Name
Ernest Charles Venning
24 Nov 1889
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
21/03/1918
28
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Corporal
590708
London Regiment (London Irish Rifles)
1st/18th (County of London) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARRAS MEMORIAL
Bay 10.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
Ernest was born on 24 Nov 1889 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, his parents were William Edward and Harriet Venning (née Hammond). They married in 1876 in St George the Martyr, High Street, Southwark.
In 1891 the family were living at 35 Leipsic Road, Dulwich, Camberwell, London. Present were both parents: William (35) and Harriet (40), with William working as a tailor’s assistant. Their children were: Harry J (8), Alfred W (6), Edwin A (4), Gertrude M (2), Ernest Charles (1) and Frank M at one month old. A domestic servant, Sarah Ana Edwards (18) was also present.
He was admitted to Comber Grove School on 11 December 1893, with his home address 35 Leipsic Road, as was Gertrude
By 1901 the family were living at 64 Burton Road, Lambeth, London. Present were both parents, William now working as a master tailor and employer. Of the children listed above all were present, although Edwin now appears to be recorded as Edward A (14). An older brother Albert Hammond (21), not listed above was present and their domestic servant was now Annie E Lucas (21).
By 1911 the family had moved again and were living at 154 Loughborough Park, Brixton S W. Present were both parents, William now working as a tailor (cutter). The census recorded they had been married for 35 years with 8 children, of whom 1 had died. Their children present were Gertrude (now married with the surname Gutteridge) , Ernest was now 21 and a bank clerk and Frank Also present was a grandchild Arthur Gutteridge (7 months) and their domestic servant Annie Lucas was still working for them.
Officially he was recorded as living in Brixton when he enlisted in Chelsea.
Wartime Service
Ernest was originally Private 2348, in the 18th London Regiment and was recorded as serving with them in France from 9 March 1915 to 29 September 1915, becoming an Acting Corporal (later a Corporal). This probably means that he had enlisted in August or September 1914. His medal records show that he served as 590708 from 4 February 1918 to his death. The gap has not yet been explained.
He served in the 1st Battalion of the London Regiment (London Irish Rifles) and held the Regimental Number 590708. He was killed in action.
The unit was probably the l/18th (County of London) Battalion (London Irish Rifles) which was part of the 141st Brigade of the 47th Division of V Corps in the 3rd Army. The incident was almost certainly in the Battle of St. Quentin when the Battalion came into the line on the 20th March 1918 in the La Vacquerie Sector. There was a tremendous bombardment with gas and trench mortars which caused heavy casualties. This was in the area of Ribecourt south-west of Cambrai.
Ernest has no known grave, but is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the Missing in France.
Additional Information
After his death £3 18s 10d pay owing was authorised to go to Eveline Jeffrey, at present her connection is unknown - perhaps his sweetheart? - another £1 6s 4d went to his mother – both approved on 24 April 1919. Later, a war gratuity of £17 10s went to his mother Harriet on 5 December 1919.
His pension cards record Mrs Harriet Venning as his mother and as his dependant, living at 1 Whinbush Road, Hitchin. She was awarded a pension of 7s 2d a week.
His medals were requested on 22 December 1920.
Probate was obtained by his brother Albert on 11 September 1919, with the value of his effects £121 14s 4d.
Frank also served and a service record exists.
Acknowledgments
David C Baines, Jonty Wild
