JOHN ARTHUR OTTO
Born: 1886, Ipswich.
Died on or since: 20th July 1916; age 30; KiA.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 17th February 1915 – France.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 3/10304
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Grave Reference:
X.D.1.
Longueval,
Somme,
France.
CENSUS
1891 28, Arthur Street, Ipswich.
John was 5 years old and living with his parents, sisters & maternal aunt & uncle.
Arthur Otto, 25, a Carpenter, born Ipswich.
Elizabeth Otto (nee Catchpole), 24, born Ipswich.
Daisy Elizabeth Otto, 3, born Ipswich.
Maud Blanche Otto, 1, born Ipswich.
Robert Charles Catchpole, 18, an Iron Fitters Labourer, born Ipswich.
Maria Christiana Catchpole, 13, born Ipswich.
1901 28, Arthur Street, Ipswich.
John was 15 years old, a Plough Fitter. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Arthur, 35, a Carpenter.
Elizabeth, 34.
Maud, 11.
Kate Laura Otto, 5, born Ipswich.
William Percy Otto, born Ipswich.
Amy Otto, 1 month, born Ipswich.
1911 26, Gibson Street, Ipswich.
John was 25 years old, a General Labourer. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Arthur, 45, a House Carpenter & Joiner – Builder.
Elizabeth, 44.
Maud, 21, a Stay Maker – Corset Factory.
May Rose Otto, 17, a Service Domestic, born Ipswich.
Kate, 15, a Paper Bag maker – Bag Factory.
William, 13.
Amy, 10.
Stanley George Otto, 7, born Ipswich.
John’s father Arthur Otto died September 1916, Ipswich.
In 1912, Ipswich, John married Alice Cadman, born 1886, Ipswich. They are 3 children:
John Otto, born 1913 – 1913, Ipswich.
Doris Evelyn Otto, born January 1914, Ipswich.
Lilian Beatrice Otto, born 1915, Ipswich.
Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion:
Day 19 of the Somme offensive
2nd Battalion The Suffolk’s regimental records show: On the afternoon the Germans counter-attacked, forcing their way with fine courage but at great cost into Delville Wood and northern end of Longueval, which troops of the third division had just cleared. In consequence, two companies were sent up to Longueval ridge to support the attack of the 1st Gordon Highlanders on Longueval, the remainder of the Battalion moving from the wood into Caterpiller Valley itself, where they were persistently shelled.
Early on the 19th Captain and adjutant Trollope and Lt. Pickard-Cambridge were wounded, 2nd Lt Russell taking over the duties of adjutant. Throughout the time of stress captain Marshall R.A.M.C medical officer to the battalion always proved himself equal to the occasion, being subsequently awarded the D.S.O in recognition of his splendid service. On the 20th the battalion assembled for the renewed attack on Longueval and Delville Wood. The casualties were to be high.
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