Cecil Sydney Layton

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Cecil died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 21. 

Cecil was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Charles and Lucy Layton. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 19 July 1896. In 1901 his family lived at 23 Jacob’s Street, and this was the family home for the rest of Cecil’s life. In 1911 Cecil worked as a boot repairer’s assistant. 

Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2062, and was posted to the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. 

Cecil was posted to France, to join the 2nd Battalion, and was given service number 43760. He served with Y Company. In early 1917 Cecil became unwell and was evacuated to England and admitted to the Military Hospital, Chatham, on 16 February 1917. Once recovered he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion. 

On 24 September 1917 the 1/4th Battalion moved to the eastern edge of Sanctuary Wood. On 26 September the Battalion moved forward to a line from Fitzclarence Farm to Glencorse Wood in readiness for an advance. This was held up and whilst waiting the Battalion suffered heavy casualties through enemy shelling. Heavy shelling, thick mist, and darkness, caused confusion and an organised attack was impossible. The men advances in small groups and by forward rushes. A small group managed to get to the enemy front line and were able to capture two machine-guns and 13 men, who gave valuable information.

The Battalion’s casualties were: two officers killed and seven wounded; 43 men killed, 150 wounded, and 63 missing.

Cecil was reported wounded, then missing, on 24 September. Later it was presumed that he had been killed in action on that date. 

Cecil's body was found at map reference J.14.c.85.95 and identified by two identity discs. In 1921 he was reburied at Tyne Cot Cemetery.