GEORGE ARTHUR SNELL

IPSWICH WAR MEMORIAL | Posted on 4th June 2016 |

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.

Born: 1887, Ipswich.

Died: 3rd July 1916; age 28; KiA.

Enlistment Location: Ipswich.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 23989

Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 7th Battalion.

Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.

Grave Reference:

IX.F.10.

Ovillers Military Cemetery,

Somme,

France.

Brother to WALTER SNELL.

CENSUS

1891 4, Arthur Street, Ipswich.

George was 3 years old and living with his parents & brothers.

Thomas Snell, 36, a Gas Fitter & Gas Meter Inspector, born Richmond, Surrey.

Harriet Snell (nee Sewell), 33, born Ipswich.

Thomas Snell, 9, born Ipswich.

Walter Snell, 7, born Ipswich.

Harry Snell, 2, born Ipswich.

1901 4, Arthur Street, Ipswich.

George was 14 years old, a Machine Minder – Printing Works. He was living with his parents & brothers.

Thomas, 46, a Plumber & Gas Fitter.

Harriet, 45.

Thomas, 20, a Gas Fitter.

Walter, 17, a Blacksmith.

Harry, 12.

1911 10, Arthur Street, Ipswich.

George was 23 years old, a Machine Minder – Printing Works. He was living with his brothers.

Thomas, 29, a Gas Fitter’s Labourer – Ipswich Gas Company.

Harry, 22, a Plough Fitter – Plough Works.

George’s father, Thomas Snell died, 1904, Ipswich. His mother, Harriet Snell died, 1911, Ipswich.

Suffolk Regiment, 7th Battalion:

The 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment lost many Ipswich men during day 3 of the offensive. On July 1st , at 7.30am the Battle of the Somme started.
That day was a terrible and tragic day, out of the 1000’s of British and Commonwealth men who went ‘over the top’ to attack the German positions 19,340 were killed and 38,500 were wounded.

“On 2 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the 7th Battalion was moved up to the British front line trenches. On 3rd July, as part of the 35th Brigade, along with the 5th Royal Berkshires, the 7th Suffolk’s Battalion took part in a two Brigade frontal attached on Ovillers, zero hour was set for 03.15am. The first four waves reached the enemies’ third line of defence where after meeting very stiff resistance, the attack stalled. Due to the darkness the succeeding waves lost touch and were unable to assist. Casualties numbered 470 including all company commanders killed.” The remnants of the Battalion remained in the trenches until 8 July.

Extract from the history of the Suffolk regiment 1914-27. by Lt-C0l.C.C.R .Murphy.