VERNON LEVER

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 Evening Star – 19th March 1942.

Born: 6th April 1911, 48, Victoria Road, Stowupland, Suffolk.

Died: 6th October 1943; age: 32; died as a Japanese POW at No. 15 PoW Camp Fukuoka, Muta, Mizumaki-cho, Onga-gun, Fukuoka. The prisoners were used by the Takamatsu Coal Mining Company.

Captured: 15th February 1942 – Fall of Singapore.

Residence: 60, Croft Street, Ipswich.

Occupation: a Driver for Messrs. Meredith and Drew.

Rank: Driver; Service Number: T/219207.

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps, 55 Infantry Brigade Group Coy.

Grave Reference:

H.B.3.

Yokohama British Commonwealth War Cemetery,

Japan.

Father: Thomas Lever, born 1864, Boxford, Suffolk – died 1935, Ipswich.

Mother: Amelia Lever (nee Copsey), born November 1868, Glemsford, Suffolk.

CENSUS

1921   60, Croft Road, Ipswich.

Vernon was 10 years & 2 months old. He attended School and lived with his parents and brothers.

Thomas Lever, 60 years & 11 months old, a Gardener at Edge Hill, Belstead Road, Ipswich.

Amelia Lever, 53 years & 3 months old, Home Duties.

Alexander Bernard Lever, 26 years & 11 months old, a Wood Machinist at Titchmarsh & Goodwin – Cabinet Maker, of Rushmere Road, Ipswich, born Reading, Berkshire.

Eric Thomas Lever, 19 years & 1 month old, a General Labourer at Messrs. Friend, Cocks and Co., Joiner’s Shop & Mill, of Sedan Street, Ipswich, born Pentlow, Essex.

Neville Victor Lever, 17 years & 9 months old, an Iron Moulder at Ransome & Rapier – Engineers, of Waterside Works, Ipswich, born Capel St. Mary, Suffolk.

Kenneth Lever, 14 years & 6 months old, an Errand Boy for Mr. Diaper – Tailor, of Vernon Street, Ipswich, born Stowmarket, Suffolk.

Probate to Amelia Lever – mother.

Vernon is also remembered on the war memorial at St Mary at Stoke Church, Ipswich.