Private George Ernest Dunkley

Ernest, born May 1883, was the son of Henry and Mary Dunkley. He was a groom and lived in Weir Road with his wife, Florrie (nee Wyles) and son, William Gordon (born 20th October 1915). He enlisted at Market Harborough on 9th December 1915 and was transferred to Army Reserve a week later.

He was mobilized on 5th June 1916 and posted to No 4 Depot, Royal Garrison Artillery, as a Gunner, with service number 94460.

On 10th July 1916 he was transferred to 170th Siege Battery, before moving to 168th Siege Battery on 4th January 1917.

He died from wounds received in France on 10th June 1917.

According to Army Records, the following effects were returned to George’s widow on 22nd September 1917: cloth pocket case containing letters and photos, 2 religious books, a watch, razor-strap, razor and case, dice, metal ring, purse, and tobacco box.

Florrie Dunkley was granted a widow’s pension of 18s 9d (93p) a week from 17th December 1917, and she received George’s British War and Victory Medals on 6th October 1921.

Private Dunkley is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, plot reference XIV.G.8.