Ronald Ludwig Eichler was born in 1894 at Holloway, son of Emil William Louis (Accountant), a German National, and Ellen Eichler and was one of seven children. 1901: A Scholar with his parents and siblings at 17 Vicarage Road, Leyton. 1911: The family had moved to 61 Leyspring Road, Leytonstone. Emil was a Book Keeper to the agent of an artificial flower manufacturer, while Ronald was an Assistant Polisher in a paint and varnish works. In this Census his name is entered as Ronald, whereas in 1901 it was Ludwig. In 1917 he married Alice Tappin. When he enlisted at Stratford he was living in Wanstead. His parents are later shown to live in South Woodford.
He initially served with 31 Battalion Middlesex Regiment. This was a Labour Unit, formed in 1916 to take men who were British citizens, but whose parents were classed as “Enemy Aliens”. In due course he was transferred out of this Battalion and into 1/1 (Essex) Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery.
While serving with this Battery, Ronald Eichler died from wounds in 39 Stationary Hospital at Aire which was south south east of St. Omer in France. He is buried in the Aire Communal Cemetery, France.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Commonwealth War Graves Commission