WILLIAM GEORGE THORPE
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.
Born: 12th May 1886, All Saints, Ipswich.
Baptised on the 12th February 1890, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich, with sisters – Alice Elizabeth Thorpe, born 18th November 1877, and Evelyn Mary Thorpe, born 5th November 1879, and brothers – Christopher William Thorpe, born 8th July 1881, and Bertie Charles Thorpe, born 8th August 1888 – family home at 3, Gaye Street, Ipswich.
Died: 13th October 1918; age 31; died of wounds.
Residence: 34, Newton Street, Ipswich.
Occupation: a Painter – Burton & Saunders Ltd.
Enlistment Details: Location: Ipswich; date 7th July 1910; age 24 years & 2 months; address: 35, Waterloo Road, Ipswich. Height: 5ft 7ins.
Service: Qualified Range Finder – 5th August 1914.
Promoted to Bombardier – 6th November 1915 – to Corporal – 26th February 1916 – to Sergeant – 14th July 1916.
Rank: Sergeant; Service Number: 119383
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery ‘L’ Anti-Aircraft Battery.
Formerly 1018, Essex & Suffolk R.G.A. (TF).
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
Grave Reference:
II.A.5.
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Husband of Charlotte E. Thorpe, of 34, Newton Street, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1891 3, Gaye Street, Ipswich.
William was 4 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
William Thorpe, 40, a Tobacco Stripper, born St. Giles, Middlesex.
Elizabeth Julia Thorpe (nee Borrett), 35, a Dress Stay Fanner, born Harwich, Essex.
Alice Elizabeth Thorpe, 13, her Mother’s Help, born Ipswich.
Eveline Mary Thorpe, 11, born Ipswich.
Christopher William Thorpe, 9, born St. Matthew’s, Ipswich – died 1911, Ipswich.
Bertie Charles Thorpe, 2, born Ipswich.
Mabel Kate Thorpe, 6 months, born Ipswich.
1901 12, Waterloo Road, Ipswich.
William was 14 years old, an Errand Boy. He was living with his widowed mother & siblings.
Elizabeth, 43, a Charwoman.
Bertie, 12.
Mabel, 10.
1911 35, Waterloo Road, Ipswich.
William was 24 years old, a Baker. He was living with his grandparents & brother.
Thomas Brooks, 74, formerly a sailor, born Brightlingsea, Essex.
Mary Ann Sarah Brooks, 76, born Brightlingsea.
Bertie, 22, a General Labourer.
William’s father, William Thorpe, died in 1897 in Ipswich. His mother, Elizabeth Julia Thorpe, died in 1906 in Ipswich.
In 1911, Ipswich, William married Charlotte Eliza Pitt, born July 1887, Great Finborough, Suffolk – daughter of Thomas Pit, a leather tanner, and Charlotte Pit (nee Scoulding), of Bildeston Road, Combs, Suffolk.
Charlotte and William had three sons:
Frederick William Thorpe Pitt, born November 1909, Gosbeck, Suffolk – ranked a Corporal for the Royal Army Service Corps- died in Italy during the Second World War, 2nd December 1944.
Robert George Brooks, born January 1913, Ipswich.
Bertram Charles Thorpe, born October 1914, Ipswich.
At 34, Newton Street, on the 5th March 1919, Charlotte received William’s personal effects:
Letters, purse, 22-carat ring, wallet, photos, leather cigarette case, prayer book, dictionary, pocketbook, fountain pen, tweezers and a musical instrument.
Charlotte received William’s Victory & British War medals on the 12th November 1919.
Soldiers’ Effects to Charlotte E. Thorpe – widow.
William is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Michael’s Church, Ipswich
Royal Garrison Artillery
‘L’ Anti-Aircraft Battery
Leave a Reply