George Ernest. He is shown as deserting in 1899, but went on to serve in South Africa. He is entitled to Queen’s South Africa Medal with bars Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal. He served in France from 16-1-15 (hence entitled to 1914-15 star) which roll shows him as “Drummer”. He was advanced to Corporal within the following few months. He died of wounds on 9-5-15 following the action on 8-5-15 when the 1st battalion was under severe attack during the battle of 2nd Ypres during which they suffered heavy losses. He was born in Whitton, Suffolk and enlisted in Bury St Edmunds. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.
Documents available: Medal Index Card; medal roll(s), including QSA; Soldiers Died in the Great War information; Commonwealth War Grave Commission register page; deserter record
Condition: VF – suspension slack and may have been re-pinned, some edge dings and bruises, bars slightly bent; please see photographs for detail
