Ryburgh & North Elmham
Remember
41397 Cpl. Nicholas Brightmer Gould
10th Battalion Essex Regiment,
formerly 29131 Norfolk Regiment. Crois de Guerre.
22nd. November 1893 - 27th. August 1918
Nicholas Brightmer Gould was born in North Elmham, Norfolk on Wednesday 22 November 1893, the fourth child of James (1832-1897) and Sarah Elizabeth Gould (1854-1907) and was baptised at St Mary's Church in North Elmham on the February 4th 1894. Nicholas was James’s thirteenth child, who’s first wife Martha had died in 1887. James or ‘Harry’ as he seems to have been more commonly known had 9 children with Martha: Walter c1856-, Sarah Shirley 1859-18 Apr 1910, Catherine Rebecca 'Kate' 1862-Jul 1899, Herbert 1864-, Rosanna Martha 1865-, Minnie Jane 1866-, Annie Martha 1868-, Arthur James 1869-1871 and Edith 1871- and 5 full siblings Frederick 1890-1987, Arthur George 1892-, Florence Elizabeth 1892-, Henry Edward 1895-22 May 1980 and Alice M 1897-. In November 1896, aged 3 Nicholas was admitted to North Elmham School.
GOULD FAMILY TREE.The earliest validated record of the Gould family found so far, is in the Baptism register for Bintry (Bintree) of 15 September 1799, when Nicholas' paternal Grandfather - James (son of Nicholas and Sarah Gould) was baptised. Nicholas' paternal Grandfather James married Charlotte Nobes at Wood Norton on 28 Oct 1826.
Records from Bintree also provide us with the baptism dates for James and Charlotte Gould's children: Son James 3 February 1832. Daughter Elizabeth 8 March 1835. Daughter Emily 15 January 1837. The 1841 census is the first modern UK census to record the details of every person and household in Britain, and the earliest census that has survived in its entirety. The census for Bintree taken on the 7 June reveals James Gould Snr (45) and wife Charlotte (40) have 7 children - six girls and 1 boy - Sofa (16), Mary (12), Sarah (10), James Jnr (8), Elizabeth (6), Emily (Emilia) (4) and Susan (2). Ten years on and the 1851 Census for Bintry James Gould Head aged 54 Carpenter born Bintry, wife Charlotte 52 born Wood Norton and five of their children who were all born in Bintry James 18 Carpenter, Elizabeth 16, Emily 14, Susan 11 and William 8.
James ‘Harry’ and Martha Shirley were married at Bintree in August 1856. Five years later according to the 1861 Census James 'Harry' Gould Jnr a journeyman carpenter and Martha are living on what the recorder describes as Dereham & Holt Road, North Elmham with their first two children who had both been born in Worthing Norfolk. James gives his age as the same as Martha who is 28 and was born in Hindolvestone about 1832. Son Walter (4) was born about 1856 and sister Sarah (2) born about 1859. On Elmham Road in Bintree, James Gould Snr (61) a Master Carpenter and wife Charlotte 61 are living with 24-year-old daughter Emily who is a schoolmistress and granddaughter Sarah Mayhill aged 6.
By the time of the 1871 Census James 'Harry' Gould Jnr and Martha are living on what was then known as the Dereham Road, North Elmham with their six children. James is a carpenter and again gives his age as the same as Martha who is now 39. Eldest son Walter 14 is a gardeners assistant, Sarah (12), Katherine (8), Herbert (7) Anne (3) and Arthur James (1). Katherine, Herbert, Anne and Arthur were all born in North Elmham.
Another ten years on and the 1881 Census records James 'Harry' Gould Jnr and Martha (49) are living with five of their children in North Elmham. Forty-seven-year old James gives his occupation now as master carpenter. Eldest unmarried daughters are Sarah Shirley (Shirly) a 22-year-old dressmaker and Kate who is 18. Son Herbert is a 17-year-old apprentice carpenter. The two youngest children daughters Anna M (13) and Edith (9 born North Elmham) are both at school. Martha died on April 2nd 1887 aged 55 years and was buried in the churchyard at St Mary's. Her headstone reads - In memorium Martha dearly loved wife of James Gould The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.
In the second quarter of 1889, James 'Harry' married Sarah Elizabeth Clarke in Norwich. According to the Register of Baptisms solemnized in the parish of St Etheldred in the County of Norwich, Sarah was born on 7 September and baptised the following month on 15 October 1854 in Norwich to her parents James Brightmer and Lucretia Clarke. Thanks to the diligence of the curate, we are also able to confirm that James Clarke's trade was a grocer and Lucretia's maiden name was Plunkett. The Clarke's were a Brisley farming family, with Sarah's Grandfather Brightmer a farmer of 33 acres at the time of the 1861 census.
The 1891 Census for Chapel Road North Elmham confirms that James 'Harry' Gould aged 57 as the Head of the family has re-married and is employed as a carpenter on the estate. With her husband James is 37-year-old Sarah Elizabeth. Living with them, from James' marriage to Martha are a son - Herbert a 27-year-old Carpenter and two daughters Anna M (23) and Edith (19) who are both dressmakers. The newest addition to the family is 1-year-old Frederick the first of six children to James and Sarah. Meanwhile, in the City of London at 47 Threadneedle Street we find Sarah Shirley Gould now aged 32 and employed as a ladies maid (domestic) visiting her sister Kate and her husband Henry Edward Calver Goshawk the Resident Messenger at the National Bank of India.
Back L-R is sister Florence Elizabeth Dawson and Nicholas.
Front L-R brother-in-law William Dawson, nephew Cecil Walter Dawson and bother Henry(Harry) Edward Gould.
It dates from c1913.
In May 1907, when Nicholas was 13, his mother Sarah died and it is presumed that Nicholas went to live with his maternal Grandmother Lucretia. It is not until the Census of 2 Apr 1911 do we have confirmation that Nicholas, now 17, was living with and working for 78-year-old Lucretia Clarke at Heath Road Elmham. Lucretia was by now a widow who gave her occupation as Farmer (Own account). At the same address was Lucretia's 43-year-old son Brightmer Clarke (Farmer (Own account)), hiswife Laura Elizabeth Clarke 40 and their 3 month old daughter Mary Lucretia Clarke.
Elsewhere in North Elmham, lodging with Albert King's family in The Heath, is 20-year-old Frederick James Gould who gives his trade as Carpenter and in Chapel Street younger brother Henry Edward now aged 16 is a Grocer's Assistant andboarding with Mr Robert Kerrison who was a Grocer, Draper and Postmaster and his wife Jane Kerrison (born Great Ryburgh) at North Elmham Post Office; a building still in use as a Post Office today. Also, at The Vicarage is 14-year-old sister Alice who is employed as a Domestic Servant to Ernest Horace Townsend a Clerk in Holy Orders. At 2 Cordoba Cottages, Staithe, Stalham an 18-year-old Grocer's Assistant Arthur Gould is boarding with Maria Shreeve.
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CPL. N. GOULD W.W.1 SERVICE
Between the 1911 Census and the start of The Great War, Nicholas moved to Great Ryburgh and research continues into that particular period of his life. Initially, Nicholas enlisted in Norwich becoming 29131 Private N Gould Norfolk Regiment. Nicholas along with many others from the Norfolk’s transferred to the Essex Regiment and was given a new service number – 41397. Sadly, Nicholas’s service record is not available, presumably destroyed with many others during WW2. Whilst we’ve not yetbeen able to identify specific elements of Nicholas’s military service, we do know that the earliest he could’ve entered a theatre of war would’ve been after 1 January 1916 as he was not awarded either the 1914 (Mons) or 1914/15 Stars. We do know that on 27 August 1918 – the day Nicholas was killed, that as part of the 53rd Division, he would’ve been one of the 10th Essex and the 8th Berkshires who fought all day on 27 August 1918 to recapture Trones Wood after some intense fighting.
As is often the case, there is not any personal information about Nicholas on the day that he was killed. However, there are three published sources that when combined do help to create a picture of the military events of that fateful day.
In their book WITH THE 10TH ESSEX IN FRANCE, Lt.-Col. T.M. Banks, D.S.O., M.C. and Captain R.A. Chell, D.S.O., M.C., write “August 27th was a day of proudrecord in the annals of the 53rd Brigade, for on that day the Royal Berkshires and the Essex in combination met and defeated the German Guards in a bitter all-day struggle around Trones Wood. The Berks and Kents had assaulted in the morning, and gained their objective beyond the wood, when a counter-attack by the German II. Guards Grenadier Regiment threw the Berks back again from the confines of the wood. Sharp fighting followed, and “C” and “D” Companies of the Essex, under Wenley and Morrow, were hurried up and placed under the command of Colonel Banks, now serving beneath the dragon of Berkshire. These reinforcements steadiedthe situation, and then, as evening approached, they crept stealthily forward, until, with a wild burst of artillery, they dashed to the assault, carrying all before them in a magnificent bayonet charge, inflicting heavy casualties on the German Guardsmen with sheer cold steel, and capturing 70 prisoners. Thus Trones Wood was once morecaptured for the Division, and the immature boys of the Berks and the Essex vindicated their superiority to the flower of the German troops.”
In another historical publication of the period, JW Burrows’ series ESSEX UNITS IN THE WAR 1914-1919 we find “On August 27th the 53rd Brigade, at the head of the Brigade, was deputed to capture Trones Wood, the understanding being that Longueval and Delville Wood were already in the keeping of the 38th Division. Unfortunately, at the hour of attack, the latter had been driven back for the time being. The Berkshires and West Kents entered the Wood, but found it difficult to hold owing to hostile pressure. At last, despite the reinforcements of two companies of the 10th Essex, they were eventually forced out of the Wood and held on to a line along the eastern edge of Bernafay Wood. That evening, however, a well-organized counter-attack composed of two companies each of the Essex and Berkshires led by Lieut.-Colonel T. M. Banks was entirely successful, the hefty Prussian guardsmen being summarily ejected. The Corps commander was delighted at this feat of arms and expressed “heartiest congratulations on the conspicuous gallantry and tenacity displayed by the 53rd Brigade in the capture of Trones Wood. This exploit is in keeping with the fighting traditions of your Division and reflects the highest credit on all concerned in its planning and execution.” No wonder that when the time came for the 18th Division to make choice of the site for the memorial to their dead they selected Trones Wood.”
Meanwhile, the 10th Battallion Essex Regiment’s War Diary officially records:
“The 53 Inf Bde pass through 54 & 55 Inf Bde and assumes the role of advance troops on
the 18th Dir: Front. 10th Essex in Bde Reserve. Zero hour 4.55 am Batt ordered to move
forward about 8. am. C & D Coys ordered forward to positions as follows: C. Coy to line
Sunken Road S.23 a. 65.80 to S.23.C.0.4. D Coy to line Western edge of BERNAFAY
WOOD from S.22.d.9.1 to S28.d.4.7 and both Coys to be at disposal of OC 8th R Berks
Regt. A & B Coys & HQ established at X.30.A.9.9. Lt HJ NORRIS Essex Regt
2/Lt G LORD Suffolk Regt 2/Lt G HOLT & 2 Lt D MILNE (Hunts Cyclists) report for duty.
On evening of 27th orders received (53 Inf Bde 00.200) that 53 Inf Bde will attack
Southern portion of TRONES WOOD South of Railway through S.14.C.0.0. Zero hour
at 7. pm. In cooperation with 12th Division on right. The Battn (less 2 Coys) move to
position about S.22.A&C to counter attack if required. Batt HQ at S.27.a.3.8.
C & D Coys involved in attack on TRONES WOOD under OC 8th R Berks – all objectives
taken many casualties caused to and prisoners taken from 2nd Prussian Guards
(Grenadiers) Regt.
Casualties: other ranks, Killed 17. Wounded 35.”
The Essex Regiment Service Medal and Award Roll confirms that 41397 Cpl Gould was entitled to the Victory Medal and British War Medal and had also been awarded the Croix De Guerre. The French Croix De Guerre had been instituted by its Government in 1915 to recognise acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, although at this stage, it is not clear as to the specific reason why Nicholas received this award. Presumably, whilst a Lance Corporal, Nicholas had been mentioned in despatches - time and further research will hopefully tell us the answer. The award of the Croix De Guerre was also published in the Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 8 October 1918 on 10 October 1918 as follows: "The following are among the Decorations and medals awarded by the Allied Powers at various dates to the British Forces for distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign:- His Majesty the King has given unrestricted permission in all cases to wear the Decorations and medals in question. Decorations conferred by THE PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC Croix de Guerre. "41397 Lance-Corporal Nicholas Gould,Essex Regiment (West Wickham)." The following day, the Essex Chronicle also reported Nicholas’s award.
A French Croix de Guerre medal
Nicholas Gould's replica set of medals, the originals being in the hands of a private collector.
The UK Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects reveals that £14-7/- 5d. back pay was authorised to Sole Legatee Lily Canham on 23 January 19 and the War Gratuity payment of £14-10/- followed on 18 November 1919. The term legatee is often used to designate a person who takes anything pursuant (according) to the terms of a will, so it would be reasonable to assume that Nicholas left a will. Perhaps the Lily referred to on the Register of Soldiers' Effects is the daughter of Farm Labourer William and his wife Ellen Canham who lived in Westwood Lane at the time of the 1911 census. Lily who was a Grocer and Drapers shop assistant, would have been a similar age to Nicholas, having been born about 1894 in Beetley. Lily Canham went on to marry Samuel John Shaw from Loughborough on July 30th 1921.
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CPL. N. GOULD COMMEMORATED.
1. Roll of Honour St Andrew's Church Great Ryburgh.Recorded in the middle column of the Roll of Honour in St Andrew's Church amongst the “illuminated” list of all those 131 names “from the Parishes of Gt. and Lt. Ryburgh and Testerton who served from 1914 - “(the closing date was never added) is +Gould Nicholas Norfolk Regt. In the history of the Ryburgh War Memorials as seen in Revd. F.H. Tatham’s reports in the Ryburgh Parish Magazines there is a probable reference to Corporal Gould in January 1921, which helps to explain that whilst Nicholas' name appears on the Ryburgh Parish Roll of Honour, why he is not named on either the Parish War Memorial or above the stage in the Memorial Hall.
"The Church Memorial and Thank Offering. We have now in hand or promised about £[…]
and there are one or two who have promised help but so far have named no definite [sum]
but there are many others who might [……] However though we have not yet reached the
amount required. I’[d] have thought it w[ould] make a venture of faith and I have given
[an]order for the work to be begun—what par[ticularly] urged me to take this step was that
Mr Rudd who is going to do the painting can be doing a great part of it during the winter
months at home---and so the work can be done [there and] brought to the Church and
put up. I [reckon] as far as I can judge 21 Names to be placed [on] the screen. Anyone
can verify them and [make] sure no one is forgotten by examining the [list] in the Church.
There are 22 Names on th[e list of] the fallen but one does not properly belong to this
parish (Probably Nicholas Gould from North Elmham) and is commemorated in his [village].
+These laid down their lives for their King and Country. May they rest in peace, and may
light perpetual shine upon them".
The November 1918 Parish Magazine has the following brief mention of Nicholas along with Ernest Nelson a fellow 10th Essex Regiment Ryburgh man who died less than a month later. Both are claimed as "our boys" :
2. Inside St Mary's Church North Elmham
Visitors will find a brass plaque on the tower pillar dedicated 'To the Honoured Memory of those of this Parish who Fell in The Great War 1914-1919. Listed amongst those who were Killed In Action is Nicholas Gould.
3. Propatria - for one's country.
Also inside St Mary's Church North Elmham on display is the Roll of Honour 1914-8 Parishioners of N. Elmham who served with H.M. Forces. Nicholas is listed at the top of the 4th column, preceded by an Arthur (not known if related) and youngest brother Henry Gould who are the last two entries in the 3rd column.
4.Found at the junction of Holt Road and Cathedral Drive, the WW1 Centenary Memorial Seat in North Elmham was erected in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and bears 36 names.
5. North Elmham War Memorial Institute or as it is known locally ‘The Institute’. From St Mary’s Church, take a short walk down the hill heading towards the Primary School and The Institute can be found on the left. Details of those from North Elmham who fell in WW1 and WW2 can be found here
http://www.breckland-rollofhonour.org.uk/n_elmham.html
6. Commonwealth War Graves Commission Vis-En-Artois Memorial Panel 7 Pas De Calais France (S2). Nicholas Gould is one of over 9,000 men named upon this Memorial who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. They belonged to the forces of Great Britain and Ireland and South Africa; the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand forces being commemorated on other memorials to the missing. The Memorial consists of a screen wall in threeparts. The middle part of the screen wall is concave and carries stone panels on which names are carved. It is 26 feet high flanked by pylons 70 feet high. The Stoneof Remembrance stands exactly between the pylons and behind it, in the middle of the screen, is a group in relief representing St George and the Dragon. The flanking parts of the screen wall are also curved and carry stone panels carved with names. Each of them forms the back of a roofed colonnade; and at the far end of each is a small building. The memorial was designed by J.R. Truelove, with sculpture by Ernest Gillick. It was unveiled by the Rt. Hon. Thomas Shaw on 4 August 1930.
7. The Ring of Remembrance at the Notre Dame de Lorette Memorial.
FAMILY TREE NOTES
Steve Bushby & Ryburgh Remembers are very grateful to Janet Woodhouse, North Elmham resident and historian, Lord Philip Wood, Sharon Moore and Nicholas’s Great Nephew, Nick Newton for their help in compiling this biography.
Copyright
Ryburgh Remembers 2016, 2017, 2018.