BENJAMIN JAMES FARTHING

Benjamin is remembered on the war memorial at St. Mary & St. Botolph Church, Whitton-cum-Thurleston.

Born: 1888, Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Died on or since death presumed: 22nd October 1917; age: 29; KiA.

Enlistment Location: Ipswich.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 21682.

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 53rd Coy.

Formerly Private – 17098 of the 8th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

Grave Reference:

VIII.D.14.

Perth Cemetery (China Wall),

West-Vlaanderen,

Belgium.

CENSUS

1891   Wolfe Hall Cottage, Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Benjamin was 2 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

William Farthing, 34, an Agricultural Labourer, born Chattisham, Suffolk.

Mary Ann Farthing (nee Whiting), 32, born Bruisyard, Suffolk.

Mary Jane Farthing, 10, born Hintlesham, Suffolk – died 1897, Ipswich.

William Henry Farthing, 7, born Hadleigh.

1901   Cooper’s Cottage (near Wolves Wood), Aldham, Suffolk.

Benjamin was 12 years old, an Assistant Shepherd. He was living with his parents & brother.

William, 46, an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer.

Mary, 43.

William, 17, an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer.

Benjamin’s father, William Farthing died 1917, Suffolk.

In 1911, Bosmere, Benjamin married Florence Tamar Crisp, born 1890, Grundisburgh, Suffolk. They had 2 children:

Bertie William Farthing, born October 1912, Cosford, Suffolk.

Lily E. Farthing, born 1914, Bosmere, Suffolk.

Soldiers’ Effects to Florence T. Copping – widow.