Markham Brothers

5979, Private Robert Charles Markham, age 31

2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died 04 December 1914

Private 5979, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, Died 04/12/1914.

Born in Marlsford in 1883 one of ten children of Allen Markham & Alice nee Hatcher. The family moved to Walton Road (presumably High Road), Trimley St. Mary about 1890. In 1901 lived at Boat Houses Trimley St Martin, by this time his father Allen had died in 1900. His mother Alice remarried Ernest George Newman in 1904. In 1911 they were living at 2, Kathleen Cottages, High Road, Trimley St Mary. Brother of Stanley Markham below

The 2nd Battalion marched to Kemmel and took over the trenches from the Royal Scots on the 3rd December 1914. At 6am on the 4th December 1914 Private Markham & Private Beckett were killed when the trench collapsed owing to weather conditions. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

Family Tree

1914 Star

The Suffolk Regiment

Extract from Suffolk Regiment War Diary

31264, Private Stanley Charles Markham, age 31

1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment

Died 02 September 1918

Private 31264, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died 02/09/1918.

Born in, and resident of, Walton, one of ten children of Allen Markham & Alice nee Hatcher. The family moved to Walton Road (presumably High Road), Trimley St. Mary about 1890. In 1901 lived at Boat Houses Trimley St Martin, by this time his father Allen had died in 1900. His mother Alice remarried Ernest George Newman in 1904. In 1911 they were living at 2, Kathleen Cottages, High Road, Trimley St Mary.

Brother of Robert above

On the 31st August 1918 the 1st Battalion were part of the front line for the Second Battle of Bapaume. The New Zealand Division had capture Bapaume on the 29th August and the German army were forced to retreat back behind the Old Hindenberg Line. The 1st Bedfordshire continued the attack and the Germans were subjected to intense artillery bombardment before the infantry moved in. They were able to advance over 7 miles before halting around Hermies and Havrincourt Wood where they handed over to 37th Division. The allies had advanced over 14 miles between the 27th August & 3rd September with the 5th Division suffering 4275 casualties, Stanley being one. He is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial.

Vis-En-Artois Memorial

Bedfordshire Regiment

Pension Record