Name
Ernest Drake
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
16/01/1915
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Rifleman
2636807
Rifle Brigade
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
RIFLE HOUSE CEMETERY
Plot IV, Row J, Grave 1.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour, St Michael and All Angels Church Memorial, Watford, St Matthew’s Church Memorial, Oxhey, Bushey Baptist Church
Pre War
Son of Henry and Florence Moore (nee TIBBS) DRAKE.
His parents married by banns 25 December 1887 at St Matthew’s, Oxhey, Herts. Henry died 20 September 1925 in Watford aged 58, and was buried 23 September in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; Florence died 1945 in Watford aged 75, and was buried 10 September, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
Ernest was born 30 September 1889 in Bushey, Herts, and baptised 25 October 1889 at St Matthew’s, Oxhey. He resided in Oxhey.
On the 1891 Census, aged 1 he lived in New Bushey, with his parents and one sibling. On the 1901 Census, aged 11 he still lived in Bushey, with his parents and five siblings. On the 1911 Census, a printer aged 21, he still lived in Bushey, with his parents and six siblings.
He originally attested in London 18 May 1908 in the Army Reserve six years service: a printer aged 18, 5’4″ tall, C of E, in the Rifle Brigade. He re-enlisted for four years 16 July 1913. Amongst misdemeanours committed were: having a light on in his tent after lights out – two days C.C. 27 September 1908; gambling in camp – seven days C.C.
Wartime Service
Presumably called from the Army Reserve at the start of way and unfortunately his behaviour was still not deemed acceptable by the Army and on 22 August 1914; being asleep on sentry duty – 21 days.
He was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914 Star medals, his qualifying date being 15 September 1914, and was killed or died of wounds received in action at Ploegsteert.
Additional Information
He has a brief mention in an article in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 1 May 1915. His brother Henry died 23 October 1917 and also features on Watford Borough Roll of Honour.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
