ALBERT BRAGG
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: 1899, Holbrook, Suffolk.
Died: 19th January 1945; age: 46; of Broncho-pneumonia & cerebral embolus at Ipswich Borough General Hospital.
Residence: 542, Nacton Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: Screensman – Flour Mills.
Rank: Warrant Officer Class 2/Battery Sergeant Major; Service Number: 723190.
Regiment: Royal Artillery, 23rd Medium and Heavy Field Training Regiment.`
Grave Reference:
N.N. 5. 37.
Ipswich.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son Henry & Emily Bragg; husband of Louisa M. Bragg, of Ipswich.
CENSUS
1901 Barrack Row, Holbrook, Suffolk.
Albert was 2 years old and living with his parents, siblings & maternal cousin.
Henry Bragg, 28, a Horseman on Farm, born Burstall, Suffolk.
Emily Bragg (nee Wombwell), born Erwarton, Suffolk.
Annie Wombwell Bragg, 6, born Holbrook.
Henry Bragg, 4, born Holbrook.
Frederick Tricker, 19, born Erwarton, Suffolk.
1911 Opposite Crown Inn, Whitton, Suffolk.
Albert was 12 years old and living with his parents & brothers.
Henry, 39, a Coal Carter – Coal Merchant.
Emily, 40.
Harry, 14.
Fred Ernest Bragg, 6, born Whitton, Suffolk.
1921 Workhouse Cottages, Whitton, Suffolk.
Albert was 23 years and 1 month old, and was employed as a Mill Hand for Cranfield Bros. – Flour Millers, of Dock Mills, Ipswich. He lived with his widowed mother and siblings.
Emily Bragg, 53 years & 6 months old, Home Duties.
Annie Wombwell, 26 years & 4 months old, Home Duties.
Henry Bragg, 24 years & 10 months old, a General Labourer – out of work.
Fred Bragg, 16 years & 7 months old, a Furniture Maker for Wrinch & Son – Furniture Makers, of Portman Road, Ipswich.
Albert’s father, Henry Bragg, died in the First World War. He died on the 13th/14th May 1917, aged 44, of Cardiac Failure. He was a Driver, service number T3/029202, of the Royal Army Service Corps, 7th Division Train. Henry was laid to rest at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, Pas de Calais, France.
A letter home:
Albert
5Th April 1918
Dearest Mum Just a few lines hoping they will find you all in the best of health. As I am glad to say I am keeping all bright (sic) up to the present. I have not had a letter from you or Annie for several weeks now, so you can guess I am anxiously waiting for one. I have been thinking a lot about brother Harry lately and wondering how he is getting on in this latest set to. I should think it must be two months since I had a letter from him. The only letter I have had lately was from Mrs. Atkins, Luton. She sent me some more cigs. I think it is very good of her. I wish I could send her some of these oranges that are still hanging on the trees and beginning to waste. The weather out here is lovely now. All the vines in the vineyards are getting green leaves on & the almond trees are hanging heavy with nuts, & the air is full with the smell of the orange blossom. Don’t you think our lads are doing excellent in France. I have often thought this last day or two how lucky we are not to be there. Have Annie Tricker heard from Fred. We have got a lot of RMC men with us now, sent for gunners, but I do not think they will do that where Harry is. I can tell you I shouldn’t care to be in that lot after what I saw the 26 March last year. It was a sight I do not think I shall ever forget as long as I live. Nothing I felt more than to hear the poor wounded screaming and yelling for their poor mothers, but still it all comes in this game. Do you ever see anything of Hatty, I have been wondering if he has been called up as I haven’t heard from him for a long time. Did you get that money I sent ? I should think it has been long enough now. Well Mum I think I have written all I can this time so I will close. Hoping to hear from Home very soon. With tons of love and kisses to all at home. I remain Your Ever-loving Son Albert XXXXXXXXXX PS. Remember me to all Friends.
On the back was written “ A rose of Sharon picked on the real plains of Shaar-on “ and the remains of the flower still exist, preserved by my paternal grandmother Emily Wombell and then by my mother.
In 1921, Ipswich, Albert married Louisa Maud Mehaffey, born December 1896, Chatham, Kent, daughter of John Mehaffey, a waterworks labourer and Elizabeth Mehaffey (nee Ode), of Chelmondiston, Suffolk.
Louisa and Albert had two children.
Probate to Louisa Maud Bragg – widow.
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