ROBERT JAMES MAY
Born: 1886, Ipswich.
Baptised on the 31st October 1886, at St. Peter’s Church, Ipswich – family home at 4, Dock Street, Ipswich.
Died on or since death presumed: 30th November 1917; age 32; KiA.
Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – Friday, 1st February 1918 – Mrs. Eliza May, of 6, The Mount, Ipswich, has received notification that her son, Private Robert J. May, 41415, Essex Regiment, was posted missing on the 30th November. Any information about him will be gladly received.
Residence: 6, The Mount, Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 41415
Regiment: Essex Regiment, 13th Battalion.
Formerly 6680, Cambridgeshire Regiment.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 7 & 8,
Louveral,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Eldest son of Robert James & Eliza May, of The Mount, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1891 74, New Cut West, Ipswich.
Robert was 5 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Robert James May, 31, a Fishmonger, born Ipswich.
Eliza May (nee Halls), 33, born Ipswich.
Joseph May, 4, born Ipswich.
Charlotte Lucy May, 4 months, born Ipswich.
1901 36, Wingfield Street, Ipswich.
Robert was 15 years old, a Tailor’s Porter. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Robert, 41, a Hassock Maker – Mats – own account.
Eliza, 42.
Joseph, 14, an Errand Boy.
Charlotte, 10.
Rose May, 6, born Ipswich.
1911 6, The Mount, Ipswich.
Frederick was 24 years old, an Agent – Insurance Co. – own account.
Robert, 50, an Upholsterer.
Eliza, 53.
Joseph, 22, a Warehouseman – General Furnishers.
Lottie, 20, a Domestic General Servant.
Rose, 16, a Domestic General Servant.
Soldiers’ Effects to Eliza May – mother.
Robert is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Mary le Elm Church, Ipswich.
In March 1916, Robert had an important role as eldest son of the May family:
Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – Friday, 24th March 1916 – On Monday a pretty wedding took place at St. Mary at the Elm’s Church, Ipswich, the officiating clergyman being the Vicar, the Reverend H.U. Brown-Greaves. The contracting parties were Trooper William John Burton, of the Norfolk Yeomanry (Norwich) and Charlotte Lucy May (Lottie), the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert May, of 6, The Mount, Ipswich. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr. Robert James May, was dressed in lavender grey poplin, with embroidered veil and orange blossoms, and carried a shower bouquet of narcissi and lilies. The bridesmaids – Miss Elsie Buckenham, Miss Ross May (sister of the bride), Miss Nellie Wright, and Miss Winnie Wright (nieces of the bridegroom) – wore dresses of pale blue cashmere, trimmed with pale blue silk, with black hats trimmed with roses and gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr. W. R. Fuller. After the ceremony the guests were entertained at the home of the bride’s parents. Later on the happy couple left for Norwich. A large number of presents were received.
Essex Regiment, 13th Battalion
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