Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Ernest Victor Longhurst was born on 13th February 1891 in Wotton, Surrey to Mary Longhurst. He was baptised on 5th June 1891 at St John the Baptist in Wotton, Okewood. On the baptismal record Mary did not state the father of her son.
Ernest’s mother was born in the 3rd quarter of 1869 in Wotton to labourer Frederick, born about 1835 in Ockley and Mary (nee Worsfold), born about 1843 in Abinger, Surrey. At the time of the 1891 Census, Mary lived with her parents at Scant Cottage, Okewood. Mary married Eli Garman on 9th December 1893 at St John the Baptist in Wotton. The couple lived in Okewood and Eli was working as a labourer. Eli was born in the 4th quarter of 1869 in Wotton to labourer James, born about 1825 in Rudwick, Sussex and Harriett (nee Overington), born about 1830 in Rudwick. Eli was baptised on 31st October 1869 at St John the Baptist, Wotton.
Ernest took Eli’s surname Garman and Eli stated him as his son on the subsequent censuses.
Ernest Victor had seven half-siblings: Charlotte born about 1894 in Wotton; Katie born about 1896 in Warnham, Sussex; Harry born about 1900 in Rudwick; James Frederick born in the 2nd quarter of 1898 in Horsham, Sussex; Arthur born in the 1st quarter of 1902; Ellen born in the 2nd quarter of 1903, both in Dorking and Alice Lily born about 1909 in Wotton.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Sheep Green, Ockley. Eli was working as a farm carter and Mary was at home looking after their children Ernest, Charlotte, Katie and Harry.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at Sheep Green. Eli was working as a farm wagoner and Mary was at home. The household further comprised of their children: farm labourer Ernest, Charlotte, Harry and Alice. Mary stated that she had given birth to eight children of whom five were still alive. The accommodation had six rooms.
Ernest Garman enlisted soon after the outbreak of hostilities in Horsham, Surrey into the 22nd (Kensington) Royal Fusiliers. He was a Private with regimental number K/1322. At the time of his enlistment he resided in Ockley and was employed by the Dorking Rural District Council. Prior to that he had worked for several years for Mr H. C. Lee Steere, J.P., of Jayes Park. He did much of his military training in Horsham.
Ernest disembarked on 16th November 1915 in France.
OCKLEY MEN KILLED
The death of another Ockley “boy” is reported, Pte. Victor Garman, Royal Fusiliers, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Garman of Sheep Green, Ockley, who died at No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station, Boulogne, of wounds received in action. The first intimation Mrs. Garman received of her son being wounded was early last week, and later a letter came to hand from the Sister stating that Pte. Garman was seriously wounded in the leg, necessitating the amputation of the limb, and that other complications had arisen which rendered his condition very serious. The following day another letter was received from the Sister stating that Pte. Garman’s condition had gradually become worse and that he had passed peacefully away.
Pte. Garman enlisted with several other boys of the village, into the 22nd (Kensington) Royal Fusiliers, then stationed in Horsham, soon after the outbreak of hostilities, where he did most of his training prior to his leaving for France some twelve months ago. At the outbreak of war he was employed by the Dorking Rural District Council, and previous to that he had worked for Mr. H. C. Steere, J.P. of Jayes Park, by whom his father has been employed for a great number of years. At the time of his death he was in his 25th year.
Since above was written we have received intimation that Ockley has lost another of its brave lads, Lce-Corpl. W. Randall, of Greathouse Farm. He was first reported as lying seriously wounded at No. 3 Canadian General Hospital, Boulogne, and his parents received a telegram from the from the authorities offering to take them over to see him. Intimation is now to hand that he has succumbed to his wounds.
Victor Garman Death Notice 16th December 1916 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Ernest died of wounds on 24th November 1916 at No. 3 Casualty Clearing Station in Boulogne, France. Pte Garman had been seriously wounded in the leg in an action which led to its amputation. However, complication arose and the Private died.
He is buried at the Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme, France. His cemetery reference number is: VI.C.4.
Ernest’s father Eli received £6, 15s and 9d on 3rd April 1917 and a further £8 on 13th October 1919 in Soldiers Effects.
Ernest received the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star. He was also recipient of the Military Medal.
| Born | Wotton, Surrey | |
| Lived | Ockley, Surrey | |
| Son of | Mary Longhurst of Wotton | |
| Enlisted | Horsham, West Sussex | |
| Regiment | 22nd (Kensington) Royal Fusiliers | |
| Number | K/1322 | |
| Date of Death | 24th November 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Boulogne, France | |
| Cause of Death | Died of wounds | |
| Age | 26 | |
| Cemetery | Carnoy Military Cemetery, Somme, France |
