Wilfred George Breeze was born in Bunwell in the third quarter of 1896 to Herbert (from Thuxton) and Agnes Ellen (nee Humphreys), known as Nellie, and also born in Bunwell. His father was a farmer and carrier, transporting people and goods to Norwich twice weekly. From 1904 to 1910, Herbert was the landlord of the Adam and Eve pub in North Road. By 1911, the family had moved out of the pub to Blackhall Farm on what is now Hall Road.
Photo courtesy Peter Day
Wilfred was the youngest of three boys; all of whom would serve in the war. Although service records survive for his two older brothers (Cecil and Clement), Wilfred’s have been lost. We know from his medal card that he joined the Northants Regiment (39314) and was later transferred to the Hertfordshire Regiment (40861). This was renamed the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment in 1919.
He died on the 22nd March 1918 in the German Spring Offensive and as his body was never recovered, he is remembered with honour on the Pozieres Memorial on The Somme.
There was a memorial service for Wilfred and Ernest Calton (who was also killed in action during the same offensive) on Sunday, May 12th, 1918 in Carleton Rode Church.