Ernest Layhe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Ernest Layhe was born in Worksop in 1886 the son of William George and Ann Layhe. He was 1 of 5 children. The family moved around somewhat, starting in Sheffield then coming to Worksop around 1886 and first living in Marecroft and then Abbey Street. The father was in the timber trade working as a sawyer and in timber yards, a trade followed by some of his sons. Ernest started working as a labourer in a wood yard at the age of 15 before working in a flour mill and finally in the pits. In 1907, Ernest married Jessie Barlow in Worksop and had 2 sons, Eric William born 9/1/1908 and Fred born 17/11/1911. CWGC: widow Jessie Layhe lived at 90, Newgate St., Worksop, Notts.
Enrest joined the Territorial in 1909 being attested on the 1st April. He recorded that he had previously been 3 years 4th Notts and Derby and was resident at 90 Newgate Street, Worksop. He was promoted to Cpl on 2/9/1910 and to L/Sgt 1/11/1914. He was embodied into service service on the 5th Aug 1914 and was sent with the Expeditionary Force to France on the 2nd March 1915. Four months later on the 31st July he received gunshot wounds to jaw and perforated chest. He died of his wounds 2 week later and is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. 'The Sherwood Foresters in the Great War 1914-1919, 1/8th Bn', p/71 (Salient 1915): 'Included amongst the killed were ... (and)Sergt. E Layhe who had done very good work as Scout Sergeant.' His wife, Jessie, was awarded a pension of 19/- a week for herself and 2 children effective 28th Feb 1916 and received 3 medals in 1921. Lance-Sergt Layhe Worksop Guardian 20 August 1915 This week it is our duty to announce the death from wounds received in action of yet another Worksop soldier, viz. Lance-Sergeant Ernest Layhe of 90 Newgate Street, Worksop, son of Mr and Mrs William Layhe of Kilton Road, Worksop. The death, the news of which has been officially communicated, occurred on Friday August 13th in hospital at Etaples, France from wounds sustained in action on July 31st. He had been wounded previously, but almost at once returned to the trenches. Sergt. Layhe was buried with full military honours. He was 29 years of age. A letter of sympathy has been received by the widow from Colonel Commanding the Regiment who have sustained a great loss by the death of a gallant Sergeant. He died a soldier’s death – a glorious death in the cause of honour and liberty. The widow and relatives of Sergt. Layhe have been the recipients of many expressions of sincere sympathy in their bereavement.
Research by Colin Dannatt
