ALFRED EDGAR FRENCH
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG”: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Image taken from the Evening Star – 30th March 1942.
Born: 14th September 1915, Ipswich.
Died: 6th March 1942; age: 26; KiA.
Residence: 61, Heath Lane, Ipswich.
Occupation: a Carpenter & Joiner.
Rank: Sapper; Service Number: 1883555.
Regiment: Royal Engineers, 1 Field Squadron.
Memorial Reference:
Column 47.
El Alamein,
Maruh,
Egypt.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of George Edwin & Maud French; husband of Hilda Marguerite French, of Ipswich.
Son of GEORGE EDWIN FRENCH, brother to JACK EDWIN FRENCH.
Father: George Edwin French, born January 1880, Ipswich.
Mother: Maud Alice French (nee Aldous), born 1883, Flowton, Suffolk.
Brother: Eric Roy French, born 1926, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1921 206, Rose Hill Road, Ipswich.
Alfred was 5 years and 9 months old. He attended School and lived with his parents and siblings.
George French, 40 years & 5 months old, a Fitter for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies – Agricultural Implement Manufacturers, of Plough Works.
Maud French, 37 years & 6 months old, Home Duties.
Arthur George French, 18 years & 5 months old, a Carpenter on Electric Vehicles for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies – Agricultural Implement Manufacturers, of Cavendish Street, Ipswich, born Ipswich.
James Stanley French, 16 years & 11 months old, a Fitter’s Assistant for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies – Agricultural Implement Manufacturers, of Plough Works, born Ipswich.
Robert Charles French, 14 years & 6 months old, an Errand Boy for Mr. Keeler – Furniture Dealer, of 6, Tomline Road, Ipswich, born Ipswich.
Doris Maud French, 12 years & 6 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Ivy Maud French, 9 years & 11 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Emily Ada French, 8 years & 6 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Jack Edwin French, 2 years & 6 months old, born Ipswich.
Nellie Mabel French, a year old, born Ipswich.
On Saturday, 7th January 1939, at St. John’s Church, Ipswich, Alfred married Hilda Marguerite Jewell, born August 1917, in Ipswich – daughter of Sidney Edwin Jewell, an iron turner, and Ada Rosetta Jewell (nee Shipp), of 161, Spring Road, Ipswich.
Image courtesy of Pat French.
Evening Star and Daily Herald – 9th January 1939
WEDDING AT IPSWICH
A pretty wedding took place at St. John’s Church, Ipswich, on Saturday, between Mr. Alfred E. French, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. G. French, of Rose Hill Road, and Miss Hilda Marguerite Jewell, of Spring Road, Ipswich. The Rev. B. Hindle officiated, and the service included the hymns “Love Divine” and “Lead us, Heavenly Father,” accompanied by Mr. Denyer at the organ.
Given away by her father, the bride was dressed in ivory satin with an embroidered lace veil and coronet of orange blossoms. She carried a bouquet of red and white carnations and trailing fern and wore a string of pearls, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss N. French (sister of the bridegroom), Miss M. Woods (friend of the bride) and Miss Eileen Wiggins (niece of the bride). The two first named were dressed in pink tulle over pink satin, with veils and coronets of gold leaves, and gold shoes, and they carried bouquets of bronze chrysanthemums. The little maid wore a green silk taffeta frock with a poke bonnet and gold shoes and carried a green and gold basket of flowers. All the bridesmaids wore gold crystal necklets, the gifts of the bridegroom. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr. B. French, the bridegroom’s brother.
After the ceremony, a reception was held at St. John’s Recreation Hall.
ENGLAND and WALES REGISTER 1939.
Alfred was a Carpenter & Joiner. He lived with Hilda and two others at their home at 61, Heath Lane, Ipswich.
Probate to Hilda Marguerite French – widow.
Alfred’s brother, Jack Edwin French, also died from a shrapnel injury, during a bombing on the 12th May 1944, aged 26, at POW Camp Stalag IV B. He was a Gunner, service number 953067, in the Royal Artillery, 67 Medium Regiment. Jack was buried at Prague War Cemetery, Czech Republic.
Alfred’s father, George Edwin French also died when M.V. ‘Sweep’ II struck a mine and sunk at Landguard Port, Felixstowe, on the 5th June 1940, aged 61.
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