Victor Joseph J Bellward

Died aged 30 on 10/8/1917. Victor was Serjeant 14503 8th Bn. Suffolk Regiment. Born at Geldeston, Norfolk he enlisted at Lowestoft. Victor is buried at Geldeston (St. Michael) Churchyard, South-East of Church. His MIC reads – Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals. He landed in France on 25/7/15.

From the East Suffolk Gazette of 21/8/1917: “Beccles Swimming Club: loss of five members of its foremost members; Sergt. Victor Bellward, of 8th Suffolk’s from Geldeston. Born 1887, joined the GER service in June 1902. Enlisted in August 1914, and went through safely until the attack on Delville Wood on 19th July, 1916, wounded by shrapnel. Recently died of his wounds”.

Also from the same edition "Bellward – On the 10th inst, at Wharncliffe Way Hospital, Sheffield, of acute haemorrhage, Sergeant Victor Bellward (Suffolks), dearly beloved second son of Mr and Mrs William Bellward, Rose Cottage, Geldeston, aged 30 years."

The following transcribed from his gravestone in Geldestone parish Church, Norfolk has been submitted by David Noades, Victor is David's great-great-grandmother's cousin:

On England’s roll of honour you will find our loved ones name

In loving memory of

Sergt Victor J Bellward
[14703 8th Suffolk Regiment]

The second and dearly loved son of
William and Harriet Bellward

Who was wounded on the Somme July 1916 and died in the Wharncliffe Hospital Sheffield
August 10th 1917, Aged 30 Years

Dear is the spot where our dear son laid.
Sweet is his memory that shall never fade.
Fond is the hope that again we shall meet.
Kneeling together at Jesus’s feet.

From his sorrowing father and mother,
We shall know his voice in the lamb’s sweet song,
His steps in the court of gold,
The same sweet smile on his own dear face,
As he wore in the days of old.

From his loving brothers Willie and Alfred.

The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Geldeston St Michael Churchyard