No. 8601, Private, Ernest BYAM
Aged 23
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Ernest MOTT was born in Shimpling (Sudbury Q3-1891 4A:707), son of Margaret MOTT. She married Samuel Henry BYAM in 1894 (Sudbury Q4-1894 4A:1243)
1901 census...Aged 9, he was at Mill Corner, Cockfield with his stepfather Samuel H. BYAM[31] domestic gardener born Shimpling; his mother Margaret [30] born Shimpling; brothers Albert E [5] and Oliver J [3] and sister Beatrice A [1] all born in Cockfield. 1911 census...Aged 19, a farm labourer (now recorded as MOTT or BYAM) he was at 38 Middle Green, Higham with his stepfather and mother; brothers Albert (builder's carter) and Oliver (farm labourer), sister Beatrice and brother Arthur [7] born Rougham and sisters Dorothy [5], Muriel [3] and Winifred [7 months] all born in Higham. There was a later sister, Olive. |
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He enlisted in Bury St Edmunds on 3rd February 1912 in the Norfolk Regiment, giving his age as 19 years 6 months, he was 5ft 3.25 inches (160.6 cm) tall, weighed 111 lbs (50.5 kg), chest 35" to 38" (88.9 to 96.5 cm), auburn hair, blue/grey eyes, Church of England. Next of kin father Samuel Byam of 38 Middle Green, Higham. He had references from Mr F W Fyson. Posted to the Indian Expeditionary Force on 11th September 1913, on 5th November 1914 he was posted to Mesopotamia where, at Mazera (NE of Basra) , he was killed in action on 7th December 1914. The 2nd Norfolks, with the 7th Rajoputs had cleared Mazera of the Turks with bayonets but at the cost of 4 men killed. Although in action before 23rd November 1914, he was not eligible for the 1914 Star and clasp as they were only for action in Flanders or France. The Bury Free Press of 16th January 1915 reported:- HIGHAM - MEMORIAL SERVICE - At the parish church on Saturday a short memorial service was held for the late Prvt.Ernest Byam, of the 1st Norfolk Regiment who was killed in action on the Persian Gulf on December 3rd: also of Prvt William Mingay, Lord Kitchener's Army who died in hospital on December 30th at Shornecliffe. The service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. W.Thwaites.
  Basra memorial original site in town and after Saddam Hussein moved it click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
