The soldier:
Jacob Flatt is buried in a designated war grave (listed with the CWGC) in the grounds of St. Mary’s Church, Snettisham.
He was a Staff Sergeant, service no. SE/8551 in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC). At the time of his death, at the age of 46, on the 23rd October 1918 he was attached to the 26th Brigade Royal Field Artillery – caring for gun carriage horses.
He died whilst on leave at home in Snettisham from Pneumonia and other illnesses caught on the battlefield.
The man:
Jacob Flatt was born in 1872 in Methwold, Norfolk to Jacob Snr (a labourer – aged 37) and Mary Ann Flatt (nee Worley – aged 30).
In 1881 he lived at 22, Crown St., Methwold with his parents and brothers Walter (16), Joseph (14), Alpha/Alfred (13) and sister Susan (2).
Two of Jacob’s older brothers, David (bn. 1863) and Walton (bn. 1864) had already left the family home. David died aged 21 in 1884 in Lydonville, New York, USA.
By 1891 Jacob still lived in Methwold with his parents and Alpha and Susan but Walter and Joseph are not present. His elder sister Amy has returned to live at the family home.
On the 1st August 1895, Jacob married Edith Sarah Spinks (born Methwold) in Methwold at the age of 22. This same year their eldest daughter Edith Frances is born.
In 1899 Jacob’s mother, Mary Ann passed away.
In the census of 1901 Jacob and Edith are shown residing at a workhouse in Swaffham, his occupation is shown as ‘porter’ hers as ‘cook’.
Later in 1901 the family move to Snettisham. Their second daughter Veda Alicia Betty, born in Swaffham in 1901 and their son, Leonard Lycett, born in Snettisham are registered as baptised in St. Mary’s church, Snettisham on the 5th January and the 8th June, 1902, respectively.
In the 1908 ‘County Directory’ Jacob’s trade is listed as ‘job master’ and this is also referred to in the 1911 census.
By 1911 the family have been settled in Snettisham for some years, with Veda (who now goes by her third name of Betty) and Leonard going to Snettisham School for their entire education (our still existing Primary).
When Jacob died the family were residing in Vine House, Snettisham. Jacob left effects to the value of £114 11 shillings to Edith and the children.
Jacob’s wife Edith died in Surrey in December 1957, at the age of 86.
Footnote:
We have been contacted by the descendants of Jacob’s brother Alpha/Alfred, who also immigrated to the USA, settling in Orleans County a farming area in New York State. They recall that their grandmother (Alfred’s daughter and Jacob’s niece) had a picture of him in uniform with horses always in her hall. They have stated they are touched and honoured that the village is remembering him 100 years on.
Pictures attached – Jacob Flatt (2nd row left -arm in sling), Edith Flatt in later years and wreath, spray and letters left at Jacob’s grave following 100th anniversary service.
