Ernest Thorpe
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Ernest Thorpe was born in 1886 at St Ann's Nottingham and was the son of Joseph Thorpe, a blacksmith's striker, and Harriett Thorpe née Trueman of 3 Luther Ave, Martin Street, Nottingham. His father Joseph Thorpe was born in 1855 at Nottingham; he died in 1889 aged 34 yrs, His mother Harriett Trueman was born in 1860 at Nottingham; she died in 1916 at Nottingham, she was 56 yrs of age. They were married on 23rd November 1879 at St Marys Church, Nottingham, and went on to have the following children, Albert b1881, Arthur b1882, Thomas b1885, Ernest b1886, Harold b1888 and Minnie b1890. His mother married Joseph Smalley in 1895. In the 1911 census the family was living at 3 Luther Close, Martin Street, Nottingham, and were shown as Joseph Smalley 40 yrs a lace hand, who was living with his wife Harriett Smalley 51 yrs and her children, Ernest Thorpe 25 yrs a soldier and Minnie Thorpe 19 yrs a worker in a provisions warehouse. Ernest Thorpe married Hilda Leonora Slack on 20th June 1914 at Radford; they lived at 81 Radford Boulevard, Radford, Nottingham. Following his death his widow Hilda was awarded a pension of 10 shillings and 6 pence to commence 17th April 1916.
Lance Sergeant Ernest Thorpe enlisted at Nottingham on 20th February 1903. He gave his age as 18 years and 11 months and his occupation as that of a threader. His address was 50 Leicester Street, St Ann's Well Road. Posted to the Sherwood Foresters Regiment, he went to Hong Kong on 6th March 1904 and then to India where he served from 12th December 1906 until 16th March 1911 when he was returned to England. He was mobilised on 5th August 1914 and landed in France on 10th October 1914 where he was promoted to Lance Corporal and to Corporal on 20th March 1915. He was killed in action on 9th August 1915; having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. He had served for 12 years and 171 days.
His elder brother Thomas Thorpe was also a serving soldier. He enlisted in the 4th battalion Sherwood Foresters on 19th February 1902 and saw service in India. Thomas died on 20th May 1914 at the Nottingham Workhouse Infirmary aged 29 yrs of age; he died of pneumonia and heart failure. He was buried in Nottingham General Cemetery. The informant was his mother Harriett Smalley (formerly Thorpe) of 35 Hewitt Street, Nottingham. His younger brother Private Harold Thorpe enlisted at Nottingham prior to 1911. He was serving with the 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters in India in the 1911 census. Harold landed in France on 8th September 1914 and was killed in action on 20th October 1914. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial Panel Reference: Panel 7. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 29 February 1916: ‘Thorpe. Killed in action, August 9th, 1915. Lance-Sergt. E Thorpe, also his brother Private H Thorpe, reported missing, now reported killed, 35, Flewitt-street. We miss them most that loved them best. From their mother and sister and all friends.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
