Name
Ernest James Puddefoot
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
31/01/1918
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Able Seaman
J/46875
Royal Navy
H.M. Submarine K4
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
Panel 28.
United Kingdom
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour,
St Michael and All Angels Church Memorial, Watford,
Northwood War Memorial, Middlesex
Pre War
Son of Henry James and Annie (nee KING) PUDDEFOOT of Watford; husband of Rose (nee BOWDEN) PUDDEFOOT of Northwood.
His parents married 22 May 1893 at St Matthew’s, Oxhey, Herts. Henry died 1931 in Watford aged 63, and was buried 7 December in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; Annie died 1939 in Watford aged 66, and was buried 21 June, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
Ernest was born 23 March 1894 in Northwood, and baptised 6 May 1894 at Holy Trinity, Northwood. He married 10 April 1916 at Emanuel, Northwood; they had one child. Rose remarried 1923 in the Uxbridge, Middx, district to Harry James HILLMAN, and died 4 January 1961 in Northwood aged 65.
On the 1901 Census, aged 7 he lived in Northwood, with his parents and three siblings. On the 1911 Census, he is proving elusive [not with the family in Watford].
Wartime Service
He enlisted 25 September 1913 for a period of 12 years, 5’9″ tall, and passed for Leading Seaman 1 October 1917. He died when K4 was lost during night time exercises, later known as the Battle of May Island.
Whilst attempting to avoid a collision with K3, she became the victim of collisions with K6 and K7; she was lost with all hands. His body was not recovered for burial; his widow of Northwood, Middx, was notified of the death.
Additional Information
There is a brief article about and a Death announcement for Ernest in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 9 February 1918.
His brother Reginald died 16 April 1918 and also features on Watford Borough Roll of Honour.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
