Ernest John Greasley
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Ernest was born in 1887 in Whatton and was the son of Thomas Henry and Eleanor Sarah Greasley (née Arnold_ His father Thomas Henry was born in 1855 in Whatton, Nottinghamshire, the son of John and elizabeth Greasley. His mother Eleanor Sarah was born in 1854 at Wheathamstead, Hertfordshire, the daughter of George Frederick Arnold. Thomas and Eleanor were married in 1883 at Wheathamstead and had eight children who were born in Whatton and baptised at Whatton St John of Beverley parish church: Mildred b1884, Arnold Henry b1885, Ernest John b1887 bap. 27 February 1887, George Frederick b1888, Percy William b1889, Eleanor Mary b1891, Arthur Thomas b1896 and Kathleen Olive b1898. The famiiy lived in Whatton in the Vale where their father Thomas worked as a joiner. He died on 2 January 1909 aged 53. His widow Eleanor and six of their eight children were still living together in the village in 1911: Arnold (25) a joiner (own account), Ernest (24) a furniture manufacturer's clerk, George (22) a joiner's assistant, Percy (21) a butcher's assistant, Eleanor (19) a general domestic servant ('at home') and Kathleen (12) a scholar. Mildred (26) was an elementary school teacher and in 1911 was living in Duckmanton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, a boarder in the home of William and Emily Elliott whose daughter Edith was also an elementary school teacher. Arthur Thomas (15) was living in Croydon, Surrey, where he was a garden boy (domestic) in a household with three indoor servants - parlourmaid, housemaid and a cook who was described as 'in charge in mistresses' absence.' Ernest's mother, Eleanor Sarah, died in March 1927; she was still living in the village and several of her children were recorded in the village in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled. Only one record has been found of another of her sons serving in the war, Arthur Thomas, who served in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (68822 Private), discharged 21 June 1919, and for whom there is a WW1 Pension Ledgers (Disability) index card.
8th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers Ernest John Greasley enlisted in Nottingham and served with “Y” Company, 8th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. His medal index card shows he served in the Balkans from 10th July 1915 . Ernest was wounded in action at Gallipoli and died of his wounds on 21 August 1915 while being transferred by hospital ship, HMHS Delta. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial (Panel 34 to 36), presumably having been buried at sea. Ernest qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Inscription on the parish memorial: 'Lce Corpl Ernest John Greasley, 8th Btn Northumberland Fusiliers, died of wounds received in Gallipoli, Aug 21, 1915 aged 28' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his mother Eleanor was his legatee.
