WILLIAM HENRY ROXBROUGH
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.
Born: 27th August 1894, Ipswich.
Baptised on the 19th September 1894, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich – family home at R.A. Barracks, Ipswich.
Died: 13th April 1918; age 23; died of wounds received in action at Hersin Hill.
Residence: 14, Kitchener Road, Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 8th November 1914.
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant; Service Number: 2307
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 11th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & the 1914 Star + the Military Medal – 21st – 22nd March 1918. “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy had entered the trench, he established a bombing block and retained it against repeated attacks, freely exposing himself to rifle fire and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.” London Gazette – 16th September 1918.
Grave Reference:
XXVI.F.15.
Lijssenthock Military Cemetery,
West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Sergeant Major & Mrs. Roxbrough, of 14, Kitchener Road, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1901 15, Wellington Street, Ipswich.
William was 6 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Alfred William Roxbrough, 38, a Sergeant Major – Royal Artillery, born Islington, Middlesex.
Aves Sarah Eliza Mary Roxbrough (nee Fairman), 35, born Croydon, Surrey.
Mabel Roxbrough, 8, born Woolwich, Kent.
Alfred Leonard Roxbrough, 5, born Ipswich.
1911 14, Kitchener Road, Ipswich.
William was 16 years old, an Organ Builder – Woodwork. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Alfred, 49, a Pensioner – Army.
Aves, 47.
Mabel, 18, a Dressmaking – Improver.
Leonard, 15, a Student.
Aves Winifred Roxbrough, 9, born Ipswich.
Soldiers’ Effects to Alfred William Roxbrough, Esq. – father.
William is also remembered on SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL ww1 Memorial, Ipswich. Northgate High School Memorial. Formerly Ipswich Grammar School for Boys.
Diary of the 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment 1918
On 21st March, they were in trenches just north of the Sensee River (arrived there on 20th March). In the front line trenches, “A Coy” was on the right and “C Coy” on the left. “B” and “D” coys. were in support. From 5 am, they were subjected to a bombardment and gassed, with heavy minenwerfer being used on the battalion. This caused a few casualties. The Germans broke through the lines to the left of the Bn. but were driven back by 7 am. At 3 pm, another half-hour “whirlwind” bombardment ensued, and another German attack advanced northwards across “C Coy.’s” front. C and B Coy fire took a heavy toll on the Germans. Before sunset, C Coy’s line that had been temporarily broken had been reset. Due to news from elsewhere, Orders were received to retire, and the withdrawal began at 8.30 pm.
On the 2nd June 1919, Mr A.W. Roxbrough received his late son’s 1914 Star medal and in February 1922, the Victory medal.
Suffolk Regiment, 11th Battalion:
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