ALFRED JAMES MURRELL

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.

Images and information courtesy of Nigel Klammer

Image from the 1944 Evening Star newspaper.

Born: 1923, Ipswich.

Died: 28th October 1944; age: 22; KiA.

Residence: 27, Hadleigh Road, Ipswich.

Rank: Trooper; Service Number: 5836493.

Regiment: Royal Armoured Corps, Reconnaissance Corps, 49th (West Riding) Regiment. Formerly The Suffolk Regiment.

The body was originally buried at Antwerp. On the 3rd May 1946, the body was exhumed, identified and reburied at Bergenop-Zoom War Cemetery.

Grave Reference:

7.C.21.

Bergenop-Zoom War Cemetery,

Noord-Brabant,

Netherlands.

Nephew to ALFRED MURRELL. Kia.

Father: Walter James Murrell, born February 1895, Bramford, Suffolk.

Mother: Ellen Elizabeth Murrell (nee Smith), born June 1896, Ipswich.

Alfred’s parents, Walter and  Ellen (Nellie), in later years.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.

Alfred lived with his parents, sisters, maternal aunt and cousin at their family home – 27, Hadleigh Road, Ipswich.

Walter, a General Labourer – Brickworks.

Ellen, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Joan Winifred Murrell, at School, born June 1926, Ipswich.

Olive May Murrell, born 1929, Ipswich.

Betty Y. Murrell, born 1932, Ipswich.

Ena Margaret Murrell, born 1935, Ipswich.

Winifred Dorothy Sawyer (nee Smith), unpaid Domestic Duties, born April 1905, Ipswich.

Irene Winifred Sawyer, at School, born August 1928, Stepney, London.

Alfred is also commemorated on this Recce Roll of Honour in Porthcawl Museum.

An extract from his sister’s Eulogy.
Olive May Klammer
2nd August 2013 at Ipswich Cemetery

Olive was one of seven children born to Nellie and Walter Murrell in Ipswich, born on April 21st 1929. Her sisters were Betty, Ena, Helen and Joan and her brothers, Alfie and Fred.
Like so many other families, growing up in Ipswich during the depression years of the 1920s and 30’s wasn’t easy however, Olive had a lovely childhood with her siblings. They enjoyed daytrips on the train to Felixstowe during the summer months as well as rambles down to Piper’s Vale or swimming in the river Gipping.

One time whilst at the river, Olives brother Alfie –who enjoyed a joke – was standing knee deep in the river when he said to Olive “come on Ollie, jump in, it’s not deep” “are you sure Alfie” said Olive “yes” replied Alfie “it’s ok to jump in”. As soon as Olive jumped in, her whole body went completely under the water, as Alfie was standing on top of a hidden pole, and the water was much deeper. Alfie had to jump in and rescue his sister, where, after pulling her onto the riverbank, a none-too-happy Olive proceeded to tell him off!!!

At the end of the 1930s, World War two came, and Alfie and Fred went off to war in the army, with only Fred returning, Alfie sadly losing his life in Holland. After the turmoil of the war years, Olive married and settled down with Edward Klammer – Ted as he was known to most. They were blessed with three sons – Paul and Peter, who were both born in Suffolk and Nigel, who was born after the family moved to Bradfield in North Essex.