WILLIAM GEORGE FINBOW
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG”: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Image from the Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – 1918
Born: 4th November 1888, Ipswich.
Died: 26th October 1918; age 29; died of Influenza on board H.M.Hospital Ship ‘Gareth Castle,’ docked at Rosyth, Fife, Scotland.
There were four deaths on board the day William died.
Occupation: Fitter & Turner.
Enlistment into the Royal Navy – Location: Chatham; Date: 5th February 1910 – signed up for 12 years. Height: 5ft 4 7/10ins, fair complexion, grey eyes & brown hair. Birthmark on right knee.
Last day of service: 31st December 1915.
Residence: 94, Back Hamlet, Ipswich.
Occupation: Engineer with Ransomes Sims & Jefferies Ltd., Ipswich.
Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant – 1st April 1918.
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Air Force, 201st Training Squadron, based on H.M.S. ‘Argus.’
Grave Reference:
BA.I.78.
Ipswich.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of William Bartlett Finbow & Caroline Emma Finbow, of 94, Back Hamlet, Ipswich.
1891 23, Woodhouse Street, Ipswich.
William was 2 years old and living with his parents.
William Bartlett Finbow, 31, a Baker & Confectioner – own account, born Mendlesham, Suffolk.
Caroline Emma Finbow (nee Potter), 29, born Ipswich.
1901 168, Wherstead Road, Ipswich.
William was 12 years old and living with his parents & brothers.
William, 41, Painter – Iron Foundry.
Caroline, 38.
Bertie Arthur John Finbow, 6, born Ipswich.
Cecil Walter Finbow, 1 month, born Ipswich.
1 boarder Joseph M. Potter, 35, a Groom.
Probate to William Bartlett Finbow – father.
William Bartlett Finbow applied for his son’s officer medals on the 16th January 1922. The medals were sent to 94, Back Hamlet, Ipswich.
William is also remembered on the war memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Ipswich.
Extra information courtesy of Rob Webb.
6 Comments
Thinking of my great uncle Bill today. I didn’t know you but my grandfather spoke of you with pride and affection.
Thinking of my great uncle too. I was too young to know about you but I’ve since learnt about your sacrifice in the Great War. With love and gratitude from all of us xxx
Discovered that William George Finbow died of influenza on board HM Hospital Ship Garth Castle on 26 October 1918. The ship was docked at Rosyth where it helped to manage an outbreak of influenza that swept the ships. Finbow was based on HMS Angus but obviously moved to Garth Castle. There were four deaths on board the day Finbow died.
Thank you for updating this information Rob.
He served as a WO2 on the Greek island of Thassos with my father.
Hi Alan, my cousin and I have just been catching up about family history and reminding ourselves about our great uncle Bill. It’s interesting to read that your father served with him in Greece. If you have any further information we would love to hear from you.
Best wishes
Colleen & Melissa