HERBERT SYRETT
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: 1892, Offton, Suffolk.
Died: 5th November 1914; age 22; KiA.
Residence: 101, Fore Street, Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 17th August 1914.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 3077
Regiment: Household Cavalry & Cavalry of the Line, ‘C’ Squadron, 16th Lancers (The Queens).
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 Star + Clasp.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 5.
West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium.
Relatives Notified: Son of Harriet Hart (formerly Syrett), of 101, Fore Street, Ipswich & the late John Syrett.
CENSUS
1901 99, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich.
Herbert was 8 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
John Syrett, 48, a Paraplegic – Invalid Blacksmith, born Mendlesham, Suffolk.
Harriet Syrett (nee Presland), 47, born Hessett, Suffolk.
John Henry Syrett, 25, a Brewer’s Drayman, born Offton, Suffolk.
Ernest Fernando Syrett, 22, a General Labourer, born Offton.
Ethel Mary Syreet, 12, born Offton.
1911 42, Myrtle Road, Ipswich.
Herbert was 18 years old, a Soldier in the 16th Lancers. He was living with his parents.
John, 59.
Harriet, 58.
2 lodgers.
Soldiers’ Effects to Harriet Syrett – mother.
We believe Herbert was friends with Walter Henry Topple, who was also from Ipswich, and died in the same action.
16th Lancer’s Diary:
2nd November 1914, 9 a.m. – Relieved by the Scots Greys and rejoined the Brigade NW of Kemmel, remaining till afternoon and finally moved to billets SW of Berthen.
3rd November 1914, 10 a.m. – Ordered to move at once and relieved the 4thDGs in the trenches about 5 p.m., having marched the last five miles. “A” and “D” Squadrons had to dig new trenches during the night, while “C” remained in the old ones.
4th November 1914 Remained in the trenches all day. The Germans shelling from daylight to darkness. Three men of “C” Squadron were buried, but they were dug out.
On the 5th November 1914, the Germans began shelling early, and “C” Squadron was the worst off, their trenches being blown in.
4:30 p.m. – About 4:30 p.m., the shelling stopped, so Major Dixon went to see what was happening and found the French on the left retiring. He stopped a few men of the Regiment advancing, tried to stop the other French men, just when he was about level with our left trench, he was shot. Sgt. Page of “A” Squadron had also collected some Frenchmen who advanced back about 50 yards and then halted. He went on and was shot. The left of the whole line of the Brigade was thus left open by the French retreating. Major Dixon, Capt. Onslow and 10 men were killed. 2nd Lt. R.R. Davis and 13 men were wounded.
5:30 p.m. – About 5:30 p.m. Capt. Neave, who was in command, reported to the Brigade the situation. The Queen’s Bays, who were coming to relieve us, were compelled to continue our line to the left with their own left swung right back. We were ordered to withdraw but could not owing to the gap we would make.
11 p.m. – About 11 p.m., the 9th Lancers came up and relieved us, and we marched back to our horses about 2 miles and then to our billets.
Household Cavalry & Cavalry of the Line, ‘C’ Squadron
16th Lancers (The Queens).
A family Note:
“Herbert Syrett was a direct relation of my grandfather, Arthur H Syrett (my mother`s father). One of his brothers was also named Herbert.
I have been fortunate enough to visit Menin Gate to pay respects to Herbert and are thankful that his name is also inscribed on the Cenotaph at Christchurch Park. Herbert is not forgotten, nor are those who gave so much for our freedom.” Robert Pearson
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