Thanks to Simon Jervis for this research. Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for additional research.
Ernest Sargeant was born on 15th March 1886 in Kilburn, London to grocer & medical dispenser Samuel and Harriett Lucy (nee Westcott).
Ernest’s father Samuel was born in the 1st quarter of 1846 in Salhouse, Norfolk to Baptist minister Samuel, born about 1824 in Cambridge and Sarah, born about 1822 in Yarmouth, Norfolk. Ernest’s mother Harriett was born in the 3rd quarter of 1846 in Stamford, Lincolnshire to painter Charles, born about 1817 in Lingfield, Surrey and Hannah, born about 1815 in Isfield, Sussex. Samuel married Harriett in the 3rd quarter of 1872 in Islington, London.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at 89 Woodbine Grove, Penge, Surrey. Samuel was working as a grocer and Harriett was at home looking after their sons: Walter Charles, Edward Samuel and Ebenezer.
Ernest had seven siblings: Walter Charles born about 1874; Sarah Lucy born about 1876; Lydia Sargeant born about 1879, and Ruth Maria born about 1883, all in Holloway, London. Edward Samuel born about 1875 and Ebenezer born about 1880, both in Islington, and Rhoda Elizabeth born about 1882 in Penge.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at 41 Tennyson Road, Willesden, Middlesex. Samuel was working as a medical dispenser and Harriett was at home looking after their children. The household further comprised of a boarder Eliza Heather.
Ernest’s father Samuel died in 1898 and was buried in the Camden Cemetery in London.
Ernest attended Kilburn Park School and on 11th January 1897 he enrolled into Netherwood Street School in Hampstead.
At the time of the 1901 Census, Harriett lived at 37 Gascony Avenue, Hampstead. She was working as a monthly nurse. The household further comprised of her children: domestic servant Sarah and printer’s apprentice Ernest.
Ernest enlisted into the 6th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment on 17th November 1904 in Stratford, Middlesex. He was a Private with regimental number 8421. At the time of his enlistment he lived at 34 Kingsgate Road, Kilburn, and worked as a beer bottler for Henley & Son at 58 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, London. He had hazel eyes, brown hair and a fresh complexion. He also had defective teeth and was enlisted only under the condition he would get new teeth.
On 11th January 1905 Pte Sargeant was posted to the East Lancashire Regiment.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Ernest was with the 2nd East Lancashire Regiment in India.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Harriett lived with her daughter Lydia at 18 Ansell Road, Dorking. Lydia was running a boarding house. The house had five rooms.
On 22nd August 1914 Ernest Sargeant disembarked in France.
At the time of his death he was a Lance Corporal of the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.
B Coy remained in the line between Wez Macquart and Porte Egale whilst the rest of the battalion moved via Armentieres to Ploegsteert Wood then taking part in an attack on Le Gheer. Advanced at 8.30am through Ploegsteert Wood and engaged German patrol on southern edge. Enemy withdrew to positions across the Ploegsteert Road which was then attacked by a party led by Lieutenant Hughes. Regimental records note that the enemy almost immediately surrendered, one man however firing at and killing Lieutenant Hughes. B Coy rejoined and trenches held around Le Gheer. Several German counter attacks all defeated by rifle and accurate artillery fire, C and D Coys moved back into reserve at Ploegsteert on the 25th October. D returning to support line on the 28th. C Coy taking over trenches running from the Le Touquet crossroads to the Warnave Brooke on the 30th.
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Ernest was killed in action on 30th October 1914 in Belgium. He is buried at the Strand Military Cemetery in Hainaut, Belgium. His cemetery reference number is: IX.N.1. The headstone reads the inscription: ‘Why Seek Ye The Living Among The Dead?’.
He received the British War and Victory medals and the 1914 Star.
Ernest’s mother Harriett and his siblings: Walter, Lydia and Rhoda received £1, 5s and 8d and sister Ruth £1, 5s and 7d on 10th September 1915 in Soldier’s Effects. The family received a further 16s and 8d on the 4th of August 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
In 1924 Harriett Sargeant was living at 5 Hampstead Road, Dorking.
| Born | Kilburn, Middlesex | |
| Son of | The late Samuel and Harriett Lucy Sargeant of 5 Hampstead Road, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment | |
| Number | 8421 | |
| Date of Death | 30th October 1914 | |
| Place of Death | Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 27 | |
| Cemetery | Strand Military Cemetery, Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium |
