Percy J R Smith

Who was the elusive man listed simply as ‘P Smith’ on the Roll of Honour Board?  There was no regiment given, he wasn’t registered on the Absent Voters List at the end of the war, and none of the older residents could remember anyone of that name in the village. Extensive research has uncovered the life of the man we now know was … Continue ReadingPercy J R Smith

Wesley Chilvers

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 … Continue ReadingWesley Chilvers

Ernest Colman

(William) Ernest Colman was born on the 20th July 1888 in Carleton Rode to William Bowles Colman, farmer, and his wife Caroline Selina Bryant (born in Kenninghall). He had three sisters, Evelyn Mary, Doris May and Ruth Bryant; the family lived at Kendal Lodge. Ernest was educated at a school in Bracondale, Norwich and in 1911 he was working as a bank clerk.  … Continue ReadingErnest Colman