Thank you to Patricia Brazier for the following research.
Ernest was born in Upper Dicker in Sussex in 1887 his parents were Philemon and Ruth.
In the 1891 census the family are living in Upper Dicker His father is a Gardener, he had three sisters and 4 brothers.
The family are still living in Sussex in the 1901 census. Sometime between 1901 and 1909 he moved to the Surrey area and married Emily Astridge in Epsom. They had two Children Doris Emily and Arthur Ernest.
In the 1911 census he is living with Emily and their two children in China Row, Church Walk in Leatherhead. Ernest is a Gardener. Ernest played in the Leatherhead Town Silver Band.
Ernest died on 7th October 1917 he is buried at Hooge Cemetery in Belgium, Plot 1 Row B. His name also appears on the Ashtead War Memorial, and the Dorking Oddfellows Memorial where he was a member of the Loyal Duke of Connaught Lodge.
Ernest’s medals were sent to his wife Emily in 1927, she was living at Oak Cottage, The Common, in Ashtead. She married Joseph Jeapes in December quarter of 1924.
Born Upper Dicker, Sussex
Lived Leatherhead, Surrey
Son of Philemon and Ruth Haffenden
Husband of Emily Astridge
Regiment 2nd Battalion. “A” Company. The Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment
Number TF/265409
Date of Death 7th October 1917
Place of Death Flanders, Belgium
Cause of Death Killed in Action
Age 30
Cemetery Hooge Cemetery in Belgium, Plot 1 Row B