PERCY ARTHUR ROPER
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.
Image from the Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – 10th May 1918
Born: 29th October 1898, Ipswich.
Baptised on the 5th February 1899, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich – family home at 68, St. George’s Street, Ipswich.
Died: 27th September 1917; age 18; KiA.
Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – Friday, 30th November 1917 – Mrs. Annie Roper, of 8, Hill Street, Ipswich, has received official notice that her son Percy of the Suffolk Regiment has been missing since the 25th September. Any news concerning him would be gratefully received by his anxious parents.
Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – Friday, 10th May 1918 – Private Percy Arthur Roper, reported missing on the 27th September last, is now officially returned as killed on that date; he joined up at the age of 16 1/2, and went through the Battle of Loos before he was 17; he had been out in France three times; before enlisting he was employed at Messrs. Cranfield’s Dock Roller Mills.
Residence: 8, Hill Street, Ipswich.
Occupation: with Messrs. Cranfield’s Dock Roller Mills, Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 27th October 1915 – France.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 202666;
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 40 to 41 & 162 to 162A,
West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium.
CENSUS
1901 68, St. George’s Street, Ipswich.
Percy was 2 years old and living with his parents, siblings & paternal aunt.
Charles Gainsborough Roper, 30, a Groom & Coachman – Domestic, born Bildeston, Suffolk.
Annie Eliza Roper (nee Binks), 28, born Somersham, Suffolk.
Gladys Lilian Annie Roper, 7, born Ipswich.
Charles Gainsborough Roper, 6, born Ipswich.
Daisy Florence Roper, 22, a General Help – Domestic, born Bildeston.
1911 Halfway Cottages, Tuddenham Road, Westerfield, Suffolk.
Percy was 12 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Charles, 40, a Coachman at an Iron Foundry.
Annie, 38.
Olive Constance Roper, 10, born Ipswich.
Dudley Edward Roper, 9, born Ipswich.
Leonard Roper, 8, born Ipswich.
Joan Roper, 3, born Ipswich.
Dick Conrad Roper, 2, born Ipswich.
Percy’s brother Robert Archibald Roper, aged 3 months, died on the 1st October 1896, at the family home – 68, St. George’s Street, Ipswich. The baby had suffered from whooping cough for several days, but had not exhibited any symptoms that would lead the parents to suppose death would ensue. The child slept with his father and mother on Wednesday night, and at 5 o’clock they were awakened by his cries. The deceased, however, appeared all right, and after quieting the youngster, they went to sleep again. On awaking three-quarters of an hour later, they found their child was dead.
Soldiers’ Effects to Charles G. Roper – father.
Percy is also remembered on the war memorial at DanceEast, Jerwood Dancehouse, Ipswich. Formerly Cranfield’s Flour Mill.
If you are a family member, Keith Roper would like you to make contact: keith_roper@sky.com
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