Wesley Herbert William Ewart Gladstone Chilvers was born on the 31 May 1898 in Carleton Rode to farm labourer, John and his wife, Alice (nee Youngs); both born in Bunwell. His birth came just a couple of weeks after the death of the venerable former Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone and Wesley was probably given these three middle names in tribute.
He was the youngest of six children; Agnes Elizabeth, Lillian M, Frederick Walter, Jessie Alice and Florence Ellen. By 1911, the family were living in North Road (called North Street on census returns). An older brother, Frederick Walter, also served in the Great War. Although no attestation papers survive, Wesley enlisted on the 2nd February 1917 and joined the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment – known as the Mutton Lancers after their Lamb & Flag cap badge.
The 7th Queens were part of the 55th Infantry Brigade making up the 18th (Eastern) Division. The Division saw much action from the time Wesley enlisted, including the Battles of Passchendaele from July to November 1917.
The following year, they were involved in the Battle of Amiens which began in dense fog at 4:20am on the 8 August with an offensive wave which included the 18th Division. By 7:30am the first German positions were captured; an advance of about 4,000 yards. This was called ‘the blackest day for the German army’ by General Erich Ludendorff, as it was pushed back further on that day than in the whole of the previous four years. However, this would be no consolation to Wesley’s family as he was reported killed in this action. He is buried in Beacon Cemetery in Sailly-Laurette on the Somme.
The following death notice appeared in the EDP.
Chilvers August 7th 1918 Killed in Action, Private W Chilvers, the dearly beloved younger son of Mr and Mrs John Chilvers, Carleton Rode, aged 20. Death divides but memory clings. From his sorrowing father, mother, sisters and brother.