Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Herbert Joseph Greeves was born at Kings Lynn in 1883 to parents Robert, a dockside labourer and Margaret (nee Johnson).  In 1891, Herbert, aged 8, was living at The Two Brewers Inn, Purfleet Street, Kings Lynn with Robert (40) and Margaret (40) and siblings Georgina (20) general servant domestic, Albert H (5) and Karl (2).  In 1901, the family were living at Exleys Yard, Purfleet Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Herbert was a dock labourer, Albert, a book factory hand, Karl (12) and sister Georgina Drew, now married and her children Ferdinand (3) and Doris (1).

Herbert married Alice Maud Pinner on 2 August 1902 at St Margaret’s Church, Kings Lynn.  They had two sons; Albert Joseph was born on 14 November 1902, but died in 1904 and Frederick Robert Greeves born on 23 October 1903.  By 1911, Herbert (28) and his family were living at Blackfriars Street, Kings Lynn; he was a dock labourer and Alice Maud (30) an innkeeper and Frederick Robert (7).

Herbert attested at Kings Lynn on 10 December 1915 and was initially posted to the Army Reserves.  He was mobilised at Norwich on 12 June 1916, and joined the 3^rd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment and was stationed at Felixstowe.  He was aged 33 years 6 months, 5’9” tall with a 37in chest.  He gave his occupation as licenced victualler of the Clough Fleet Tavern, Blackfriars Street, Kings Lynn.  He was discharged from the army on medical grounds on 18 September 1916, suffering from bronchial catarrh and constant bronchitis, giving rise to a rapid heart rate and for this reason it was noted that he was not likely to become an efficient soldier.  He was awarded the Silver War Badge.

Herbert passed through Peterborough East Station on 26 January 1917 and signed himself as late 3rd Norfolk Regiment and wrote “A very useful and Handy Institution while waiting the Irregular Train Service”.

Herbert died in Kings Lynn in 1928, aged 45.

Is Herbert Joseph a member of your family?  Do get in touch if you can tell us more.