Born on 3rd June 1888 at Romford, son of Joseph Thomas (Mercantile Clerk, later Chief Clerk to Wharf Owner) and Alice Love. 1901: A Scholar with his family at “Learmount” Gordon Road, South Woodford. 1911: A Shipping Clerk at 3/4 Fenchurch Street, still with his family at “Learmount” Gordon Road, South Woodford. The family home was later 8 Higham Road, Woodford Green. By religion he was a Congregationalist.
In 1914 he married Hilda May Wass, and they made home at 36 Cheltenham Road, Southend on Sea. His probate gives their address as “Holmlea” Nightingale Road, Rickmansworth.
He had been a member of the RNVR from 1908 to 1912, and re-enlisted on 14th September 1914. Initially allocated to 1 Battalion Royal Naval Division at Crystal Palace, on 5th January 1915 he was posted to Benbow Battalion. His abilities were recognised, and on 10th March 1915 he was discharged to HMS Victory for training at a Temporary Sub Lieutenant.
In June 1915 he joined the Hood Battalion in the Dardanelles. On 14th June 1915 his life ended in circumstances which are unclear. He was the only one of the Battalion to be lost that day suggesting he may possibly have fallen victim to a sniper or shell. He has no known grave.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Principal Sources:
Ancestry.com