Thank you to Patricia Brazier for the following research.
Ernest was born on 13th March 1888 and baptised at St James church in Croydon on 23rd May 1888. His parents are Edward John, a bricklayer, and Fanny.
In the 1891 census Ernest and his family are living in Cross Road in Croydon. Ernest has two brothers Edward aged 10, and Alfred aged 22 months.
In 1901 the family are still living in Cross Road. Ernest now has a sister Annie, she is 8 years old.
In 1911 the whole family are still living together but now at 141 Coal Road East Croydon. Ernest and his two brothers are all fishmongers’ assistants. His sister Annie is 18 and has no occupation. Their father is still a bricklayer.
Ernest enlisted into the Army Service corps on 11th December 1914. His medical confirms that he is fit for service and that he is 5 feet 10 inches tall. His medal card shows that he arrived in France on 18th December 1914. The RTS prefix in his regimental number means Remounts Transport Special. This means he was involved in the buying and transportation of horses and then distributing them to appropriate units.
On the 12th October 1915, Ernest married Mary Emmeline King at St Mathews Church in Croydon. He then went back to France and on 4th December 1915 he was hospitalised in France suffering from diarrhoea. He was discharged on 27th December 1915. On 3rd May 1916 he was admitted to hospital again with the same complaint and discharged on 6th May 1916. On 5th June 1916, he was admitted to hospital again; this time Colitis is diagnosed; and he is transferred to a Hospital ship at Dover Castle. He was eventually transferred to the military hospital in Croydon, where on 10th February 1917 he was diagnosed with a malignant growth on the rectum. He was then discharged from service.
Sadly Ernest died on 25th November 1917 at the hospital in Croydon. His medals were sent to his widow, Mary at 1 Ansell Road in Dorking. She was granted a Pension of 15 shillings per week.
| Born | Croydon |
| Son of | Edward John and Fanny Henden |
| Husband of | Mary Emmeline King of 1 Ansell Road, Dorking |
| Regiment | Army Service Corps |
| Number | RTS / 1724 |
| Date of Death | 25th November 1917 |
| Place of Death | Croydon |
| Cause of Death | Died of bowel cancer |
| Age | 29 |
| Cemetery | Croydon (Mitcham Road) Cemetery |
