In Remembrance
At St Margaret’s Church, Topcroft, a memorial records the names of four men who gave their lives during the two World Wars.
Their names remain an important part of Topcroft’s history. They represent members of the wider village community who lost their lives during times of conflict and whose service and sacrifice continue to be remembered by the people of Topcroft.
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World War 1
World War 2
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The names recorded on Topcroft’s memorial form an enduring part of the history of our parish. Through remembering them, we also remember the families, friends and wider community who were affected by the loss of those who served.
‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.’
| The First World War – 1914 to 1918 |
Gunner Charles Punchard
1886 to 1917
Charles Punchard was born in Denton, Norfolk, and was the son of William and Caroline Punchard of Topcroft. He served as a Gunner with the 291st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 153454. Charles was wounded during the First World War and died of his wounds on 30 October 1917, aged 31. He was the husband of Phyllis M. Punchard. Gunner Punchard is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.
Charles Punchard is remembered on the memorial at St Margaret’s Church, Topcroft, alongside the three men from the Second World War who also gave their lives in service to their country.
The Second World War – 1939 to 1945
Gunner Jack Trudgill
1939 to 1945
Jack Trudgill is remembered on the war memorial at St Margaret’s Church, Topcroft, as one of the men from the parish who gave his life during the Second World War. Jack served with the Royal Artillery, as part of the 78th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. His service number was 1837216. He died on 14 November 1944, aged 31. Jack was the husband of Winifred May Trudgill, of Topcroft, Norfolk. He is buried at Rome War Cemetery, Italy, in grave reference II, F, 30.
Harold Parker
1939 to 1945
Harold Parker is remembered on the war memorial at St Margaret’s Church, Topcroft, as one of the men from the parish who gave his life during the Second World War. Unfortunately, despite research into available historical and military records, we have not yet been able to establish further details about Harold’s military service or the circumstances of his death with sufficient certainty to include them here. It could be Sergeant Harold Colin Parker.
We would be very pleased to hear from anyone who may have information about Harold Parker, his family or his wartime service, so that we can add to the history of this memorial and ensure that his story is properly remembered.
Victor Parker
1939 to 1945
Victor Parker is remembered on the war memorial at St Margaret’s Church, Topcroft, as one of the men associated with the parish who gave his life during the Second World War. Despite research into available military and historical records, we have not yet been able to identify Victor Parker’s military service or establish the circumstances in which he lost his life with sufficient certainty. There are a number of wartime records for men named Victor Parker, but we have not found evidence that allows us to confidently attribute any of these records to the Victor Parker commemorated at Topcroft.
We would be very pleased to hear from anyone who may have information about Victor, his family or his wartime service. Any information could help us to build a fuller picture of the men remembered on Topcroft’s war memorial.
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Other Men Associated with Topcroft
The names below are men who have been identified through wartime records as having a connection with Topcroft or a Topcroft family. They are not included on the war memorial at St Margaret’s Church, Topcroft, but their connections with the parish make their stories worthy of remembrance.
Private Leonard William Everitt
Service number: 6251
Leonard William Everitt served with the 1/4th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment during the First World War. He died of wounds on 25 July 1916, aged 21, during the Somme campaign. He is buried at Birmingham (Lodge Hill) Cemetery. His service number and military details are recorded in the Somme Roll of Honour. Son of Charles William and Elizabeth Everitt, of Topcroft, Norfolk.
Private John Pearce
Service number: 31617
John Pearce was born in Hingham and enlisted in Norwich. He served with the 13th Battalion, Essex Regiment during the First World War. John died of wounds on 2 August 1917, aged 37, after having been taken prisoner of war. He is buried at Niederzwehren Cemetery, Kassel, Germany, grave reference IX. C. 1. His connection with Topcroft comes through his wife, Mrs E. L. Pearce, who was recorded as living at Topcroft Hall, Bungay, Suffolk. John is commemorated on the Hingham War Memorial. Although John was a Hingham man, his family connection with Topcroft gives him a place in the wider story of the local communities affected by the First World War.
Private C. E. Everett
Service number: 10060
C. E. Everett served with the East Yorkshire Regiment during the First World War. He died on 26 October 1917, aged 27. He is buried at Beverley (St Mary) Church Cemetery, Yorkshire, grave reference D. 32.1/2. The Commonwealth War Graves record gives an important Topcroft connection. It records him as the son of Charles William Everett, of Topcroft, Norfolk, and as the husband of Florence Ethel Everett of Beverley.
Private Ernest Walter Coles
Service number: L/9035
Ernest Walter Coles served with the 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment during the First World War. He died on 18 September 1918 and is buried at Épehy Wood Farm Cemetery, France, grave reference II. D. 8. Ernest was the son of Mr and Mrs Richard Coles of Cocking, Midhurst, Sussex. His connection with Topcroft came through his wife, Alice Ellen Coles, who was recorded as living at 3 Church Hill, Topcroft, Bungay, Suffolk. This is therefore a family and residential connection with Topcroft rather than evidence that Ernest himself was a resident of the Norfolk parish.
A Note about these Records
Where a man’s connection with Topcroft is through a parent, spouse or family address, this has been stated rather than assuming that he was a resident of the parish. These men are included to recognise the wider impact of the World Wars on Topcroft and the families connected with the village.
Their names, their service and their sacrifice deserve to be remembered.
Sources
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- Topcroft War Memorial, Imperial War Museums War Memorials Register
- Norfolk Roll of Honour