ERIC WALTER THOMAS DRAKE
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: 11th September 1913, 43, Clock House, East Square, Woolwich, London.
Baptised: 28th September 1913, at St. George’s Garrison Church, Woolwich.
Died: 28th October 1945; age: 32; of Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the Royal Infirmary, Abercromby, Liverpool, Lancashire.
Eric’s mother, Sophia Drake, of 379, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, registered her son’s death at Abercromby.
Residence: 379, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: Local Government Officer.
Rank: Captain; Service Number: 85246.
Regiment: Royal Artillery.
Grave Reference:
C.31.80.
Ipswich.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Lt. Walter Drake, formerly of the Royal Horse Artillery, and of Sophia Kate Drake, of Ipswich.
Nephew to ISAAC GEORGE ALDOUS.
Father: Walter Drake, born July 1885, Norwich, Norfolk – died First World War – KiA 26th April 1916 – by a German shell – hitting his left lung & heart -while asleep in his dugout. Walter was ranked 2nd Lieutenant; Service Number: 33565; Regiment: Royal Horse Artillery, ‘Y’ Battery. He was laid to rest – Mailly Wood Cemetery, Somme, France.
Mother: Sophia Kate Drake (nee Aldous), born January 1885, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1921 18, Gatacre Road, Ipswich.
Eric was 7 years and 9 months old. He attended School and lived with his widowed mother.
Kate Drake, 36 years & 6 months old, Home Duties.
In 1939, Ipswich, Eric married Vivienne Knight, born 11th April 1918, Ipswich – daughter of Charles Knight and Grace Maud Knight (nee Bowman), of 264, Colchester Road, Ipswich.
Probate to Sophia Kate Drake – mother.
Eric is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Augustine of Hippo Church, Ipswich.
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