Mayor of Ipswich 1916-1917
Born: 1847, Little Oakley, Essex.
Baptised: 1st October 1847, at St. Mary le Virgin Church, Little Oakley.
Valentine’s six times great-grandmother on his maternal line, Jane Cromwell (1605 – 1656), was a sister to Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England. In 1636, Jane Cromwell married Major General Sir John Desbrow/Desborough, a high-ranking Parliamentarian soldier during the English Civil War. In 1657, he became a member of the Lord Protector’s Privy Council, and in 1658, John accepted a seat in his brother-in-law’s Other House (House of Lords).
Member of the Conservative Party.
On the 1st November 1888, Valentine was elected, upon a contest, one of the representatives of the Westgate Ward, for the term of three years.
During the First World War, Valentine Colchester was the Chairman of the Ipswich War Savings Committee. Through correspondence in local newspapers, Valentine was anxious to make known that investors would be giving great assistance to the National War Bonds campaign in the local district. That the note of the campaign would be the need for regular investment on the part of the public in these new bonds, so that, instead of the public holding its money for future War Loans, the obligations of the State may be met by the public day by day. As Chairman, Valentine advised that the Hon. Secretary of the local War Savings Committee, at the Education Office, in Tower Street, Ipswich, was prepared to give information as to the National War Bonds.
Father: WILLIAM COLCHESTER, born 21st July 1813, at Sutton, Suffolk; baptised 23rd September 1813, at All Saints Church, Sutton. William was a merchant, residing and carrying on business in College Street, in the parish of St. Peter’s, Ipswich. On the 20th November 1841, at a by-election for two representatives for the Bridge Ward, he was elected, as a Conservative, for the ensuing two years, at the expiration of which William lost his seat, and did not seek re-election. William Colchester died on the 15th November 1898, at Burwell, Cambridgeshire.
William & Mary.
Mother: MARY KATE COLCHESTER (nee Bright), born 14th March 1818, Maldon, Essex; baptised 14th April 1818, at All Saints with St. Peter’s Church, Maldon. Mary was the daughter of Edward Bright, a Justice of the Peace, an Alderman, a proprietor of land, houses, and a 50-acre farm, and Elizabeth Bright (nee Parsons), of the High Street, Maldon, Essex. Mary Colchester died on the 6th August 1895, at Burwell, Cambridgeshire.
William and Kate on their 50th Wedding anniversary.
Great Great Grandfather, EDWARD BRIGHT, born 1721, was a grocer, tallow chandler and a Freeman in Maldon. Edward Bright was known as the “Fat Man of Maldon” and, at the time of his death, in November 1750, he was reported to be the biggest and weightiest man in England. He was laid to rest in a special coffin at All Saints with St. Peter’s Churchyard, the church records read that “A way was cut through the wall and staircase at his residence in the High Street to let the body down into the shop; it was drawn upon a carriage to the church and slid upon rollers to the vault made of brickwork, and interred by the help of a triangle and pulley.” maelduneheritagecentre.org/edward-bright-the-fat-man-at-maldon/
SIBLINGS:
EDWARD CROMWELL COLCHESTER, born 25th April 1844, St. Peter’s, Ipswich; baptised 19th July 1844, at St. Peter’s Church, Ipswich. On the 14th October 1880, at Dollar, Scotland, Edward, of Springfield House, Norwich Road, Ipswich, married Marguerite Branford Baker, born 29th December 1856, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire – fourth daughter of John Baker, a naturalist and bird taxidermist – employer, and Fanny Branford Baker, of “Mill View” New Cut, Chesterton, Cambridgeshire. Marguerite and Edward had seven children and made their family home in Abington Piggotts and later Shelford, where Edward was a cement manufacturer, coprolite merchant and farmer. Edward Colchester died on the 10th October 1921, at Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire. On the 1939 England and Wales register, Marguerite Colchester was living on private means at her home 71, Hinton Way, Great Shelford was her daughter Dorothy Marguerite Colchester, born 2nd August 1881, Abington Piggotts.
Edward Cromwell Colchester was ranked a Lieutenant for the Royal Navy, serving on H.M.S. ‘Irresistible.’ On the 18th March 1915 during operations in the Dardanelles, Edward received fatal injuries when a shell struck H.M.S. ‘Irresistible.’ During the time of the shell attack, the vessel struck a drifting mine, and she sank in deep water, nearly all the crew were rescued. Edward’s body was conveyed out to sea by a British destroyer and consigned to the deep with full military honours, he was 31 years of age. He is commemorated at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Edward finished his education at Sandroyd, Surrey, and then joined the Merchant Service, being nominated to the Royal Naval Reserve almost immediately. He later joined the regular Service in 1913. He served on many vessels, including H.M.S. ‘Natal,’ on which he was the navigating lieutenant when that vessel escorted their majesties to India for the Durbar Camp. At the start of the War he was on the ‘Irresistible,’ which was engaged in escorting the troopships to France, In this dangerous occupation he made 187 journeys to and fro between England and France, frequently having very narrow escapes from submarines and mines. – Cambridge Independent Press – Friday, 26th March 1915.
Bernard Valentine Colchester was killed in action – shot through the heart on the 24th April 1917. Bernard was ranked a Second Lieutenant for the Bedfordshire Regiment, 6th Battalion and commemorated on the Arras memorial, Pas de Calais, France, he was 27 years of age. Bernard had immigrated to British Columbia, Canada in March 1907 aboard the S.S. ‘Ireland,’ first settling in Kootenay County, and later at Victoria where he was a land surveyor by profession. Bernard came over to England from Vancouver in February 1915 as a private with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, 30th Battalion after 15 months serving in France he was commissioned to the Bedfordshire Regiment. Bernard had served 2 years in the trenches and had been through 6 actions in France.
Edward and Bernard are commemorated at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Great Shelford and on the Great Shelford village hall memorial.
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MARY KATE COLCHESTER, born 14th May 1845, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised 3rd August 1845, at St. Mary le Virgin Church, Little Oakley. On the 17th September 1879, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich, Kate, of Springfield House, Norwich Road, Ipswich, married Henry Joseph Bassett, born 26th June 1837, at St. Pancras, Middlesex, an analytical chemist, of Barnsbury. Mary and Henry had three children and made their home at 26 Belitha Villas, Barnsbury, London. Henry Bassett died on the 30th August 1920, at 26 Belitha Villas, Barnsbury.
On the 1939 England and Wales Register, Mary Bassett a widow, was living on private means at her home – Littleford House, Silchester Road, Pamber Heath, Hampshire, with her daughter Kate Rose Bassett, born 15th September 1882, Islington, London. Mary Bassett died on the 25th February 1942, at 86, Shinfield Road, Reading.
Mary and Henry’s grandson lost his life during the Second World War. Anthony Hastings Bassett was killed in action while spotting for naval gunfire during Operation Overlord on the 6th June 1944 – D-Day, he was 21 year old. He was flying a Supermarine Seafire from H.M.S. ‘Daedalus’ at Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire when he was hit by flak and crashed over Hermanville-sur-Mer. Anthony and ranked an acting Sub-Lieutenant for the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, F.A.A. 885 Squadron – H.M.S. ‘Daedalus.’ He was laid to rest at Hermanville War Cemetery, Calvados, France. Son of Professor Henry and Violet Muriel Bassett (nee Fleming), of The Corner House, Earley Hill Road, Reading, Berkshire. Anthony is commemorated on a plaque at St Columba’s Parish Church, Omagh, County Tyrone.
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AGNES COLCHESTER, born 1846, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised 28th August 1846, at St. Mary le Virgin Church, Little Oakley. On the 23rd April 1881, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich, Agnes, of Springfield House, Norwich Road, Ipswich, married William Tayler, a widower, born 1851, East Bergholt, Suffolk, of Ardvoulan House, Russell Road, Ipswich, a manager with the Suffolk Alliance Insurance Office. Agnes and William had three children and made their family home at The Hall, Westerfield, Suffolk. William Tayler died on the 16th November 1915, at his residence The Grove, Sproughton, Suffolk. Agnes Tayler died on the 22nd April 1935, at West View Marine Close West, Worthing, West Sussex.
William Tayler was first married in 1876, at St. Mary at Stoke Church, Ipswich, to Ellen Louisa Nicholson, born 1849, Ipswich – daughter of Alexander Francis Nicholson and the late Eliza Nicholson (nee Manning), of Westgate Street, Ipswich. Ellen Tayler died on the 1st March 1878, and laid to rest at the Nicholson family grave at Ipswich Old Cemetery.
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MAYNARD COLCHESTER, born 1849, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised 6th January 1849, at St. Mary le Virgin Church, Little Oakley. Maynard Colchester, died on the 3rd August 1852, at Little Oakley, and was laid to rest at St. Mary le Virgin Churchyard, Little Oakley.
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HESTER ELLEN COLCHESTER: born 1850, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised 12th April 1850, at St. Mary le Virgin Church, Little Oakley. Hester Colchester died on the 5th July 1852 and was laid to rest on the 9th July, at St. Mary le Virgin Churchyard, Little Oakley.
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CHARLOTTE COLCHESTER, born 1851, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised: 20th September 1851, at St. Mary le Virgin Church, Little Oakley. On the 12th October 1887, at Landour, Mussoorie, India, Charlotte, of Burwell, Cambridgeshire, married Thomas George Willis, of Castle Grant, Agra. On the 22nd May 1926, Charlotte Willis, a widow, arrived at the Port of Southampton, she was to make England her permanent residence. Charlotte had embarked aboard the S.S. ‘Vondel,’ of the Netherland Steamship Company at the Port of Algiers. Charlotte Willis died on the 27th January 1937, at 16, Castle Crescent, Reading, Berkshire.
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LUCY FLORENCE COLCHESTER, born 6th March 1853, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Little Oakley. On the 22nd July 1884, at St. Mary’s Church, Wherstead, Suffolk, Lucy, of Springfield House, Norwich Road, Ipswich, married Herbert Baring Garrod, born 22nd May 1849, Marylebone, London, of 22, Clifton Hill, N.W., a barrister-at-law. Lucy and Herbert had four sons and made their family home in Hampstead. After two months’ of illness, Herbert Garrod, died on Tuesday, 30th July 1912, at his residence at 72, Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead, and was laid to rest on the 2nd August, at Hampstead Cemetery, London. Lucy Garrod died on the 16th February 1935, at her residence at 13, Gainsborough Gardens, Well Walk, Hampstead, Middlesex, and was laid to rest at Hampstead Cemetery, London.
Hampstead News – Thursday, 1st August 1912 – DEATH OF MR. HERBERT B. GARROD, M.A. – We regret to have to announce the death on Tuesday evening, at 72, Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead, of Herbert Baring Garrod, barrister-at-law, in his sixty-fourth year, after two months of illness.
Herbert Garrod had been for twenty-one years a resident in Hampstead and was well known in educational circles, having been until recently General Organising Secretary of the Teachers’ Guild of Great Britain and Ireland, which has for its chief object the raising of the whole body of teachers to the status and authority of a learned profession. He was also known as a lecturer on Dante and classical subjects.
Herbert was educated at King’s College School and Merton College, Oxford, where he obtained the Senior postmastership of his year. In 1870 he won the Newdigate Prize for English Verse, and the verses and articles which he contributed from time to time to the Spectator and other papers were a proof of the deep learning and literary ability that lay beneath a modest and unassuming exterior.
A man of wide reading and varied interests, Mr. Herbert Garrod was beloved by a large circle of friends. He was the elder surviving son of the late Sir Alfred Baring Garrod, M.D., F.R.S., and leaves a widow and four sons.
Hampstead News – Thursday, 1st August 1912 – DEATH OF MR. HERBERT B. GARROD, M.A. – We regret to have to announce the death on Tuesday evening, at 72, Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead, of Herbert Baring Garrod, barrister-at-law, in his sixty-fourth year, after two months of illness.During the First World War, Lucy and Herbert’s youngest son, ROLAND PERCIVAL GARROD went to the Front on the 16th March 1915, and was killed in action on the 22nd May 1915, while in charge of the machine guns of his Battalion near Festubert. Roland was ranked a Second Lieutenant for the London Regiment (City of London Rifles), 6th Battalion. He was 19 years of age and laid to rest at Brown’s Road Military Cemetery, Festubert, France.
Lucy and Herbert’s third son, Alfred Guy Roland Garrod, born in April 1891, was first commissioned into The Leicestershire Regiment in 1914, he served in Ypres where he was wounded in November 1914. In September 1915, Guy was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he qualified as a pilot. In January 1917 he was appointed Flight Commander and re-embarked for France After the First World War, Guy continued his career in the newly formed R.A.F. and served in the Second World War. He was awarded the O.B.E. in May 1932, and knighted in June 1943. Air Chief Marshall Sir Guy Garrod retired from the R.A.F., in October 1948. Sir Guy Garrod died in January 1965. In November 2022, at Dominic Winter Auctioneers, Air Chief Marshall Sir Guy Garrod’s Second World War R.A.F. uniform, with cloth R.A.F. brevet, medal ribbons etc., was sold by auction for £3,000.
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ALICE HELEN COLCHESTER, born 15th June 1854, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised 10th September 1854, at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Little Oakley. On the 22nd November 1886, 29 year old, Alice Colchester, embarked at the Port of New York, she had sailed Cabin Class from the Port of Liverpool via Queenstown aboard the S.S. ‘Britannic.’ On Wednesday, 1st December 1886, at St. Lake’s Church, Tacoma, Washington Territory, U.S.A., Alice, of Springfield House, Norwich Road, Ipswich, married Ernest Edwards Barker, born 10th May 1854, Ipswich, of Vancouver, Canada – formerly of Anglesea House, Cumberland Road, Ipswich and Sandown, Isle of Wight.
Victoria Daily Times – Saturday, 4th December 1886 – ROMANTIC MARRIAGE – In Tacoma, last Wednesday, a romantic marriage occurred – romantic because of the fact that the bride and groom had not seen each other for six years, and the bride, a handsome brunette, had travelled 7,000 miles to join her intended. The groom Mr. Ernest Edwards Barker, of Vancouver, and the bride is a Miss Alice Helen Colchester, of Ipswich, England. The happy couple arrived on the Sound steamer yesterday and are registered at the Driard. They will leave for the Terminal City in a few days which will be their future home. We extend hearty congratulations to the young and plucky couple.
Alice and Ernest, a real estate agent and a proprietor of the Red Cross brewery had three children and made their home in New Westminster, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Fifteen days after the birth of her daughter, Alice Helen Colchester Barker (born 24th November, Burwell, Cambridgeshire), Alice Barker died on Monday, 9th December 1895, of Malaria – 10 days and Nephritis and Uraemia at the residence of her father, William Colchester, of The House, Burwell, Cambridgeshire. George Henry Colchester was in attendance and registered the death of his sister. Alice Barker was laid to rest on Wednesday, 11th December at Burwell.
In February 1898, 44 year old Ernest Barker re-married at All Saints with St. Margaret’s Church, Upper Norwood, Surrey to 36 year old Emmeline Phebe Shepherd, born 5th February 1860, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa – daughter of John Shepherd, a merchant and Phebe Shepherd (nee Collison). Emmeline and Ernest had three children and made their family home in Vancouver, British Columbia. Ernest was an estate agent, and a proprietor of the Red Cross brewery and Emmeline was a teacher at her private school establishment where she taught both girls and boys. Ernest Barker died on the 19th May 1926, in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. Emmeline Barker died on the 20th May 1943, of 1348, Robson Street, Vancouver.
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CHARLES MAYNARD COLCHESTER, born 1856, Little Oakley, Essex; baptised 13th July 1856, at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Little Oakley. Charles was a chemical manure manufacturer – employer. On Thursday, 24th March 1881, at Christ Church, Lee, London, Charles, of Springfield House, Norwich Road, Ipswich, married Millicent Isabel Allen born 2nd September 1853, Singapore, baptised 16th October 1853, Singapore – daughter of the late Henry Allen Allen, a physician, in Springfield, Singapore, and Charlotte Colchester (1st marriage Allen (nee Locke)), of 50, Belsize Square, London. Millicent and Charles had two daughters and made their family home at ‘Fernleigh,’ Westerfield Road, Ipswich. Millicent’s widowed sister, Charlotte Ghita Bland, also resided with the family. Charles Colchester died on the 1st March 1909, at his residence Fernleigh, Westerfield Road, Ipswich. Millicent Colchester died on the 1st June 1923, at Redisham, Suffolk.
Evening Star – Tuesday, 2nd March 1909 – DEATH OF MR. CHARLES M. COLCHESTER – On Monday, 1st March, Mr. Charles Maynard Colchester, of Fernleigh, Westerfield Road, died, he had suffered considerably for several years. Charles was head of the firm of William Colchester and Co., chemical manure manufacturers, Griffin Wharf, New Cut West, Ipswich. He was the youngest of the four sons of the William Colchester, a merchant, who, in the middle of the last century resided and carried on business in College Street, and was for a brief period a representative of the Bridge Ward on the Ipswich Corporation. Mr. Charles Maynard Colchester, in his early life, took up the artificial manure business, establishing an extensive connection, both in England and abroad. The barley competition, for a gold cup and other prizes, every autumn in recent years brought out a large number of samples and attracted much attention. Mr. Colchester took very little part in public affairs – one can only recall his membership of the Ipswich Dock Commission, and this was scarcely more than nominal. He had a disposition for travel, and one very distinct trait in his character was his love of horses – he generally had in his possession one or two animals of exceptional quality; he was frequently seen out riding, and for many years he made a point of driving his wagonette on to the Ipswich racecourse when the races were in progress.
The family has tolerably extensive ramifications with the business life of East Anglia. Mr. William Colchester migrated from Ipswich to Burwell, in Cambridgeshire, and the name still appears in the Burwell firm of Colchester and Ball, chemical manure manufacturers and brickmakers, the first mentioned partner being Mr. George Henry Colchester, one of the deceased gentleman’s brothers. Another brother is Mr. Valentine Desborough Colchester, a merchant, of Ipswich. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and two daughters, one of whom is married to Lieutenant Powell, R.F.A., son of the Reverend John Powell, rector of St. Clement’s Church; this lady reached Ipswich from India on Sunday.
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GEORGE HENRY COLCHESTER, born 22nd April 1857, Dovercourt, Essex; baptised 5th August 1857, at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Little Oakley. George was a principal partner of Messrs. Colchester and Ball – chemical manure manufacturers, brickmakers and farmers. On the 10th January 1901, at St. Saviour’s Church, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, George, of Burwell, Cambridgeshire, married Marion Ethel Cope born 1879, Andover, Hampshire; baptised 29th June 1878, at St. Mary’s Church, Andover – only daughter of the Reverend Alfred Davies Cope, a Clerk in Holy Orders, and Marion Olivia Cope (nee Brock), of the Royal Sea Bathing Hospital, Margate, Kent. Reverend Alfred Cope officiated and married Marion and George.
Cambridge Daily News – Wednesday, 16th January 1901 – WEDDING OF MR. GEORGE HENRY COLCHESTER, OF BURWELL – An exceedingly smart wedding took place at St. Saviour’s Church, Westgate-on-Sea, on Thursday, 10th January, when Miss Marion Cope was married to Mr. George Henry Colchester, son of the late Mr. William Colchester, J.P., of Burwell. It might fitly be termed a “violet” wedding from the pretty costumes of the bridesmaids, which were two shades of this lovely colour, and the bouquets which they carried were composed of Neapolitan and a darker shade of violets. The church, especially the sanctuary, was tastefully adorned with exquisite flowers and presented a most charming appearance, the chaste dress of the bride being emphasised by the violet shades used in the bridesmaid’s dresses and the bouquets they carried, while the many charming costumes and bouquets of the lady relatives and friends of the two families made up a rich combination of colour. There was a large congregation. The bride was attired in a lovely gown of ivory corded silk, with yoke and sleeves of rich mother-of-pearl embroidery, the silk being draped and caught up on one side with orange blossoms; these flowers, in the form of a true lover’s knot, was the only trimming to the court train, which was attached to a perfectly plain skirt. A chiffon veil and wreath of real orange blossoms gave a finish to the gown, which was very charming in its simplicity. A reception was afterwards held at St. John’s the residence of the bride’s parents. George and Marion Colchester left in the afternoon for London, en route for Felixstowe, for the honeymoon.
The presents were numerous and costly. George gifted his bride a Ralli car, dressing bag, turquoise and diamond ring, and an opal and diamond keeper. Marion gifted her husband a barometer and a gold ring.
DINNER TO THE EMPLOYEES OF MESSRS. COLCHESTER & BALL AT BURWELL – The occasion will also long be remembered by the employees of Messrs. Colchester & Ball, chemical manure manufacturers, Burwell, who all had a half day’s holiday to celebrate the occasion. At 2:30 they assembled on the lawn in front of Burwell House, where they photographed. At the invitation of Mr. George Colchester, the principal partner in the firm, all the men, numbering between 80 and 90, employed at the Chemical Manure Works, Brickyards, and Farm, were entertained to dinner at the Anchor Inn, under the chairmanship of Mr. Tom Robson. A generous repast, consisting of good English fare, was served in admirable style by Hostess Davey. After dinner, several songs were contributed, and the Chairman then proposed the toast of “The Bride and Groom.”
Marion and George had one son and made their home at Burwell House, Burwell, Cambridgeshire. Burwell House was sold by George in 1922. On the 1939 England and Wales register George, a retired fertiliser manufacturer, was living with his wife Marion at their home – 32, Woodcote Close, Epsom, Surrey. George Colchester died on the 3rd April 1941, at his residence 32, Woodcote Close, Epsom, Surrey. As was his express wish, he was cremated privately. Marion Colchester died on the 3rd September 1944, at her residence 32, Woodcote Close, Epsom, Surrey. The cremation took place privately, and also by her express wish the insertion of the notice of death in the local press was delayed.
STEPDAUGHTERS:
CHARLOTTE GHITA ALLEN, born 24th April 1843, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia. On the 24th July 1862, in Singapore, Charlotte married John Bland, a general merchant in the Mediterranean, born 1834, Gibraltar. Charlotte and John made their first home at 18 Irish Town, Gibraltar. After the death of her sister, Catherine Miller, in 1877, Charlotte and John Bland adopted their niece, Ghita Millicent Miller, born 1875, Clapham, Surrey. John Bland died on the 2nd June 1891, at Gibraltar. During the evening of Wednesday, 27th March 1895, Charlotte and Ghita were living at their family home, at Melrose, Overhill Road, Honour Oak Road, London when they were burgled whilst still in the house – Ghita’s jewellery case was stolen which contained coral and pearl necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and a brooch, a silver chain with a Maltese cross plus other items. In 1897, Ghita married and immigrated to Canada; Charlotte Bland moved to Ipswich to live with her sister, Millicent Colchester, at Fernleigh, Westerfield Road, Ipswich. Charlotte Bland died on the 2nd February 1917, at The Grange, Hasketon, Suffolk.
LAURA MARIA AGNES ALLEN, born 6th September 1844, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia. Laura Allen died aged 4 years and 3 months, on the 2nd January 1849, at Singapore Downtown, and was laid to rest on the 5th January, at Fort Canning Green Cemetery, Singapore Downtown.
FLORENCE LOUISA ALLEN, born in Singapore. Florence Allen died aged 4 months on the 2nd April 1849, in Singapore. Florence was laid to rest with her sister, Laura Allen, at Fort Canning Green Cemetery, Singapore Downtown.
KATHERINE FRANCES ALLEN, born 29th December 1849, Singapore. On the 6th March 1869, at St. Matthew’s Church, Oakley Square, Bedford New Town, Middlesex, 19 year old Catherine, a minor, married, with the consent of her father, Henry Allen Allen, Samuel Frederick Miller, a merchant, of St. Matthew’s parish, Oakley Square, born 1845, Leasingham, Kent.
MILLICENT ISABEL ALLEN, born 2nd September 1853, Singapore, baptised 16th October 1853, Singapore. On Thursday, 24th March 1881, at Christ Church, Lee, London, Millicent married Charles Maynard Colchester, born 12th April 1856, Little Oakley, Essex, a chemical manure manufacturer – employer, of Springfield House, Norwich Road, Ipswich. Millicent and Charles had two daughters and made their family home at ‘Fernleigh,’ Westerfield Road, Ipswich. Millicent’s widowed sister, Charlotte Ghita Bland, also resided with the family. Charles Colchester died on the 1st March 1909, at his residence Fernleigh, Westerfield Road, Ipswich. Millicent Colchester died on the 1st June 1923, at Redisham, Suffolk.
On the 12th October 1907, at Bombay, Millicent and Charles’s daughter, Ghita Isabel Colchester married John Harold Slade Powell, of the R.F.A. Ghita and John had one son. During the First World War, Major John Harold Slade Powell died on the 8th February 1915, of Pneumonia at Marazion, Cornwall, after a week of serious illness. He was 33 years of age. Major John Powell is commemorated on the war memorials at Christchurch Park, Ipswich, in the chapel at Ipswich School, Henley Road, and St. Clement’s Church. A private memorial tablet was also erected inside St. Clement’s Church by the parishioners and members of the congregation.
In January 1917, Suffolk, Ghita Slade Powell, married Harold Thomas Belcher. Just a few months later during the First World War, Lieutenant Colonel Harold Thomas Belcher, D.S.O., of the R.F.A., 52nd Brigade, was killed in action on the 8th July 1917, he was 42 years of age and was laid to rest at Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, Belgium.
Charlotte Colchester died on the 15th January 1874, at 43, Rue Billault, Paris, Île-de-France, France, of 50, Belsize Square, Middlesex.
Probate to Valentine Desborough Colchester – widower, a merchant, of 50, Belsize Square, Middlesex.
Valentine Colchester died on the 30th October 1921, Ipswich.
Probate to Wilfred Christopherson, a merchant, and Claude Fell Woods, a merchant’s managing clerk.
DURING HIS MAYORAL YEAR.
November 1916 The Mayor’s civic service. Procession from the Town Hall to St. Mary le Tower (Civic church). Councilors and Mace Bearers.
Evening Star – Tuesday, 15th May 1917 – IPSWICH SCOUTS’ CHURCH PARADE – On Sunday, 13th May, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, as president for the year of the Scout Association, and also president of the Pottery Street Boys’ Club, attended a service at St. Helen’s Church, Ipswich. The Reverend J. Wood, Rector, of St. Helen’s invited the Ipswich Scouts to join in with the men’s monthly service. Representatives of the 1st 4th 5th and 9th Ipswich Troops, to the number of 150.
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Evening Star – Wednesday, 16th May 1917 – IPSWICH GARDENERS’ ASSOCIATION – On Tuesday, 15th May, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, presided over the Ipswich and District Association meeting for allotment holders, amateur gardeners and others at the Town Hall, Ipswich. It was well known that the Mayor had taken such a great and practical interest in the endeavour to secure the growing of more vegetables, to counteract the effects of the food shortage. The Mayor in opening the proceedings, said that there was no doubt that the shortage of food would be very great and it behoved every one of them to do all they could to stimulate the growth of vegetables. The Gardeners’ Association had decided to help the novices as much as they could.
Mr. Frederick Edward Rands, in answer to a question, said that the Corporation had during the year added about 500 allotments, averaging about ten rods each, and had wherever necessary laid on water and fenced the land in. Altogether now the Corporation had under their control something like 1,000 allotments. He also knew that many private individuals had also provided allotments.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 17th May 1917 – FORTHCOMING FOOD ECONOMY EXHIBITION – On Wednesday, 16th May, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, Mayor of Ipswich presided at a conference at the Town Hall for teachers at Ipswich day schools and Sunday Schools to consider the best methods of securing the interest of parents and children in the forthcoming food economy exhibition. The Mayor explained that at the request of the Ministry of Food, the local War Savings Committee had arranged to hold an exhibition at the Municipal Secondary School for Boys from Saturday, 19th May, to Saturday, 26th May. The exhibition would run on similar lines to those suggested by the Food Control Department. It would embrace the best methods of making the most adequate use of the food supplies until the next harvest. It was hoped would help the people of Ipswich to understand something of the relative values of food, the best methods of preparing food, and the most economical way to use fuel, gas, and water. The Reverend Edward James Gilchrist expressed the view that this Committee hoped that day and Sunday school teachers would do all they could to interest the children in the exhibition and through them their parents.…….
Evening Star – Friday, 1st June 1917 – EAT LESS, WASTE NOTHING, AND CHEW MORE! – On Thursday, 31st May, at the Town Hall, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, presided over a large muster of cooks, housemaids, and domestics. The meeting was held to emphasise the need for voluntary rationing at present. Miss Jefferies speaking said there was less food in the country than in peacetime; so much less that men and women ought to make up their minds to eat less, to waste nothing, and to chew more! The Government had appealed to the men and women of England, and had said, “We will not coerce you, but we trust to the honour of the nation, and especially to the honour of the English women, that you ration yourselves.” Mr. Samuel Armstrong, after referring to the importance of the kind of work in which most of the audience were habitually engaged, went on to extract from a wealth of experience and practical knowledge the reasons why people needed to ration themselves. Difficulties had arisen in connection with shipping, and especially with neutral shipping. As to the shortage of crops, he said in time of war he did not see how that could be avoided. Only the Australian crops had been good; crops in the U.S.A. were particularly poor. Our Allies, Mr. Armstrong pointed out, were in a worse position than ourselves. By saving food people might help materially to shorten the war. A hearty vote of thanks was proposed and seconded to the Mayor and the speakers.
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Evening Star – Monday, 4th June 1917 – RED CROSS WORK – On Friday, 1st June, the ladies’ Red Cross gift sale was held at the Ipswich Corn Exchange. From the various stalls, an auction and a raffle, the total raised was £292 19s. 10d. On Tuesday, 5th June, the ladies continued their labour of love with a British Farmers’ Red Cross Flag Day held in Ipswich. Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, Mayor of Ipswich generously provided tea in the afternoon at the Town Hall for the lady collectors who, after their arduous day’s work was done raised a total of £174 5s. 1d.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 7th June 1917 – VOLUNTEERS’ PROMENADE CONCERT – On Wednesday, 6th June, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, and the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Sydney Brand, attended an admirable promenade concert given under the auspices of the 1st Battalion of the Suffolk Volunteer Regiment, at the Ipswich Arboretum, in aid of the Red Cross.
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Evening Star – Friday, 8th June 1917 – FARMERS’ RED CROSS FUND – IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SALE – On Friday, 8th June, a gift sale of stock was held at the Ipswich Cattle Market, under the patronage of the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine Colchester. Last year a very successful gift sale was held at the Ipswich Cattle Market. This year, the need being equally great if not greater, another sale was organised by the same Committee, of which Mr. John Richard Keeble, a farmer and employer, of The Hall, Brantham, was the Chairman, and the Hon. Secretaries being Mr. Samuel Robert Sherwood, a farmer and employer, of Lux Farm, Playford, Suffolk, and Mr. George Wainwright Fiske, a farmer and employer, of Hill Farm, Playford, and Assistant Secretary being Mr. Charles Goodwin Keell, a tax collector, of 31, Berners Street, Ipswich. As a result of the Committee’s activities and the generous way in which their appeals were responded to by farmers, landowners, merchants and others in the neighbourhood of Ipswich, it was possible to compile a good catalogue of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and a variety of agricultural and other articles plus donations of cash. The opening ceremony fell to the Mayor, Valentine Colchester, who was supported on the auctioneer’s rostrum by Mr. John Keeble. The Mayor Colchester wielded the hammer for the first lot, a fat bullock sent in by Mr. Harry Fiske, of Bramford, before Mr. Robert Beaumont Bond, continued for the remaining cattle and pigs. All the funds raised were divided between the British Farmers’ Red Cross Fund and the Suffolk Branch of the British Red Cross Society.
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Evening Star – Friday, 15th June 1917 – FOR AMATEUR GARDENERS – There had been quite a run on the entry forms and schedules when it was announced that a Food Production Show would be held in September. The Committee have arranged some very attractive classes, including a number for the best-cultivated allotments and the best collection of vegetables in each of the five Ipswich districts. Apart from special prizes to be awarded by Messrs. Prentice Bros., Ltd., of Stowmarket, the prize money offered in connection with these classes was from the generosity of Ipswich ladies and gentlemen subscribing towards the prize fund. The Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine Colchester donated £2. 5s. Several ironmongers had provided various garden tools for prizes. Thus, it provided a chance for the humblest amateur garden to win fair renown, and incidentally to recoup himself for the expenses of manure and seed.
The only entry fees would be for the allotment classes, where a nominal sum of 6d. would be charged in this instance. Thanks to the kindness of Mr. Harry William Raffe, special prizes of a guinea and a half guinea were offered for the best-cultivated allotments on the right-hand or town side of Hadleigh Road.
Thanks to the Ipswich Co-operative Association for promising the free loan of one floor of their premises in Carr Street for the show to be held.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 21st June 1917 – AWARDS FOR BRAVERY – Before a large gathering, on Thursday, 21st June, at the Police Court, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, presented three certificates of the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, together with three cheques of three guineas each, to three men who attempted unsuccessfully to save the life of a woman who was burned to death. In the early hours of Friday, 26th January 1917, a fire broke out at 53, St. George’s Street, Ipswich, the home of the victim, 75 year old Mrs. Adelaide Stiff (nee Denny), who had been bedridden for several years. The Mayor, Mr. Valentine Colchester, who presided over the Bench, said that it was his pleasing duty to make the presentation. Unfortunately, the efforts of the three men failed to save the life of the woman, but their actions were extremely brave, and in the case of Deputy Superintendent Boulton he was always in the danger zone at a fire and this was not his first act of bravery, but it was the first time he had received an acknowledgement. Each of the men was loudly applauded as he stepped to receive his certificate and cheque.
Walter Adams, a town postman, of 9, Salem Road, Ipswich, said he wished to thank those who had been instrumental in securing the presentation. Being treated this way made him feel that he would like to have done more to deserve it, but unfortunately, he could not have done more than he did.
Police constable Edward Cook said he felt sorry that the life of the woman had not been saved, but he had no more than anyone else would have done in the circumstances.
Deputy Superintendent Thomas Boulton said he had only done a fireman’s duty, and his only regret was that he could not save the life of the woman.
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Evening Star – Friday, 22nd June 1917 – SUNDAY SCHOOL TREATS IN IPSWICH – On the 21st June, Valentine Colchester, Mayor of Ipswich, submitted a letter to the editor of the Evening Star newspaper for publication to politely make known his opinion on the 1917 Sunday Schools Summer treats. Valentine wrote from the Town Hall to say that at present there appears to be considerable doubt and uncertainty as to the course which will be followed by the managers of the Ipswich Sunday Schools of the Established and Free Churches concerning the holding of the usual Summer treats. To prevent unfavourable comparisons, jealousy or disappointment all managers should act alike. The general feeling, as expressed to me, is largely against the gathering of the children together for treats under the existing conditions as to food supply, air raids, etc. I think, therefore, it would be well if the managers of all Sunday Schools in Ipswich would, for this year, kindly consent to forego the usual Summer treat. I trust this letter may help to bring all Sunday Schools into line on this matter.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 28th June 1917 – ST. MARY’S HOME IPSWICH – On Wednesday, 27th June, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester attended a Bazaar held in aid of St. Mary’s Home, Castle Hill, Ipswich. The Hon. Mrs. Alice Mary Tollemache, in formally opening the bazaar, read the report for 1916, referring to the heavy expenditure which had arisen as the result of the war, so that St. Mary’s Home had been reduced “almost to bankruptcy.” She appealed for the saving of the St. Mary’s Home and believed that there were no less than fifteen children in the Home whose fathers were on active service. They ought to feel it a privilege to open their purses – yes, and to empty them – in such a good cause, so that they might feel that they had tried to do a little bit to help the children of the men who were sacrificing their lives and their all for those at home. She had much pleasure in declaring the bazaar open and hoped they would but all they could and leave nothing on the stalls! A vote of thanks to Mrs. Tollemache was proposed by the Mayor, Mr. Valentine Colchester, and seconded by the Bishop of Suffolk.
Many of the purchasers made presents of what they had bought to the children. The Mayor was observed strolling in the direction of a little knot of children with some half-dozen dolls under his arms, and as he returned soon afterwards empty-handed the presumption is that he, like many others, had found no difficulty in passing on their purchases. During the afternoon the children entertained with singing and a tea was served at a small charge.
It is hoped that the financial results of the bazaar will amply repay them for their trouble, even if it does not entirely relieve them from anxiety.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 28th June 1917 – POTATO SPRAYING – ITS EFFICACY IN CHECKING DISEASE – Early in the evening on Wednesday, 27th June, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester attended a demonstration given in Christchurch Park, Ipswich, by a representative from the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture to show how potato-sprayers are used. The Mayor, Mr. Valentine Colchester was not only an interested spectator but made a strong appeal to potato growers of Ipswich not to allow the month of July to pass without having their potatoes sprayed in the orthodox manner. In making this appeal, Valentine said a special acknowledgement was due to the members of the Ipswich Gardeners’ Association for their active interest in the matter, and he pointed out that anyone who sought the aid of that organisation would have the means of spraying their potatoes put at their disposal. The Mayor’s natural modesty forbade him saying, although it ought to be made known, that he is prepared, although the cost is likely, so it is understood, to be fairly considerable, to bear two-thirds of the expenditure of the spraying on the allotment grounds in the town.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 12th July 1917 – GARDEN FETE AT IPSWICH – On Wednesday, 11th July, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, attended a garden fete held in the grounds of the Stoke Rectory, Ipswich, to raise funds to carry on parochial work. The opening ceremony was undertaken by Lady Rose Henniker-Heaton, who gave expression to the great pleasure the task gave her. The Girl Guides acted as a guard of honour to Lady Heaton. The Reverend Alfred Lambert Woodard, the rector of St. Mary Stoke Church, proposed a vote of thanks and the Mayor, Mr. Valentine Colchester seconded. There were numerous attractions and sideshows, including clock golf, quoits, darts, hoopla, and an Allotment Show. The Black and White Concert Party provided a nice little entertainment, and a good deal of mirth was evoked by the Fine Art Gallery (Miss Rivett and Miss Sadler).
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Evening Star – Friday, 20th July 1917 – DR. BARNARDO’S HOMES – AN APPEAL AT IPSWICH – On Thursday, 19th July, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, presided over a meeting in connection with the Dr. Barnardo’s Homes. The afternoon was divided between delightful entertainment provided by the Dr. Barnardo’s Musical Boys and the insight given by Mr. Alfred James Mayers, the Homes’ Deputation Secretary, into the extensive and varied work of the institution he represented. In introducing Mr. Alfred Mayers, Valentine Colchester said he considered the Homes were doing wonderful work. In Ipswich, they could not, perhaps, realise the distress that existed in some of the large cities, and therefore they would also find difficulty in realising the immense amount of good that Dr. Barnardo’s Homes were doing.
Mr. Alfred Mayers commenced by reminding those before him that the rescue work of the Homes was by no means confined to London. They were constantly receiving children from all over the country. Concerning the war, Mr. Mayers showed that the Barnardo’s boys have been everywhere in evidence. Nearly ten thousand were serving in the fighting forces and the mercantile marine. Those who had emigrated to Canada were joining the Canadian contingents. Mr. Mayers concluded his speech with a statement which gave the clearest impression of the needs of a Society like this, and of the measure of public support it requires, which was to the effect that the food bill amounted to £300 daily. In closing, Mr. Alfred Mayers thanked the Mayor of Ipswich for his kindness in presiding and for his thoughtfulness in providing tea for those present.
The musical programme was under the direction of Mr. Henry Aaron, Music Master for Dr. Barnardo’s Homes, the music provided by the Highland Pipers and the Mandolin Band, was given with all the spirit which energetic boys would be expected to expend on those instruments. The tunes played on the handbells and the ocarina selections were much enjoyed.
In the evening the boys gave a welcome entertainment to the soldiers at the Public Hall, under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. Alderman Frederick Edward Rands kindly provided dinner for all the boys who visited Ipswich on this occasion.
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Valentine Colchester, as Mayor of Ipswich gave in a few brief remarks, exhorted the girls to do their best at school, and in their life afterwards. Let them train themselves to be worthy women of their great Empire. The Right Reverend Henry Bernard Hodgson, D.D., Lord Bishop of the Diocese then distrusted the certificates to the girls.
During the afternoon, the senior singing class, under the able direction of the Music Mistress, Miss Marian Harrison, A.R.C.M., and sister of the Head Mistress, gave an excellent musical programme to the guests.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 9th August 1917 – WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ GARDEN PARTY – On Wednesday, 8th August, the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester attended the entertainments arranged by the various organisations in Ipswich for the wounded heroes who were temporary residents in Ipswich. The Russell Road Bowling Club hosted the garden party for some fifty wounded inmates of the East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital, Heathfield Auxiliary Hospital, and Broadwater. The Garden Party was organised by the Club Captain, Mr. Edward Clarke Catchpole, and the Secretary, Mr. Frederick William Judge, assisted by a large Committee of members. A platform, draped in the national colours, had been set up in the big green, whilst close to the entrance there was a large marquee for the guests to have tea. The wounded soldiers found that the Committee had been indefatigable in their efforts to provide pleasant recreation, there were bowls, and a golf putting competition, whilst those who preferred to take their pleasure quietly were able to sit down and enjoy a tip-top musical programme. The tea arrangements were in the hands of the wives of the members, under the leadership of Mrs. Fanny Maria Catchpole. The appreciation of the patients was expressed to the Bowling Club for providing the enjoyable entertainment.
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Evening Star – 20th August 1917 – POTTERY STREET BOYS’ CLUB – The 5th Ipswich Troop of Baden Powell Scouts connected with the Pottery Street Boys Club, to the number of 60, enjoyed a fortnight of camping during the first two weeks of August. By the kind permission of Mr. Charles Hugh Berners, the boys were allowed the free range of Woolverstone Park – an ideal spot for a Scout camp. After a successful fortnight’s camp, a hearty vote of thanks was carried to all the kind friends who had contributed to the provisions, etc., especially to the Club President, Mr. Valentine Colchester, Mayor of Ipswich.……
Evening Star – Thursday, 20th September 1917 – ST. HELEN’S HOME – DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES – On Wednesday, 19th September, the Mayor of Ipswich Mr. Valentine D. Colchester was present at the annual prize distribution at St. Helen’s Orphanage, Ipswich. After the children had prettily sung a few songs, Miss Eva Goodrich Fisher, the Secretary, reviewed the year’s work and thanked all those who had helped throughout the year. Valentine Colchester then presented the prizes and addressed cheery remarks to each child. After the presentation had concluded, Valentine thanked the various people who had given help to the Home. At the end of the afternoon, a vote of thanks to the Mayor of Ipswich for attending was unanimously carried.
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Evening Star – Saturday, 29th September 1917 – WAR SAVINGS CONFERENCE AT IPSWICH – On Friday, 28th September, the Mayor of Ipswich Mr. Valentine D. Colchester welcomed to the County Hall, Ipswich, Sir Robert M. Kindersley, K.B.E., chairman of the National War Savings Committee, who had travelled to Ipswich to presided over the conference of chairmen and secretaries of War Savings Committees. Sir Robert M. Kindersley said to the conference that there were now 26 Committees and 637 War Savings Associations in Suffolk, for a population of 394,000, which was a very satisfactory proportion. Sir Robert continued to say that similar conferences had been or would be held by next Wednesday in every county in England and Wales, and it was an absolute revelation to see the extraordinary quality of the personnel at work in that great movement. Since the beginning of the year, the Committee has done service in the War Loan campaign and in the Food Economy campaign, both of which had been very great success. Mr. Kavas Jamas Badshah and Miss Jefferies explained the good results which had been attained in Ipswich through the Household Associations, which had been started in fourteen districts. Considerable discussions arose during the conference on all subjects of importance that were introduced, and the Conference proved in every way an unqualified success.
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Evening Star – Tuesday, 2nd October 1917 – RE-OPENING OF THE LYCEUM THEATRE – “WANTED – A HUSBAND” – During the evening of the 1st October 1917 the Ipswich Lyceum Theatre was re-opened for the season under a double éclat – it was the first evening of Mr. Edward Henry Bostock’s lease and the fact that the funds of the entire performance were to be divided between two premier war charities – the Suffolk Prisoners of War Fund and the Red Cross. Ipswich theatregoers responded to the two motives with praiseworthy eagerness, as well as many prominent townsmen including the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine Colchester. The play, a farcical comedy “Wanted – A Husband,” by Cyril Harcourt was presented by a powerful company, who did it full justice.
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Evening Star – Wednesday, 17th October 1917 – POLICE INSPECTION AT IPSWICH – During the morning on Wednesday, 17th October the Ipswich Borough Police and special constables were inspected by Sir Leonard Dunning, one of His Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary. Sir Leonard Dunning was accompanied by the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester for the inspection at Portman Road Drill Hall where the force had assembled. Sir Dunning first inspected the 52 special constables on parade, addressing a few words to many of the members as he passed through the ranks. When the special constables had been dismissed, Sir Leonard inspected the 57 regular constables and 7 sergeants. At the end of the inspection Sir Dunning expressed his gratification at the efficiency of the force.
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Evening Star – Wednesday, 17th October 1917 – RANELAGH ROAD HOSPITAL – On Saturday, 13th October, Valentine Colchester, as the Mayor of Ipswich, submitted a letter to the newspaper. Valentine had been told that the soldiers at the Military Hospital, Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, were without a piano. The officer in charge last year had hired at a cost to himself, a suitable piano, so one was available in that hospital for concerts and entertainment etc., but this arrangement dropped when the officer was removed elsewhere.
Valentine wrote that he felt sure everybody would admit how necessary it is to provide suitable entertainment for those men who are unfortunate enough to be laid aside in this hospital, he thought the townspeople would wish to do what they can to meet the want. He had had a suitable instrument offered to him at £35 and hoped it would not be too difficult for this sum to be raised. Valentine proposed to limit subscriptions to one guinea and would be very glad to receive donations, which may be sent to him at the Town Hall.
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Evening Star – Thursday, 1st November 1917 – PRESENTATION OF D.C.M. TO IPSWICH SOLDIER – An interesting ceremony was performed at the Ipswich Police Court on Thursday, 1st November, when the Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, who was accompanied on the Bench by the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Sydney Brand, presented Sergeant Ernest Joseph Bird, service number 3/9111, of the Suffolk Regiment with the D.C.M. In making the presentation, Valentine Colchester, after expressing his pleasure at the opportunity, said that no doubt the public would like to know what Sergeant Ernest Bird had done for his country. On the 14th July 1916, near Thiepval, Sergeant Bird, who was then ranked a Lance Corporal, was in Stokes Trench Mortar Battery. On the morning of the 14th the 8th Brigade of the 3rd Division was to attack the German lines at 3:30 a.m., Ernest Bird was with two battalions of infantry and moved up in the second wave. He planted his gun about 50 yards in front of the German wire and was to strafe at the time of the bombardment. The infantry made the dash but could not break through on account of the wire. The consequence was there were heavy casualties in the two battalions, and the remainder of the men retired about 200 yards to a sunken road. Ernest Bird did not retire. He kept in position, firing shells all the time. After two hours, seeing it was no good to stay there, he crawled back on his hands and knees, drawing his gun behind him, till he reached the sunken road, and there he started strafing again. At 1 p.m. the brigade made another attack at the same spot. Ernest went over with the brigade into the German first line, and then into the second line, and again got his gun into action on to a strong point. Here he was able to get good hits with his shells, which enabled the infantry to make another dash forward. He was in that action for 19 days.
In August 1916, Ernest was again in action at Guillemont, where he played a great part with his gun. Although he had three men in his gun team knocked out, he still carried on and contributed to the success at that point. He has been out there three years and one month and has had three leaves including the present. Ernest had only been away from the line once – when he was blinded at Arras. That was a fine record.
There were many men in the Army who had done noble work, but when it came to one of their own townsmen it came home to the hearts of all of them. The Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester then pinned the medal on Sergeant Bird’s breast and shook hands with him.
In returning thanks Sergeant Ernest Bird said he was proud to be there that morning and to be home on leave again. If it came to his turn he would be only too glad to do again what he had already done.
Ernest Joseph Bird, service number 3/9111, of the Suffolk Regiment was born on the 24th October 1889, at 4, Wingfield Street, Ipswich – the second son of Mr. Arthur Samuel Bird and Letitia Bird (nee Wardley), of 4, Little Wingfield Street. He first went to the Front with the Expeditionary Force in October 1914. Ernest Joseph Bird, of Fircroft Road, Ipswich, survived the war and died in July 1977.
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Suffolk and Essex Free Press – Wednesday, 7th November 1917 – CRIMEAN AND INDIAN MUTINY VETERANS – Through the generosity of Lieutenant General Sir Edwin Alderson, K.C.B., each of the Crimean and Indian Mutiny veterans of Ipswich, received on Monday, 5th November, the anniversary of The Battle of Inkerman, a parcel similar to those sent last year, instead of the usual dinner, which was now not considered advisable with so few, the number being reduced to six. The Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Valentine D. Colchester, also sent a sum of money to each gentleman.
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Alderman Bunnell Burton proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Mr. Valentine Colchester, who had faithfully carried out his duties to the entire satisfaction of the town. Mr. Valentine Colchester had placed himself unreservedly at the disposal of the citizen, carrying out the duties with that courtesy and charm which was his distinguishing characteristic. Mr. William Pipe, in equally felicitous terms, seconded the vote, remarking that the very cheerful optimism of Mr. Colchester during a period of stress and strain had been a real asset. The vote was heartily carried.
On rising, Valentine was warmly applauded as he expressed his thanks to the Council and officials for their assistance and remarked that the town of Ipswich was to be congratulated upon the fact that there had been no labour troubles during the past year. This showed great loyalty on the part of the men whose work had been very trying. They had kept at it because they knew it was their duty, and it showed the feeling that they were not going to play into the hands of the enemy by withholding munitions by which they hoped to win this great war. Valentine expressed his thanks to them. He hoped the new Mayor of Ipswich would enjoy as happy a year of office as he had, and that there would be a lasting peace ere many months had passed.
The new Mayor of Ipswich, Mr. Henry Dixon Phillips then nominated Mr. Valentine D. Colchester as his Deputy during the ensuing year.
SOURCES:
Photograph of Miss Emily Beatrice Harrison courtesy of ‘The Mistress and Fellows, Girton College, Cambridge.’
Photographs of William and Mary Kate Colchester (nee Bright), and their adult children courtesy of Michael.
Photographs of Alice Helen Colchester, William Colchester, and Mary Kate Colchester (nee Bright), courtesy of John.
Photographs of William Parsons Colchester and Herbert Garrod courtesy of Martha.
Images of mayors courtesy of Mr. A. Gilbert – Ipswich Borough Council.
www.ancestry.co.uk for census returns, births, marriages, deaths, probates, military records and other historical online records.
Members of the Council – in and since 1835 – Mr. B.P. Grimsey – July 1892.
Evening Star – Friday, 9th November 1917 – THANKS TO THE RETIRING MAYOR – On Friday, 9th November the time-honoured ceremony of Mayor-making took place before a large attendance at the Town Hall. Alderman Edwin Perkins Ridley proposed that