Stanley was born on 30th October 1891 at Clapton, son of William (Letterpress Printer & Stationer), and Rebecca Sarah Ferry. In 1901 he was a Scholar living with his family at “Belle Haven” Buckingham Road, South Woodford. In 1911 Stanley is listed as an Assistant Printer in his father’s printing/stationery business, still living with his family at “Belle Haven.” The family business was William Ferry & Sons, High Road, South Woodford. Stanley appears to have travelled to Canada in 1913.
He enlisted in the Civil Service Rifles at Somerset House on 17th May 1915. While based at Winchester in April 1916 it was noticed that he had a weakness in the right leg. On 21th April 1916 he was sent to France, where he remained until 27th May 1916, when his health deteriorated and he returned to the UK on 28th May. It was determined that he was suffering from a cerebral tumour, and he was transferred to the Auxiliary Hospital at Highams in Woodford, where his right arm became paralyzed. He was also treated in 4 London General Hospital at Denmark Hill.
His condition continued to deteriorate. When formally discharged from the Army on 9th February 1917 he had little use of muscles on his left side and had lost his sight, and though could hear fairly well, he could not communicate verbally. He was in need of total care. His condition was not caused by his time in the Army, but had been aggravated by the stress of service.
He died on 28th August 1919.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Service Record