No.31822, Private, John POWELL
Aged 30
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John Powell was born in Holywell Row on 28th May 1887 (Mildenhall Q2-1887 4A:744) son of Robert and Harriet POWELL (née MOSS). 1891 census...Aged 3, he was at Holywell Row with his father Robert POWELL [33] farm labourer; his mother Harriet [29] born Kentford; brothers William [7] and George H.[1]; sister Emma [5]. All except his mother were born in Mildenhall. 1901 census...Aged 13, a farm labourer, he was at Holywell Row with his parents; brothers William (farm labourer), George, Robert [9], Albert [5] and Walter [1]; sister Eliza [7]. The new siblings were all born in Mildenhall. He married Elizabeth JACOBS in Mildenhall in 1910. (Mildenhall Q1-1910 4A:1353). 1911 census... Aged 23, a bricklayer's labourer, he was at Holywell Row with his wife Elizabeth [21] born Tuddenham and their son John (under 1 month) born Mildenhall (John jun died 1985) His widow's address was Church Lane, Mildenhall. |
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He enlisted in Newmarket . Neither Lt Col Murphy's History of the Suffolk Regiment, nor the battalion war diary are very informative. It appeared to be quiet, only 2 reported killed, 2 wounded. Relieved the next day by the 9th Norfolks, whose war diary does say they were at St Elie near the Quarries at Hulluch. The Bury Free Press of 23rd June 1917 reported:- HOLYWELL ROW MAN FALLS IN ACTION - Mrs. Powell, the wife of Prvt.John Powell, Suffolk Regiment, has been officially notified he was killed in France on May 28th. He fell on his 30th birthday, and he leaves a widow and three young children. Much sympathy is felt for them. There are three brother soldiers of the deceased. Prvt.William Powell, Suffolk Regiment was wounded on the right hand, and a second brother, Prvt. George Powell, has been wounded in both legs. He is in the King's Light Infantry. A third brother, Prvt.Albert Powell, has been home on leave.
photo: Rodney Gibson and commemorated on the war memorial in Mildenhall click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
