ALBERT ROBERT CHURCHYARD
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: 14th October 1920, Ipswich.
Died: 22nd April 1940; age: 19; KiA.
Residence: 197, Cavendish Street, Ipswich.
Employed: at Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Ipswich.
Rank: Able Seaman; Service Number: C/JX 152651.
Regiment: Royal Navy, H.M.S.’Pelican’
Memorial Reference:
35.1
Chatham,
Kent.
Mother: Annabel Daisy Churchyard (nee King), born October 1892, Ipswich.
Stepfather: Frank Gilbert, born September 1885, Ipswich. A Trucker, Iron Fittings Worker.
CENSUS
1921 56, Cavendish Street, Ipswich.
Albert was 8 months old and lived with his widowed mother and stepbrother at the home of his maternal grandparents and uncle.
David Henry King, 68 years & 1 month old, a former Shipwright for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies – Engineers, of Duke Street, Ipswich, born Wickham Market, Suffolk.
Felicity King (nee Hubert), 67 years & 2 months old, Home Duties, born Ipswich.
David John King, 38 years & 11 months old, a Bricklayer’s Labourer for Bennett & Snare – Builders, of New Street, Ipswich, born Ipswich.
Annabel Churchyard, 28 years & 8 months old, a Machinist for Messrs. Pretty, of Crown Street, Ipswich.
John Dennis Churchyard, 4 years & 6 months old, born Ipswich.
Albert is also remembered by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies with entrance gates, dedicated in May 1958, at Ransomes Sports’ Centre, Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich
22nd April 1940
H.M.S. ‘Pelican’ was an anti-aircraft Sloop of the Egret class, built by Thornycroft, Southampton, U.K. Designed as a general-purpose vessel, intended for use as a survey ship in the West Indies.
On the 22nd April 1940, H.M.S. Pelican (Commander L.A.K. Boswell) was on anti-aircraft defence duty during the Norwegian Campaign (9th April – 10th June 1940). She was carrying naval base personnel for Aadalsnes, Rauma, Møre og Romsdal county, Norway and had been shadowed from the air all day. A German Ju-87 dive bomber hit H.M.S. ‘Pelican’ with two bombs aft when north-west of Aalesund. Her engines were put out of action and had to be towed back to Lewick by H.M.S. ‘Fleetwood.’ Albert Churchyard was 1 of the 70 casualties.
Albert worked for and is dedicated on Ransomes Simms & Jefferies Ltd Sports field, Ipswich WW2 memorial
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