GEORGE JAMES ROBERT FRIEND
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.
Photograph courtesy of Derek.
Born: 21st May 1913, 18, Cardinal Street, Ipswich.
Died: 2nd December 1942; age: 29; died of Acute Colitis as a Japanese PoW at Fukuoka #4b, Moji, Japan.
Captured: 20th March 1942. Transported on the Dainichi Maru or Singapore Maru to Moji – arrived 28th November 1942. Assigned PoW number 5028 after his death.
Residence: 16, Bennett Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: Painter, Varnisher & Wood Machinist – Boat Builders.
Rank: Gunner; Service Number: 1653730.
Regiment: Royal Artillery, 95 Battery, 48 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 2.
Japan.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of George & Rose Friend, of Ipswich; husband of Lily M.M. Friend, of Ipswich.
Father: George James Friend, born May 1886, Ipswich. A painter – structural – non-ferrous metals.
Mother: Rose Emma Friend (nee Halls), born March 1887, Chelmsford, Essex.
Family home – 151, Bramford Road, Ipswich.
On the 9th April 1939, at All Saint’s Church, Ipswich, George married Lily Matilda May Attle, born April 1916, at 16, Potter Street, Ipswich. George recorded his address as – 151, Bramford Road, Ipswich.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939
George was a Painter, Varnisher & Wood Machinist – Boat Builders. He was living with his wife and 2 other people at their home – 16, Bennett Road, Ipswich.
48 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment
48 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment
George’s portrait and profile will be displayed at a V.J. Day exhibition “Be Ye Men of Valour” from Saturday, 9th August to Monday, 25th August (Bank Holiday) 2025, at St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich, IP4 2BT.
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