JOHN MARKHAM MORTIMER
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 courtesy of Sue Hart
Born: 3rd February 1910, at 59, Prospect Road, Ipswich.
Died: 26th May 1941; age 31.
Residence: 8, Victoria Street, Ipswich.
Served in Palestine in 1940.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 6008889.
Regiment: Leicestershire Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Grave Reference:
Special Memorial ‘C’ 10.A.13.
Chania,
Crete.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of William & Hannah M. Markham, of Ipswich.
Brother-in-law to JACK EDWARD PARKER.
CENSUS
1911 10, Victoria Street, Ipswich.
John was a year old and living with his parents & stepsiblings.
William Markham, 55, a Gardener – Jobbing – own account, born Sproughton, Suffolk.
Hannah Maria Mortimer (nee Bull), 34, a widow, born Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Annie Florence Mortimer, 12, born Ipswich – died 1923, Ipswich.
Thomas Frederick Mortimer, 10, born Ipswich.
Edith Elsie May Mortimer, 9, born Ipswich.
William Ernest Charles Mortimer, 8, born Ipswich.
Alfred Elijah Mortimer, 4, born Ipswich.
1921 8, Victoria Street, Ipswich.
John was 11 years old and 4 months old. He attended School and lived with his parents, sisters and stepsiblings.
William Markham, 66 years & 2 months old, a Market Gardner – own account, of Garden, Bramford Lane, Ipswich.
Hannah Mortimer, 45 years old, Home Duties.
Annie Mortimer, 22 years & 4 months old, a Mill Hand for Messrs. Cranfield, of Dock Mills.
Edith Mortimer, 19 years & 11 months old, a Sack Hand.
William Mortimer, 18 years & 4 months old, a Baker’s Assistant for Hendry’s Bakery, of Carr Street, Ipswich.
Dorothy Markham Mortimer, 10 years old, at School, born Ipswich.
May Phyllis Markham Mortimer, 8 years & 1 month old, at School, born Ipswich.
Cissie Florence Mortimer, 2 years & 4 months old, born Ipswich.
Winifred Kathleen Mortimer, 4 months old, born Ipswich.
Palestine.
Leicestershire Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
The Battle of Crete
In May 1941, Germany began an airborne invasion of Crete. The Germans suffered heavy casualties but overwhelmed the defensive positions on the north of the island. Allied forces withdrew to the south coast. The British Royal Navy evacuated more than half, and the remainder surrendered or joined the Cretan resistance. It is estimated that 3,579 British and Commonwealth troops were killed, and 12,254 were captured.
2nd Battalion:
September 1939: The Battalion was in Palestine at the outbreak of war and engaged in the Arab rebellion. It was formed part of the 16th Infantry Brigade, with which it stayed throughout the war (apart from Crete).
September 1940: It moved to the Western Desert
December 1940: It took part in the “push” of Wavell’s 30,000.
10 December 1940: It was engaged at Sidi Barrani and, shortly after, again at Bardia, advancing through Buq Buq and Solhuh.
April 1941: Engaged the German advance at Mersa Matruh.
20 May 1941: It took part in the Battle of Crete, which lasted for 10 days.
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