WILLIAM HERBERT SAVAGE
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 1917 Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury newspaper.
Born: 1895, Ipswich.
Died: 16th March 1918; age 24; died of wounds at the 54th Casualty Clearing Station.
E.A.D.T. – Saturday, 23rd March 1918 – Mrs. Sarah Savage, of 44, Parliament Road, Ipswich, has received news of the death from wounds of her son, Sergeant William Savage. He enlisted in the Suffolks in 1915 and was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 17th February 1917. He was seriously wounded about six weeks ago, and had his left leg amputated above the knee, but succumbed on the 16th March, and was buried the following day in the British Cemetery in France. Mrs. Sarah Savage’s eldest son, Charlie Robert Savage, was killed in 1917, and she has two other sons who have been wounded.
Residence: 44, Parliament Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: Caddy at the Ipswich Golf Club.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich; date: 1915.
Date of Entry Therein: 25th July 1915.
Rank: Lance Sergeant; Service Number: 14694
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 7th Battalion.
Formerly Suffolk Regiment, 8th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914/1915 Star + the Distinguished Conduct Medal on the 17th April 1917 – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Accompanied by seven men, he forced his way through a small gap in the enemy’s wire, killed four of the enemy, and captured fourteen prisoners, together with a machine gun.
Grave Reference:
I.C.48.
Merville Communal Cemetery Extension,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Sarah Savage, of 44, Parliament Road, Ipswich & the late Harry Savage.
Brother to CHARLES ROBERT SAVAGE.
CENSUS
1901 3, Virginia Terrace, Freehold Road, Ipswich.
William was 6 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
(Harry)Henry Savage, 38, a General Labourer, born Monewden, Suffolk.
Sarah Savage (nee Theobold), 36, born Wherstead, Suffolk..
Charles Robert Savage, 13, born Wherstead.
George William Savage, 11, born Ipswich.
Harry Alfred Savage, 9, born Ipswich.
Ellen Savage, 8, born Ipswich.
Dorothy Emma Savage, 4, born Ipswich.
Walter Dennis Savage, 3, born Ipswich.
1911 44, Parliament Road, Ipswich.
Harry Savage, 47, a General Labourer – Oil Cake Works.
Sarah, 45.
Harry, 19, a Dock Labourer.
William, 16, a Dock Labourer.
Dolly, 15.
Walter, 13.
Florence Annie Savage, 9, born Ipswich.
William’s father Harry Savage died, 1915, Ipswich.
Soldiers’ Effects to Sarah – mother, Harry & Walter – brothers and Dorothy & Annie – sisters.
17th February 1917 – 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment: extracts from Suffolk Regiment records:
“On the 17th, the advance towards Miraumont began,8th battalion at 05:45 am under very trying weather conditions, severe frost which lasted for a month, suddenly breaking on the eve of the battle and rapid thaw converting the ground into a morass of the worst description. Very few duckboard tracks existed there at the time, and the nearest hut being over two miles from the front line, the carrying parties had a most difficult task. The process of forming up for attack had to be carried out at night in a thick mist and under a hostile barrage as well, with zero hour having become known to the enemy. The battalion gained its objectives quickly in spite of stubborn fighting in front of the uncut wire, and the leading waves succeeded in establishing themselves within a few hundred yards of Petit Miraumont. The work of consolidation was rendered less difficult by the mist, which prevented enemy observation and permitted freer movement across the open than normally possible.
In the action, which reflected the greatest credit on all ranks of the 8th Battalion, one incident stands out conspicuously. Seeing his company held up by the wire, L/Cpl. W. Savage, with seven men, having discovered a small gap therein, rushed fearlessly through into the enemy’s trench, killing with his own hands the first four Germans he met and effecting the surrender of the rest of the party, which consisted of fourteen men with a machine gun, L/Cpl. Savage received the DCM. The casualties in the Battalion amounted to 130 men. This victory marked the beginning of the retreat to the Hindenburg line.”
Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 by Lt-Col. C.C.R.Murphy
Suffolk Regiment, 7th Battalion:
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