17922, Private, Ernest John RANNER
Aged 18
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Born in Cheveley in Q4-1896 [Newmarket 3b:514] and baptised in Cheveley on 7th February 1897, son of Thomas and Laura Elizabeth RANNER (née
TILBROOKE) of Dover Cottages, Cheveley, Cambs.
1901 census...Ernest J. [4] was at Dover Cottages, Cheveley with his father Thomas [35], a postman (previously gardener), born Cheveley; his mother Laura E. [25] born Cowlinge; brother William E [2] and sister Blanche I [6 months]. All three children were born in Cheveley. His father died in 1907. 1911 census...Ernest [14] was a post office messenger, at The Street, Cheveley with his widowed mother, brother William and sister Blanches, plus 3 more siblings, Alice [8], James [6] and Thomas [4], all born in Cheveley. His mother was later living at 3 Ruses Cottages, Exning Road, Newmarket, her eldest two sons having been killed in war. Ernest enlisted in Newmarket His younger brother William was killed in 1918.. see here |
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It looks like the battalion was "between battles in the Ypres sector near St Jean, at most 3 dying in a day, usually nil or 1
The Newmarket Journal of 30th October 1915 reported:- YOUNG SOLDIER'S DEATH - Mrs L.E.Ranner has received a very sympathetic letter from Lieut.Williamson, informing her that her son,Private Ernest John Ranner, 9th Suffolks was instantaneously killed by a shell which burst above his trench on October 24th. "Though so young," the Lieutenant says, "he had a stout heart, was a good soldier,and above all was a good friend. He was standing at the door of a dug-out talking to two friends when the shell burst....Arrangements have been made to bury him at a military cemetery today and I am making myself responsible for the erection of a cross and seeing to the grave." Captain Stewart and the men of the Company have sent their deepest sympathy." |
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details