Private Ambrose Lee
| Date of Birth | c.1879 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 39 |
| Date of Death | 05 January 1918 |
| Service Number | 25902 |
| Military Service | 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Mitcham Parish Church |
Additional Information
Ambrose Lee was born to Gypsy travelling parents. His father was also called Ambrose and his mother Betsy. The family spent their life travelling around the country which would explain why they can’t be found in any census records.
Ambrose married Sarah Carter, who was also part of the travelling community in Bagshot on 31 January 1916. Both appear to be illiterate by signing the marriage register with an X.
By the time the couple married they already had three children: Emily born in 1906, Rosina in 1911 and Ambrose (jnr) in 1915. All three children were baptised in various locations in the south of England and all were registered on baptism records with their mother’s maiden name of Carter.
Conscription came into force in March 1916 for all men aged 18-41. Ambrose joined up with the Grenadier Guards on 15th May 1916. His service record stated he was aged 39 and 9 months. (However, two years later his aged was again listed as being 39). Ambrose was 5ft 11ins tall, had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. His three children and wife Sarah were also mentioned along with his occupation being a Hawker. (A vendor of merchandise which can be easily transported).
Ambrose was mobilised with the Grenadier Guards 1st Battalion two days after joining up. He joined his unit at the front in France on the 8th September 1916 at Ginchy .
Ambrose’s military career didn’t last long. He suffered a gunshot wound which fractured his right thigh on 29th December 1916. His wound was first treated in France prior to him being returned to England where it was discovered that he was also suffering from lung problems.
Ambrose was discharged almost a year later on 20th December 1917 as he was deemed no longer physically fit for war service and needed further hospital treatment. His intended place of residence on discharge was given as 71 Wilford Road, West Croydon.
Ambrose died in Croydon a couple of weeks later on 5th January 1918 aged 39 and was buried at Mitcham Parish Church his grave marked with a stone cross.
His widow Sarah, remarried the following year and became the wife of a Rag and Bone collector called Michael Sullivan.