JOHN VELZIAN

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: 1869, Deerness, Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland.

Missing: 31st October 1915; age 46; found drowned near Val de Lievre – 22nd November 1915.

Residence: 11, Little Wolsey Street, Ipswich.

Enlistment Location: London.

Date of Entry Therein: 30th May 1915 – France.

Rank: Private; Service Number: SS/11516

Regiment: Army Service Corps, 13th Labour Coy.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British & 1915 Star.

Grave Reference.

Plot A. Row 4. Grave 5.

Calais Southern Cemetery,

Pas de Calais,

France.

CENSUS

1881   Mill Street, Deerness, Orkney, Kirkwall, Scotland.

John was 12 years old and living with his father, siblings, stepmother & stepsister.

William Velzian, 38, a Miller (out of employment), born Walls, Orkney.

Isabella Velzian, 21, born Deerness, Orkney.

Catherine Ann Foulis Velzian, 11, born Deerness.

Hannah Velzian, 8, born Deerness.

Margaret G. Velzian, 1, born Kirkwall, Orkney.

1901   5, Curriers Lane, Ipswich.

John was 32 years old, a Quay Labourer. He was married and head of the household.

Gertrude, 39.

Fidies, 10 months.

1911   3, Victoria Place, Black Horse Lane, Ipswich.

John was 42 years old, a Dock Labourer. He was married and head of the household.

Gertrude, 39.

William, 13.

On the 9th October 1889, at All Saints Church, Sproughton, 20 year old John, a soldier, married 18 year old Gertrude Emma Abbott, born 1871, Sproughton – daughter of William Abbott, a labourer at a chemical manure works, and Elizabeth Abbott (nee Hardwick), of Chantry Row, Sproughton.

Gertrude and John had two children:

William John Velzian, born April 1898, Ipswich.

Fidies Octavia Velzian, born 1891, Ipswich – died 1907, Ipswich.

John’s mother was Hannah Cromarty Matches, born 1839, Deerness – died 1874, in Deerness.

John’s brother, George Foulis Velzian, also lost his life. He was a Sergeant of the 3rd Royal Scots, Lothian Regiment. Died: 8th February 1916, aged 30 – Diabetes. Residence: 9, Industrial Lane, Leith, Scotland. Tattooed right forearm ‘Highland Dancer’.

John is also remembered on the war memorial at Kirkwall Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney and at

St. Nicholas’s Church, Ipswich.

 Army Service Corps, 13th Labour Coy