Private Ernest Elkington 9983

Soldier Factfile

Name:  Private Ernest Elkington 9983

Date of Birth:  1893

Address:  2, George Street

Parents Names:  John Elkington (Shoe factory gas engineer) and Sarah Ann

Occupation before the war:  Serving soldier

Siblings Names:

Thomas Henry b. 1886  |  John Shadrach b. 1889  |  Hettie Eliza b. 1891  |  Nora Alice b. 1896  |

Redvers Frederick b 1900  |  Charlotte b. 1901  |  William b. 1903  |  Mary Wain b. 1905

Date Died:  4.11.1914

Age:  21

Place of Death:  Ypres Belgium

Place of Burial/Memorial:  Ypres (Menin Gate) Mem., Belgium

Cause of death:   Killed in action

Regiment:

1st Battalion

Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Medals:

Any other information (e.g. Service Record/ appearance etc)

  • Ernest enlisted in Leicester prior to 1914.
  • In 1911 Ernest was serving as a Private with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and was stationed at Bhurtpore Barracks, South Tidworth, Hampshire.
  • The War Diary records: 4 Nov-14 – Heavy rifle and artillery fire at about 10:00am and inflicted severe casualties. Captain Slade called up for reinforcements from our right about noon. Lieutenant -?- was sent down for these reinforcements and to report the situation to Major Carter who then came up to the trenches to see for himself. On his round he was first wounded by a bullet and then struck a second time by a shrapnel bullet and killed. Earlier in the day Captain and Adjutant Allen was wounded by a shrapnel which burst in Head Quarters. I think this is the heaviest shrapnel and other artillery fire we have as yet had to put up with since the commencement of the war. The bearing of the N.C.O.’s and men of the Regiment was worthy of all praise. Total casualties out of 250 men in the trenches was 15 killed and 35 wounded. We were relieved at dusk by the Gloucestershire Regiment and bivouacked the night East of HOOGE and North of the Menen Road. Officers present Captain Prince, Captain Slade, Lieutenant Hynd??, Lieutenant -?-.
  • On Saturday April 10th 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “MISSING AND WOUNDED.” – Mrs. S. A. Elkington, of Anstey, has received intimation that her son, Private E. Elkington, 1st Batt. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment has been wounded and missing since 4th November last. He is 21 years of age. His two brothers Sergt. T. H. Elkington and Private J. S. Elkington, are serving in the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment, now in British East Africa.
  • He left about £15 to John, his father.