Ernest died on the 6 December 1916 aged only 23. He was at war at the time and is believed to have died from Tuberculosis.
During his stay away from home during the first war he wrote a letter (the first sheet) to his eldest sister, May. The transcript follows:
My Dear May,
Sorry have not written before but we have been on night operations nearly every night so felt tired after. Well May how are things going? Don't forget to write me on Sun as I looked forward so much for one. I wrote about my glasses but don't think I'll have them but will you send me on some bandage for arm, its to use when I get vaccinated. Am feeling very fit but the weather is very trying and I forget to mention before that our army Dr. is just like Albert, really at first I thought it was him. Well May, am feeling a lot happier, sort of settling down to it, but it takes a devil of a time, one thing we have a jolly nice officer one of the best & also a decent sergeant & that's the two principle things. Have still plenty of money but don't forget a nice homemade cake. Am just tucking into two nice meat pies & my word they are going down a treat.. We had bread and dripping for tea after drilling all the afternoon - got paid today 7/-. We bought some coal today so four had to fetch it so I was one but was so glad because after we had the coal she had us in & gave us a good tuck in of cake & a cup of tea. Wasn't it kind of them? Well my dear will now close. Am going back for a clean up. Remember me to all
From your loving Brother Ernie xxx
Pencil and light rotten.
Somewhere I've got a good black and white photo of Ernest on a postcard, but I can't find it at the moment.
Jon Bigwood, July 1996.
