No.9460, Gunner, Ernest Albert SCOTT
Aged 23
|
Ernest Albert SCOTT was born in Haverhill (Risbridge Q4-1895 4A:696), son of Harry William and Caroline Jane SCOTT (née EVES).
1901 census...Aged 5, he was at 26 Mount Road, Haverhill with his father Harry William SCOTT [31] tailor's presser; his mother Caroline Jane [32] jacket machinist; brothers Hugh Victor [11], Harry William [9] and Stanley [7]; sister Ivy Gladys [2]. All were born in Haverhill. 1911 census...Aged 15, a factory errand boy, he was at 32 Mount Road, Haverhill with his parents; brothers Hugh V (cutter/trimmer), Stanley (apprentice printer), Arthur [8], twins Fred and William [6];sisters Ivy and Elsie [3]. The new siblings born in Haverhill. 5His mother had lost 4 of her 13 children. Ernest, a factory errand boy, joined the Territorials and left for London. Here he met and courted Violet Pearce before enlisting at the Holborn recruiting office joining the Royal Field Artillery as Gunner No. 9460 in 1914 Ernest and Violet were married at St Ann's Church, Tottenham on 6th June 1915, shortly before he was drafted to the Western Front. He married Violet Adelaide PEARCE [1-8-1892] (Edmonton Q2-1915 3A:1407) and lived at 581 Holloway Road. N19. |
|
He enlisted in Holborn, London. The whereabouts of this unit at the time has yet to be found. The South West Suffolk Echo on 23rd November 1918 reported:- "We regret to record the death of another of Haverhill's young men, this time in the person of Gunner Ernest A.Scott, of the R.F.A., fourth son of Mr. and Mrs.H.Scott of 32 Mount Road. Gnr. Scott, who was 23 years of age, was killed in action in France on October 22nd. Joining up on the outbreak of war he had seen much service. During that period he has also fought in Italy. He was much esteemed by all with whom he came into contact, being of an unassuming and cheery manner. He leaves a widow, who has received the following letter from his officer, Lieut H.C.Green:- "Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband.He was killed on the morning of the 22nd whilst on duty. I have known him personally for two years and have always found him a splendid soldier, hard working and always cheerful; he will be greatly missed by the officers, NCOs and men of the Battery, who are greatly upset by their loss, and who all send their sympathy. Your letter received today (November 11th), asking for further particulars regarding your husband's death. He was killed instantly by a high velocity shell and suffered no pain, being hit in the vital parts of the body. It is very sad that after four years of war he should be killed so near the end, and your sorrow must be very great Please accept my deepest sympathy.He is buried in a cemetery just off the road about half way between Aubert and Avesnes-les-Aubert, these places being eight miles east of Cambrai. A detachment of officers, N.C.O.s and men attended the funeral, also trumpeters, who sounded the "Last Post", and the service was conducted by a clergyman. A few days later we came out of action and the Sergeants of the Battery went back and his grave up.It is surrounded by large white stone and a cross has been erected, he was so much liked by the Sergeants. No doubt you know he was employed in their Mess. Gunner Hughes has seen me today and asked if a photograph can be taken of his grave. I will write to the authorities and see if this can be done, but I think the Graves Registration Committee will do this for you." |
photo: Rodney Gibson
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details