| ‘While trying to research the history of my Great
Uncle, Ernest W Gout, who was a member of the Norfolk Regt during the Great War, I came across
your website and was fascinated to see the photograph published as ‘The
Unknown Soldier'. It reminded me in the most striking way of the photograph in my father's possession of ‘Uncle Ernie’, who was clearly a contemporary of the unknown soldier. I attach a copy of the photograph, which you may find of interest. Cpl Ernest W Gout is buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord). He succumbed to wounds (we understand?) on 12 Jul 1915 at the age of 21, and had presumably been fighting in the second Battle of Ypres. His service number was 8631, and he was serving with the 1st Bn Norfolk Regt. Other than the very obvious information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, we know so little about the circumstances. I was hoping that you might be able to point me in the right direction to discover more information about the history of his Regiment, and his own history in particular. Naturally, I have no objection if you would like to use Uncle Ernie's picture for your website, and look forward to hearing from you if you feel you are able to help. In any event, I thank you for a very informative website.’ Webmaster comment: Robin has been informed of Tim Carew's book `The Royal Norfolk Regiment’. Published in 1967 it is available from RHQ The Royal Anglian Regt, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Road, Norwich, NR3 2AB, price £2.50 + 80p P&P. Should any readers have any knowledge of Ernest W Gout or the circumstances of his death, please write via the Norfolk Section Editor. |
Cpl Ernest W Gout |
