Ernest's Story.
Ernest Austin was born in Birkenhead, in 1892, the son of John and Martha Austin. His father was born in Birkenhead, in 1851, and his mother in Kirkby, Lancashire, in 1857. By 1901, the couple had married and had 3 of their own children, and an adopted son: Lilian Austin (born in 1881); Samuel Austin (born in 1889); Ernest Austin (born in 1892); and Herbert Oliver (adopted son) (born in 1886). John Austin was employed as a Ferry Stageman, and Herbert Oliver was a Railway Booking Clerk. Since 1906, Ernest Austin had been employed at the Woodside Ferries, as a Ticket Inspector, and had served for four years in “The Grey’s” 1st (Volunteer) Bn Cheshire Regiment (later to become the 1st/4th Bn Cheshire Regiment) at their Grange Road West headquarters. During his service he gained promotion to the rank of Corporal. Ernest Austin had also served in the Cheshire Yeomanry (No.2219), as a Lance Corporal. He had married just prior to enlisting.
On 6th August 1916, Ernest Austin enlisted into the army, and on completion of his training, was drafted to France, and posted to the 9th Bn Cheshire Regiment. He continued to serve with this battalion until he was seriously wounded near Messines, in June 1917, and died as a result of those wounds on 9th June 1917. He was buried in Plot 13, Row C, Grave 16, Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
His medal entitlement consisted of Memorial Plaque, British War Medal, and Victory Medal.
His widow, Nellie Austin re-married sometime after his death, and became Mrs. Nellie Smith.
Family application form requesting Ernest to be added to the Birkenhead War Memorial.
Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.
Birkenhead News 23 June 1917
A WELL-KNOWN TICKET COLLECTOR
The death from wounds received in action on June 9th of Lance Corporal Ernest Austin, of the Cheshire Regt., has been officially reported. He joined the colours in August 1916, and served just six months in France. Previous to enlisting he was a ticket inspector at the Woodside Ferries, where he was well-known, having been employed there for a period of ten years. He served four years in the “Greys” (Volunteers) at Grange Road West headquarters, holding the rank of corporal when his time was completed. He was married just prior to signing up, and is sadly missed by his widow, and all at 32, Willmer Road, Birkenhead.
Ernest's grave in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium
Photograph of Ernest Austin, grave photograph & newspaper article by Chris Booth