OLIVER HENRY LAWRENCE

Born: 3rd December 1899, Ipswich.

Died: 25th November 1916; age 16; On board H.M. Trawler ‘Burnley’ Killed by mine from the German submarine UC-4 (Commander Hans Howaldt) off Orford Ness, Suffolk.

Residence: 5, Albert Street, Ipswich.

Enrolment: Date: 26th May 1916. Height: 4ft 7ins, fair complexion, blue eyes. Several dots on both forearms. Next of Kin: father – Henry James Lawrence, of 5, Albert Street, Ipswich.

Travelling Expenses to training – Ipswich to Shotley – 10d.

Service:

Ganges – Deck Boy – 26th May 1916.

Character – Very Good.

Rank: Deck Hand; Service Number: 555SBD

Regiment: Royal Naval Reserves – H.M.Trawler ‘Burnley.’

Memorial Reference:

20.

Chatham Naval memorial,

Chatham,

Kent.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Mr H & Norah Lawrence, of 5, Albert Street, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1901   252, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich.

Oliver was a year old and living with his parents & cousin.

(Harry) Henry James Lawrence, 27, a Cab Driver, born Ipswich.

Nora Lawrence (nee Hart), 24, born Harkstead, Suffolk.

Frederick Thompson, 18, a Job Master’s Stable Help, born Ipswich.

1911   14, James Street, Ipswich.

Oliver was 11 years old and living with his parents & sister.

Harry, 35, a Coal Porter.

Nora, 32.

Nora Gertrude Lawrence, 6, born Ipswich.

1 boarder.

The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is the volunteer reserve force of the Royal Navy (RN). Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR), a reserve of civilian volunteers founded in 1903, formed a vital reserve made up of formally retired Royal Navy, merchant navy and experienced seafarers who were trained to support in a combatant role.

Oliver is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Pancras Catholic Church, Ipswich and at St. Clement’s Church, Ipswich.

H.M.Trawler ‘Burnley’: http://www.burnleyinthegreatwar.info/hmtburnley.htm

W. G. S. Trusler also died on board  ‘Burnley.’