HERBERT ALFRED KEELL
Born: 1895, Ipswich.
Died: 9th October 1917; age: 22; KiA.
Residence: 31, Berners Street, Ipswich.
Occupation: Electrical Engineer – Ransomes & Rapier Ltd., Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 8th October 1915 – Balkans.
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Essex Regiment, 3rd Battalion. Attached to the 2nd Battalion.
Formerly 1558, Suffolk Yeomanry & 320067, Suffolk Regiment.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 98 to 99.
West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Charles Goodwin Keell & Florence Harriett Keell, of 31, Berners Street, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1901 105, Fore Street, Ipswich.
Herbert was 5 years old and living with his parents & sister.
Charles Goodwin Keell, 36, a Rates Collector, born Greenwich, Kent.
Florence Harriett Keell (nee Snashall), 36, born Limehouse, Middlesex.
Phyllis Mary Keell, 11 months, born Ipswich.
1 general domestic servant.
1911 31, Berners Street, Ipswich.
Herbert was 15 years old, an Electrical Engineers Apprentice. He was living with his parents & sister.
Charles, 46, a Tax Collector.
Florence, 46.
Phyllis, 10.
1 boarder.
1 general domestic servant.
Herbert’s father Charles Goodwin Keell died July 1918, Ipswich.
Herbert’s medals were sent to his mother, Florence Harriett Keell, of 31, Berners Street, Ipswich.
Soldiers’ Effects to Mrs. Florence Harriett Keel – mother.
Probate to Florence Harriett Keel – mother.
From the data base “Soldiers died” 2/Lt Keell was listed as serving in the 3rd Essex, a service/training battalion based in UK. After training recruits were drafted into active Essex battalions. To be buried at Tyne Cott, panel 98-99, it is possible that 2/Lt Kewell was serving with 1st Essex, part of 29th Division/5th Army (Gen Gough) taking part in the Battle of Poelcappelle (9 October 1917). The supporting attack to the north achieved a substantial advance. On the main front the German defences withstood the limited amount of artillery fire. The ground along the main ridges had been severely damaged by artillery fire and rapidly deteriorated in the rains; the battle was a defensive success for the German army, although costly to both sides.
(information provided by Graham Jones)
Herbert is also remembered on the Ransomes & Rapier Ltd. war memorial, Bourne Park, Ipswich, and at St. Matthews Church, Ipswich, and at Northgate High School. Formerly Ipswich Grammar School for Boys.
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