WILLIAM JAMES SOUTHGATE
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: 1889, Ipswich.
Died: 12th March 1915; age 26; KiA.at the battle of Neuve Chapelle
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 8th November 1914 – France.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 1995
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battlion, ‘B’ Coy.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 star.
Grave Reference:
Sp.Mem.2.
Windy Corner,
Cuichy,
Pas de Calais,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Mr J.B. & Mrs P. Southgate, of 25, Prospect Road, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1891 3, Mason Street, Ipswich.
William was 2 years old and living with his parents & sister.
James Bloomfield Southgate, 26, a Shoemaker, born Ipswich.
Phyllis Southgate (nee Varley), 26, born Ipswich.
Beatrice Ethel Southgate, 4, born Ipswich.
1901 49, Prospect Road, Ipswich.
William was 12 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
James, 36, a Shoe Rivetter.
Phyllis, 35.
Charles Edward Southgate, 15, an Errand Lad, born Ipswich.
Beatrice, 13.
Bessie Phyllis Southgate, 9, born Ipswich.
Florence Southgate, 6, born Ipswich.
Arthur Southgate, 2, born Ipswich.
1911 25, Prospect Road, Ipswich.
William was 22 years old, a General Labourer – Chemical Manufacturer. He was living with his parents & sisters.
James, 46, a Boot Repairer.
Phyllis, 45.
Beatrice, 24, a Cutter – Netting Factory.
Bessie, 19, a Mender – Netting Factory.
Florence, 16, a Machine Budder – Stay Factory.
Phyllis Southgate, 9, born Ipswich.
Violet May Southgate, 6, born Ipswich.
Rose Southgate, 2, born Ipswich.
Soldiers’ Effects to James Southgate – father.
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle 10th – 13th March 1915 was the first planned British offensive of the war. The objective was to take the German line at the Village of Neueve Chapelle and break out and head towards the City of Lille, with the main objective taking the Aubers Ridge beyond which was of strategic value. The Battle started well with a heavy bombardment of the German line (more shells fired on this occasion than the entire Boar War) with an advance which successfully took most of the first and second line trenches, but due to poor communications stalled once the village had been taken. The Germans then had time to set up more defensive lines outside of the village and hold the British advance. 40,000 British and Indian troops took part in the Battle with over 10,000+ Casualties.
Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battlion, ‘B’ Coy
The 4th Battalion the Suffolk Regiment entered the battle on the 11th of March taking up positions on the out skirts of the Neuve Chapelle facing the Bois Du Biez which later were ordered to occupy. The 4th Battalion lost many men through shelling on their positions followed by a counter attack on the 12th by the Germans. In total the Battalion sustained 217 casualties.
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