ERNEST WILLIAM DRIVER

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: 20th October 1914, Ipswich.

Died: 13th August 1944; Age: 29; KiA during the Battle of Normandy.

Residence: 28, Alexandra Road, Ipswich.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 5831666.

Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 1st Battalion – Infantry.

The body was originally buried at Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan. On the 16th May 1946, the body was exhumed, identified and reburied at St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery.

Grave Reference:

I.B.2.

St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery,

Calvados,

France.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Ernest William & Ethel Alice Driver, of Ipswich.

Father: Ernest William Driver, born August 1876, Diss, Norfolk – died July 1940, 28, Alexandra Road, Ipswich. A Grocer – own account.

Mother: Ethel Alice Driver (nee Gray), born February 1894, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1921   28, Alexandra Road, Ipswich.

Ernest was 6 years and 8 months old. He attended School and lived with his parents and siblings.

Ernest Driver, 45 years & 10 months old, a Grocer – own account – employer.

Ethel Driver, 27 years & 4 months old, Home Duties.

Joyce Ethel Driver, 4 years old, born Ipswich.

Alan S. Driver, 11 months old, born Ipswich.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.

Ernest was a Grocer’s Assistant in his father’s shop. He was living with his parents & siblings.

Ernest, a Grocer Shop – owner.

Ethel, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Joyce, a Drapery Shop Assistant.

Alan.

Jack H. Driver, born January 1926, Ipswich.

Probate to Ethel Alice Driver – mother and Joyce Ethel Driver – sister.

Ernest is also commemorated on the British Normandy Memorial, virtually opened by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, on the 6^th June 2021.

1st Battalion:
September 1939: On the outbreak of war, the Battalion was based in Devonport. It was part of the 8th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division.
October 1939: The Battalion went to France.
May/June 1940: The Battalion were evacuated from Dunkirk and returned to the UK.
June 1944: The Battalion landed in Normandy (D Day). From then on was engaged in the North Western Europe campaign.