Ernest Birkett
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Ernest Birkett was born in 1890 at Newark and was the son of the late Herbert a horseman on a farm and Elizabeth Birkett née Randall of 26 Cross Street, Newark. His father Herbert was born in 1864 at Norwell and his mother Elizabeth Randall was born in 1867 at Sutton on Trent, they were married in 1889 at Newark and went on to have 3 children, Ernest b1890, Ethel May b1893 and Eva b1903, all were born at Newark. Both his parents died at a young age his father Herbert died in 1907 at Newark aged 43 yrs and his mother Elizabeth died in 1909 also at Newark aged 42 yrs. Following their deaths the family were split among other members of the family. In the 1911 census we find Ernest is a boarder, he is shown as being 20 yrs of age, single and a chauffeur, he is lodging at 40a Appleton Gate, Newark with Mary Anne Newcombe 66 yrs a widow and her family. Ernest married his wife Esme Vessey in 1916 at Southwark, London his wife lived in London
Private Ernest Birkett enlisted in London whilst residing at Brockley, London. He served with Army Service Corps and was attached to the 4th Australian Depot Supply Column when he died of wounds on 21st October 1917 at the 134 Australian Field Ambulance. He is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Article published on 7th November 1917 in the Newark Advertiser :- Wife (daughter of late Clifford Vessey) resides in London. Joined at same time as friend, Pte. Jack Hunt. Attached 4th Australian Depot Supply Column. Had been on a detachment conveying walking wounded from an advanced dressing station to a casualty clearing station behind the line. On Sunday, 21st, at about 1:30, while unloading petrol and rations off a lorry, a shell burst killing five men and wounding two. Later another shell blew his motor to pieces.
