Ernest's Story.
E. (Ernest) Beckett was mentioned in a Guardian article and that his brother was living in Cuddington, Ernest is remembered in the B.M. & Co. R.o.H. booklet and has been included with Cheshireroll.
An A H. (Harold) Beckett is listed on St. Mary’s R.o.H. see separate story for Harold. These lads do not appear to be related.
Guardian Article 23rd Nov. 1917, P5/C2; WOUNDED PRIVATE ERNEST BECKETT
Mr. Joseph Beckett of Cuddington, Northwich has received official notification that his brother Private Ernest Beckett of the Cheshire Regiment has been wounded. In an earlier letter to his brother, Private Beckett stated;
“Just a few lines to say I was wounded again in action and am going on very well. I was shot through the left eye and the doctor had to take it out but don’t worry things will be all right.”Private Beckett who is in hospital in Scotland has been wounded no fewer than four times. He was one of the first to respond to the call for volunteers at the beginning of the war and prior to his enlistment he was in the employ of Messrs Brunner Mond and Co., at Lostock. Before the war he lived with his mother in Station Road and she died whilst he was on active service.
The Army records have an address of 83 Station Rd, Witton, for Mary his mother. Cheshirebmd record the death of a Mary Beckett in 1916 in Northwich,
B. M. & Co. record an Ernest Beckett, L/Cpl., with the 16th Cheshire and he had been wounded twice.
N.A.M.C. have two cards for lads named Ernest Beckett with the Cheshire Regiment; the lad in this case has the Regimental No 13939, awarded the 15 Star, British and Victory Medals, Theatre of War, France and date of Entry 6/9/15. The card makes reference to his discharge on the 31/8/18.
Some service document are available to view; the medal card which reference the award of a S.W.B., the form which records his date of discharge, place and disability, and the receipt of his 15 Star medal with the address of 14 Ash St., Northwich.
Roll of Individuals entitled to the “War Badger," the page which includes Ernest’s details No 442848.
The 1911 census records Mary mother living at 83 Station Rd. Northwich.
Mary Hd. 66 Widow (1/6) Home Duties. N/wich.
Ernest S. 22 ?? Repairer N/wich.
Mary Curbishley D. 27 N/wich.
George Curbishley (G)S.
Cheshirebmd record the death of an Ernest Beckett in Northwich in 1951, Freebmd confirms the death and records his age as 64, Therefore born c1887. Cheshirebmd records the birth of an Ernest Becket in 1886, Northwich.
Research Bob H.
Research Bob H.