No.GS/9970, Corporal, Herbert COE
Aged 35
King George V Delhi Durbar medal 1911
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Herbert COE was born in Finchley (Barnet Q1-1892 3A:261) son of Elijah Charles and Emma COE, née DUNNING
At some time they lived at 18 Richmond Road, Finchley.
1901 census...Aged 9, he was at 14 Brownlow Road, Finchley with his father Elijah Charles COE [45] police constable born Oulton,Norfolk; his mother Emma [43],born Stratton Strawless, Norfolk; brother William E [15] a nurseryman and Frederick C [11]; sisters Hilda M [7], Dora M [5] and Elsie M [1]. All the children were born in Finchley. 1911 census...Aged 19 he was in the Royal Fusiliers in India, present at the Durbar in Delhi. His father, aged 55 was a police pensioner living in London Road, Brandon with Herbert's mother, sister Elsie and brother Albert Edward [8] born Finchley. |
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Herbert, serving in the Territorials (since 19th Oct.1908 - 5th Bn no.8291) , enlisted in the Army at Hounslow on 22nd January 1909 giving his age as 18 years 6 months, born Finchley and a footman. He was 6 feet 4.75 inches tall (194.3 cm), weighed 137 lbs (62.1 kg) and chest 33" to 35" (83.8 to 88.9 cm), with hazel eyes and black hair, Church of England. Posted as Private to 1st Battalion, posted to Dublin 24th September 1909, posted to India on 5th October 1910 (arriving 26th Oct.), transferred to 2nd Battalion on 6th October 1910. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 27th March 1912 but demoted to Private on 9th October 1913, returning to UK on 5th July 1914 He applied for a discharge at Hounslow in order to return and look after his parents, his father ( of 83 Brandon Road, Elveden) paid the £18 discharge fee. His discharge was effective 6th July 1914. At that time he was 23 years 6 months old, and 6ft 5 inches (195 cm)tall. His civilian occupation was footman. Then the Army in India in September 1914 tried to recall him but had left it too late, he was already discharged. In August 1914 he wrote to the Army asking for his discharge to be cancelled and he wished to serve with the Colours for the duration of the war. Herbert re-enlisted in Thetford on November 1914 as No 9970 in Royal Fusiliers and his father received a refund of £9 He died in action at St.Eloi, Belgum, with the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, one of just two of the battalion to die that day.
area of action for battalion on 21st Oct 1915 photo: findagrave.com and also on the Weather Heath Memorial (Elveden Column by the A11) click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
