Diss Family History Group

Herbert Sidney EMMS, son of Walter EMMS (c. 1857- ) and Elizabeth ROLFE (c. 1858- ), was born on 27 April 1892 in North Lopham, Norfolk and was baptised there on 3 July, the ceremony was conducted by Rev. R W PITT, curate. On the 11th August 1915 Herbert was drowned, ‘lost at sea’, but was a soldier. He was being transported to Gallipoli as part of reinforcements, made up of British and Canadian soldiers, and medical staff, when the ship he was travelling in was torpedoed.

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Last updated: Sat, 10 Jan 2026
EMMS, Herbert Sidney
Family Historian Individual Narrative Herbert Sidney EMMS, son of Walter EMMS (c. 1857- ) and Elizabeth ROLFE (c. 1858- ), was born on 27 April 1892 in North Lopham, Norfolk. He was baptised on 3 July 1892 in North Lopham , the ceremony was conducted by Rev. R W PITT, curate - parents Walter (labourer) and Elizabeth. On 31 Mar 1901, (the 1901 Census), he was living at The Street in North Lopham - 10, scholar, living with parents Walter (44, agricultural labourer) and Elizabeth (43), and sibling George William (20, agricultural labo..... View full FH text (See notes below)
Birth:	27.01.1892 : North Lopham, Norfolk : 1892 Q2 Guiltcross Norfolk Vol 4B Page 361
Baptism:	03.07.1892 : North Lopham, Norfolk
1901 Census:	North Lopham, Norfolk : 10, scholar, living with parents Walter (44, agricultural labourer) and Elizabeth (43), and sibling George William (20, agricultural labourer), Frederick William (18, bricklayers labourer), Josiah (16, agricultural labourer), Charles Edward (14. agricultural labourer). Albert Ernest (12, scholar), Blanche Eveline (6, scholar) and Wilfred (3). (RG13 Piece 1866 Folio 7 Page 5 Schedule 31)
1911 Census:	North Lopham, Norfolk : 22, farm labourer, living with parents Walter (54, farm labourer) and Elizabeth (53), and sibling Charles (25, farm labourer), Albert (22, farm labourer), Blanche (17, living at home) and Wilfred (13, scholar). (RG14 PN11745 RD239 SD2 ED18 SN6)
Death:	11.08.1915 : Aegean Sea
Memorial:	Turkey : Helles Memorial
Military:	The Commonwealth War Graves Commission grave registration entry for Herbert was “EMMS, Pte. Herbert Sidney, 20661. 1st Bn. Essex Regt. 13th Aug., 1915. Age 23.. Son of Walter and Elizabeth Emms, of North Lopham, Diss, Norfolk.” (No complete army service record has been found for Robert.)
Newspaper:	Diss Express and Norfolk and Suffolk Journal, 18 Aug 1916 IN MEMORIAM. In ever loving memory of Herbert Sidney, sixth beloved son of Walter and Elizabeth Emms, of North Lopham, drowned by the sinking of the Royal Edward in the Aegean Sea, on August 13th, 1915, aged 25 years. Far away in a watery grave. Is one we loved but could not save; We hope to meet him in heaven above, Where all is joy and peace and love. Sleep on, our loving son and brother, For you the strife is o'er, your duty done; Your memory treasured is by one and all; Sleep on, dear Sid, till the last roll call. Inserted by his loving parents, brothers and sisters.
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Images

Helles Memorial (CWGC)

Essex Regiment

Further information

Herbert Sidney Emms (CWGC)
Helles Memorial (CWGC)
Essex Regiment (The Long, Long Trail)
Essex Regiment (Wikipedia)
History of the Essex Regiment from 1902 (Museum of Chelmsford)

Notes:

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