Memorial Plaque
Note: the plaque misrenders his surname as “Scarfe” instead of “Scarff”.
PTE W. SCARFE
E. SURREY REGT
3 FEB. 1915
Connection with Effingham
He was not native to Effingham but was residing here, with his parents, when he enlisted.
Genealogy
William James’ parents were William Scarff (Snr.), born at Starston, Norfolk in 1867 [GRO Ref: Depwade 4b 218, 1867 (Q1)], and Margaret (née) Self, born in Colchester, Essex in 1863 [GRO Ref: Colchester 4a 261, 1863 (Q1)]. By the time of the 1881 Census Margaret had moved into the household of a relation James Squire at 1, The Terrace, London Road in Redenhall, Norfolk [PRO Ref: RG11 Piece 1965 Folio 83 Page 41]. Redenhall and Starston are only about two miles apart, so this is presumably how she came to meet William (Snr). They married in 1889 [GRO Ref: Depwade 4b 577, 1889 (Q4)].
The 1891 Census finds them living in Harleston, just SE of Starston, next door to William (Snr.)’s father James: