Private Ernest A. Harding
| Date of Birth | c. 1899 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 17 |
| Date of Death | 23 January 1916 |
| Service Number | 3174 |
| Military Service | 2/5 Battalion East Surrey Regiment |
| Merton Address | 37 Milton Road, Wimbledon |
| Local Memorial | Wimbledon Cemetery |
Additional Information
Ernest was born c 1899 and his parents were Mr and Mrs Alfred Harding of 37 Milton Road, Wimbledon.
Ernest enlisted in the 2/5th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, which was raised at Wimbledon in September 1914, its original personnel being those members of 1/5th who had not volunteered for General Service. In 1915 members who had not volunteered for General Service were transferred to a Provisional Battalion leaving the 2/5th composed entirely of General Service men. For the remainder of their time the battalion, including Ernest Harding until his death, were engaged on Home Defence and Coastal Duties in South East England. The battalion was disbanded in August 1917, and its personnel sent overseas as drafts to the Expeditionary Forces.
Ernest died in Redhill and Reigate General Hospital in January 1916 at the age of 17, and the place of death is described as “Home Front” indicating that he may have died on training or on Home Front Duties. The sum of 15 shillings and 3 pence as pay due, and £3.00 as war gratuity were paid to his father on 2 May 1916 and 13 September 1916. There is a record of his death in the Reigate register Volume 2a Page 314. Source location 1916 – Q1-Jan-Feb-Mar – H.