Pioneer Henry William Dibley

Frederick James Dibley a baker, married Sarah who was a cook, the couple had 4 children according to the 1911 census. Their eldest child, Edith Sarah aged 28, was born in Deptford describes herself as an ironer. Her brother Arthur Sam, age 27 was described as a soldier who was born in Clapham, and Henry William who was the only one who was married aged 23 and was employed as a railway guard. The youngest child of Frederick Dibley was aged 18 years at the time of the 1911 census, was still single, born in Battersea and was employed as a stamper at an incandescent Mantle works.

Frederick James, the father of Henry William died aged only 33 years in 1889.

Henry William married Catherine Sarah Mawson , age 22 on 31st July 1910 at St Andrews Parish Church in Battersea, at the time of his marriage; he was 23 years old and has described his occupation as a labourer. By then the fathers of the couple were deceased.

The couple lived at 60 St Andrew Street in Wandsworth with their 2 daughters, Catherine Sarah who was born on 25th August 1911 in Battersea and Nellie Edith Maud who was born on 10th September 1914 in Clapham.

Henry William enlisted in the army in 1916. He was described as being 5ft 8ins tall and weighed 148lbs, a fit healthy young man, aged 27 years. He was sent to France, where he suffered shell gas poisoning and was returned to England. Army medical records reveal the extent of his condition and he was discharged as being unfit for active service in 1917. He was treated at the Brompton Hospital and died on the 16th January 1919. He was buried at Morden Cemetery.