Ernest William was the fourth son of Isaac and Mary, born on 11th August 1894. In 1911, he was working as a junior golf professional. On 1st September 1914, he enlisted in the 9th (Service) Battalion Suffolk Regiment who were based in Shoreham in Sussex. Ernest was posted to France on 15th October 1915 to join his battalion.

By July 1916, Ernest had been transferred to the 7th (Service) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and took part in the opening days of the Battle of the Somme. On 2nd July 1916, the battalion received orders to attack the village of Ovillers at 03:15 the following morning. During the fighting Ernest received wounds to his hand and knee and was sent to the No.2 General Hospital in Le Havre for treatment. On discharge from hospital he was posted to the 2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment).

Ernest’s time with his new battalion was short. In October 1916, they were on the front line near Flers during the Battle of Transloy when he was wounded once more – this time more seriously - and he was returned home for treatment. Ernest was discharged from the army on 20th December 1918 and awarded a disability pension.

In 1920, Ernest married Violet Sheldrake and the couple had two sons, Arthur and Eric. In the 1939 register, Ernest was living at 7 Council Houses, Asylum Road, Melton, with Violet. It also records that he was employed as an assistant golf professional and salesman of golf accessories.

For his war service, Ernest received the 1914-15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals and the Silver War Badge.