Ernest HITCHMAN

Ernest HITCHMAN

Some notes from what remains of his army records that
damaged by fire and water in the blitz of London

He attested 14th December 1914 at Gloucester at the age of 32 years and 11 months, and joined his unit the next day at Fort Rowner, Gosport as Gunner 55980, Royal Garrison Artillery. He gave his home address as 6, Clifton Place, Ryeworth Road, Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire, occupation House Decorator and his wife Mary Maria whom he married 20th September 1909 at St Lukes Church, Cheltenham as next of Kin of the above address. On the 30th January 1915 he was transferred to (New) 10th Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, later he transferred into the Royal Engineers as Driver 253221 on the 28th April 1917 in the field. Some notes on his movement are missing but on the 19th July 1917 he disembarked Alexandria for Gallipoli. On the 16th January 1916 he was admitted to hospital in Floriana, Malta with Rheumatism and he was invalided to England on the 25th January 1916 on ship (Looks like Tormioas) from Malta to 1st Birmingham War Hospital, Rugby. After 22 days he returned to duty in the field. He was demobed on the 22nd September 1919 to his home in Charlton Kings. There is no record as to the cause of his death. His son Douglas Richard fell in the 2nd World War

At rest in Cheltenham Cemetery, Gloucestershire.