They are often overlooked in honour rolls of the fallen from the First World War but they gave their lives all the same. 

And now a historic church is to bring together some of the country’s leading bellringers for a special tribute to those who died of their war wounds after the conflict ended. 

It will be a rare opportunity to hear the bells ring at St Andrew’s in Great Ryburgh, near Fakenham.

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Anne Prentis, churchwarden, said: “It is so easy to overlook those whose names do not feature on our war memorials but whose lives were cut short by the lingering wounds they received.

“St Andrew’s is delighted that the three-hour peal will be conducted by David Brown, a principal member of the Westminster Company of Ringers who rang for both the late Queen’s funeral and the coronation of King Charles.”

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The bellringing will honour one man in particular - William David Howard - who was born in 1899 and died in 1923.

Mr Howard lived at Little Ryburgh - he was brought up in the M&GN signalman’s cottages at Langor Bridge.

Eastern Daily Press: William David Howard William David Howard (Image: Supplied by kind permission of the Howard family)He enlisted in 1917 and records indicate he served with the Suffolk Regiment and the Essex Regiment. In addition to the War Badge he also received the British War and Victory medals.

He was severely injured in the war. 

Mr Howard was discharged because of his wounds in 1918  and was initially sent back to Scotland, but was later moved closer to his family home. 

Eastern Daily Press: St Andrews in Great RyburghSt Andrews in Great Ryburgh (Image: Supplied)He spent the last five years of his life in and out of hospital as a result of his injuries. He was buried in the Queens Road cemetery in Fakenham.

The bell ringing will take place in the afternoon on Sunday, December 3. 

On December 2 from 9.30pm to midday, the church will host a Christmas market and book sale. On the Sunday at 6pm, following the bellringing, there will be an Advent service. For more details call 01328 829413.