to 1st A School Cookery for course
03/02/1919 Discharged Transferred to Class Z, Invalid
Neal, Amos – Lance-Corporal / Private* 326746 & 285155, Cambridgeshire Regiment & Gloucester Regiment
News reports
13/05/1916 Lance-Corporal A. Neal (1st Suffolks) was being promoted to a full corporal and was now at Salonica (it is odd that reports after this date do not refer to him a Corporal)
22/07/1916 Lance-Corporal A. Neal had been home for 6 days leave and was to be congratulated on his promotion.
03/02/1917 Three Coates soldiers in hospital were Corporal G. Ward, Lance-Corporal A. Neal (near Middlesborough) Private G. R. Fox in Tring.
26/05/1917 Lance-Corporal. A. Neal wrote from Worksop, Notts., to say he was quite well. They were close to Welbeck Abbey, the seat of the Duke of Portland. Both he and Corpl. G. Ward wished to be remembered to all friends.
23/06/1917 Lance-Corporal Amos Neal, Cambs. Regiment, left 4 days ago to go to the front.
08/09/1917 Private A. Neal, of the Gloucesters, had been in action and had come safely through. He had not seen any of the Cambridgeshire boys since *he was transferred, and wished by means of these columns, which are read by them in the trenches to be remembered to them.
22/09/1917 Private A. Neal, Gloucester Regiment, wrote to say he was out for a rest now, but expected to be back in the trenches very shortly
News reports
13/05/1916 Lance-Corporal A. Neal (1st Suffolks) was being promoted to a full corporal and was now at Salonica (it is odd that reports after this date do not refer to him a Corporal)
22/07/1916 Lance-Corporal A. Neal had been home for 6 days leave and was to be congratulated on his promotion.
03/02/1917 Three Coates soldiers in hospital were Corporal G. Ward, Lance-Corporal A. Neal (near Middlesborough) Private G. R. Fox in Tring.
26/05/1917 Lance-Corporal. A. Neal wrote from Worksop, Notts., to say he was quite well. They were close to Welbeck Abbey, the seat of the Duke of Portland. Both he and Corpl. G. Ward wished to be remembered to all friends.
23/06/1917 Lance-Corporal Amos Neal, Cambs. Regiment, left 4 days ago to go to the front.
08/09/1917 Private A. Neal, of the Gloucesters, had been in action and had come safely through. He had not seen any of the Cambridgeshire boys since *he was transferred, and wished by means of these columns, which are read by them in the trenches to be remembered to them.
22/09/1917 Private A. Neal, Gloucester Regiment, wrote to say he was out for a rest now, but expected to be back in the trenches very shortly
Neal, Arthur – Private 9861, 1st Northants Regiment
Died 21/04/1916
News reports
08/01/1916 Private A. Neal was in Rouen Hospital with flu and a nervous breakdown.
01/04/1916 Private A. Neal (Northants) was home from the trenches for a few days rest. He went through the battle of Loos without injury but had had an attached of "nerves" since. He was now quite recovered.
29/04/1916 Private A. Neal was the only Coates man lucky enough to get home for Easter of several who had been looking forward to doing so.
20/05/1916 He was reported killed and it was mentioned that there would be a Memorial service.
Memorial Service Report - On Sunday evening the church at Coates was crowded for the service in memory of the late Pte. A. Neal, of the 1st Northants. Regt., who was killed whilst out on voluntary night duty with his officer. A procession of old schoolmates of the above, under Mr. A. J. Chaplin, was formed at the Cross Roads, and headed by two local soldiers home on leave (Ptes. T. Blunt ASC, and H. Thorn, Cambs. Regt.). marched to church. They were met about halfway by the Rector and the Boy Scouts who took the lead to the sacred building and occupied the choir stalls. The service was conducted by the Rector, who also preached, basing his sermon unon the text, "Because I go to the Father" (John). The "Dead March" in "Saul" was played by organist (Miss G. Thompson), just before the Benediction, and the National Anthem was sung by all immediately afterwards.
Listed on Coates War Memorial
Find a Grave memorial number 49841843
CWGC link http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/269993/NEAL,%20A
WGPP link http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=3078051
Died 21/04/1916
News reports
08/01/1916 Private A. Neal was in Rouen Hospital with flu and a nervous breakdown.
01/04/1916 Private A. Neal (Northants) was home from the trenches for a few days rest. He went through the battle of Loos without injury but had had an attached of "nerves" since. He was now quite recovered.
29/04/1916 Private A. Neal was the only Coates man lucky enough to get home for Easter of several who had been looking forward to doing so.
20/05/1916 He was reported killed and it was mentioned that there would be a Memorial service.
Memorial Service Report - On Sunday evening the church at Coates was crowded for the service in memory of the late Pte. A. Neal, of the 1st Northants. Regt., who was killed whilst out on voluntary night duty with his officer. A procession of old schoolmates of the above, under Mr. A. J. Chaplin, was formed at the Cross Roads, and headed by two local soldiers home on leave (Ptes. T. Blunt ASC, and H. Thorn, Cambs. Regt.). marched to church. They were met about halfway by the Rector and the Boy Scouts who took the lead to the sacred building and occupied the choir stalls. The service was conducted by the Rector, who also preached, basing his sermon unon the text, "Because I go to the Father" (John). The "Dead March" in "Saul" was played by organist (Miss G. Thompson), just before the Benediction, and the National Anthem was sung by all immediately afterwards.
Listed on Coates War Memorial
Find a Grave memorial number 49841843
CWGC link http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/269993/NEAL,%20A
WGPP link http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=3078051
Neal, H - Lance-Corporal, 2nd Suffolks
News reports
22/01/1916 The following Coates men were with the Mediterranean forces: Gunner T. Rawlings RAF, Lance-Corporal H. Neal 2nd? Suffolks, Private J. Payne 8th Suffolks
05/02/1916 Private H. Neal (1st? Suffolks) is in Salonika and wrote to say work is from 8am - 4pm and there was snow when he first landed.
25/03/1916 Lance-Corporal H. Neal wrote from Salonica to one of the County Council children saying it was a pleasure to hear from any of the scholars though so many 1000s of miles away. He said the sight of the poor Serbian children made him feel so thankful that English children were safe from such scenes.
01/04/1916 Lance-Corporal H. Neal (Suffolks) had written from the East to Mr. G. Ashworth of Coates Helping Hand Club to thank him for the pipe etc.
16/09/1916 Corporal H. Neal was taking part in the push at Salonica.
News reports
22/01/1916 The following Coates men were with the Mediterranean forces: Gunner T. Rawlings RAF, Lance-Corporal H. Neal 2nd? Suffolks, Private J. Payne 8th Suffolks
05/02/1916 Private H. Neal (1st? Suffolks) is in Salonika and wrote to say work is from 8am - 4pm and there was snow when he first landed.
25/03/1916 Lance-Corporal H. Neal wrote from Salonica to one of the County Council children saying it was a pleasure to hear from any of the scholars though so many 1000s of miles away. He said the sight of the poor Serbian children made him feel so thankful that English children were safe from such scenes.
01/04/1916 Lance-Corporal H. Neal (Suffolks) had written from the East to Mr. G. Ashworth of Coates Helping Hand Club to thank him for the pipe etc.
16/09/1916 Corporal H. Neal was taking part in the push at Salonica.
Newell, F Gunner - RGA of Eastrea
News report
29/09/1917 Gunner F. Newell, of Eastrea, who is in the RGA, had just had his first leave from the front.
News report
29/09/1917 Gunner F. Newell, of Eastrea, who is in the RGA, had just had his first leave from the front.
Newell, H. A. – Gunner, Regiment Unknown
News report
27/01/1917 Gunner H. A. Newell wrote to thank people of Coates for the Christmas wishes and parcel.
News report
27/01/1917 Gunner H. A. Newell wrote to thank people of Coates for the Christmas wishes and parcel.
Payne, Albert - Private 18466, 1st Suffolk Regiment
News report
26/02/1916 Private A. Payne (1st Suffolks) had written to Mr G. Ashworth secretary of the Helping Hand Club to say how pleased the Coates soldiers out there were with their gifts.
Born in Ramsey in about 1896 Albert was a General Labourer (Farm) and also a Horseman (on his medical 28/05/1916). He was attested on 10/2/1915 for the duration of war giving his age as 19years 3 months. Height 5ft 2.5in, Chest Girth 36 Expansion 2, Religion C of E. Father, Mr. William Payne.
Expeditionary Force France 1915; Mediterranean Expeditionary Force 1915-1916. He embarked 08/06/1915, joined Battalion 10/06/1915. Embarked Marsailles 24/10/1915 Disembarked Alexandria 30/10/1915.
He was in and out of hospital a few times between 18/12/1915 and 22/01/1916 and on 28/03/1916 embarked for England with Rheumatic Endocarditis due to exposure during active service; total incapacity.
Discharged 28/05/1916 after 1 year 109 days service, no longer physically fit for war service.
News report
26/02/1916 Private A. Payne (1st Suffolks) had written to Mr G. Ashworth secretary of the Helping Hand Club to say how pleased the Coates soldiers out there were with their gifts.
Born in Ramsey in about 1896 Albert was a General Labourer (Farm) and also a Horseman (on his medical 28/05/1916). He was attested on 10/2/1915 for the duration of war giving his age as 19years 3 months. Height 5ft 2.5in, Chest Girth 36 Expansion 2, Religion C of E. Father, Mr. William Payne.
Expeditionary Force France 1915; Mediterranean Expeditionary Force 1915-1916. He embarked 08/06/1915, joined Battalion 10/06/1915. Embarked Marsailles 24/10/1915 Disembarked Alexandria 30/10/1915.
He was in and out of hospital a few times between 18/12/1915 and 22/01/1916 and on 28/03/1916 embarked for England with Rheumatic Endocarditis due to exposure during active service; total incapacity.
Discharged 28/05/1916 after 1 year 109 days service, no longer physically fit for war service.
Payne, J – Private, 8th Suffolks / Lincolnshires
News reports
22/01/1916 The following Coates men were with the Mediterranean forces: Gunner T. Rawlings RFA, Lance-Corporal H. Neal 2nd Suffolks, Private J. Payne 8th Suffolks
22/09/1917 Private J. Payne. Lincolnshire Regiment, was still in hospital with a running wound in the foot. He was sent out to France again some time ago, but although he was on work at the base, he could not stand the strain.
News reports
22/01/1916 The following Coates men were with the Mediterranean forces: Gunner T. Rawlings RFA, Lance-Corporal H. Neal 2nd Suffolks, Private J. Payne 8th Suffolks
22/09/1917 Private J. Payne. Lincolnshire Regiment, was still in hospital with a running wound in the foot. He was sent out to France again some time ago, but although he was on work at the base, he could not stand the strain.
Plowright, A – Sergeant, Cambridgeshire Regiment
of Eastrea
News reports
15/04/1916 Sgt A. Plowright (Cambs) who had been ill for some time in Cambridge Hospital was home at Coates for a few days last week. He did not seem to be in very good health.
01/09/1917 It was reported that Sergeant A. Plowright, of Eastrea, had been promoted to Company Quartermaster-Sergeant.
06/04/1918 QMS A. Plowright had gone out to the front.
of Eastrea
News reports
15/04/1916 Sgt A. Plowright (Cambs) who had been ill for some time in Cambridge Hospital was home at Coates for a few days last week. He did not seem to be in very good health.
01/09/1917 It was reported that Sergeant A. Plowright, of Eastrea, had been promoted to Company Quartermaster-Sergeant.
06/04/1918 QMS A. Plowright had gone out to the front.
Plowright, J - Boy Telegraphist, Royal Navy
of Eastrea
News reports
11/08/1917 Boy telegraphist J. Plowright, of Eastrea, has been transferred to another ship.
22/09/1917 Boy telegraphist J. B. Plowright, H.M.S **** was home on a fortnight's leave. He was stationed on one of the ships of the Grand Fleet.
of Eastrea
News reports
11/08/1917 Boy telegraphist J. Plowright, of Eastrea, has been transferred to another ship.
22/09/1917 Boy telegraphist J. B. Plowright, H.M.S **** was home on a fortnight's leave. He was stationed on one of the ships of the Grand Fleet.
Pope, C – Private, 1st Cambridgeshire Regiment
News report
06/05/1916 On Saturday some of the 1st Cambs Regiment arrived home unexpectedly from the front for a few days leave. They all spoke hopefully of the outcome in France: Private Bert Bedford, J. Carter, C. Pope, A. Boon and H. Butler.
News report
06/05/1916 On Saturday some of the 1st Cambs Regiment arrived home unexpectedly from the front for a few days leave. They all spoke hopefully of the outcome in France: Private Bert Bedford, J. Carter, C. Pope, A. Boon and H. Butler.
Pratt, J – Private, Labour Battalion
News report
27/10/1917 Private J. Pratt, of the Labour Battalion, had been home on leave from France.
News report
27/10/1917 Private J. Pratt, of the Labour Battalion, had been home on leave from France.