WILLIAM ERNEST SKILTON

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 – 1918

Born: 1894, Ipswich.

Died: 28th March 1918; age 24; KiA.

Residence: 78, Suffolk Road, Ipswich.

Occupation: Clerk for Pretty’s, Waterloo House, Ipswich.

Enlistment Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Date of Entry Therein: 8th October 1915 – Gallipoli.

Rank: Private: Service Number: 72036

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry).

Formerly 2083, Suffolk Yeomanry.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

Grave Reference:

I.N.9.

Bellacourt Military Cemetery,

Riviere,

Pas de Calais,

France.

Relatives Notified & Address: Youngest son of Alfred & Margaret Skilton, of Ipswich.

CENSUS

1901   42, Orford Street, Ipswich.

William was 7 years old and living with his parents and siblings.

Alfred Skilton, 50, a Hatter & Clothier Assistant, born Dulwich, Surrey.

Margaret Skilton (nee Child), 47, born Brighton, East Sussex.

Arthur George Skilton, 19, a Hair Dresser, born Ipswich.

Beatrice Marie Skilton, 15, a Dressmaker’s Assistant, born Ipswich.

Alfred John Skilton, 13, born Ipswich.

Emily Rhoda Skilton, 9, born Ipswich.

1911   13, Orford Street, Ipswich.

William was 17 years old, a Clerk – Drapers. He was living with his parents and siblings.

Alfred, 60, a Hatter’s Manager.

Margaret, 57.

Beatrice, 25, a Dressmaker.

Alfred, 23, a Hairdresser – employer.

Emily, 19, a Milliner.

William’s father, Alfred Skilton, died on the 23^rd October 1913, at his home 13, Orford Street, Ipswich.

William’s mother, Margaret Skilton, died in November 1918 in Ipswich and was buried on the 14^th November at Ipswich Old Cemetery.

Soldiers’ Effects to Beatrice Margaret Leeder (nee Skilton), Elizabeth Florence Wretham (nee Skilton), Eleanor Margaret Chaplin (1^st marriage Flitcroft (nee Skilton)), and Emily Rhoda Wright (nee Skilton) – sisters, and Alfred John Skilton, and Arthur George Skilton – brothers.

Machine Gun Corps (Infantry).