William Ernest Simpson
William Ernest Simpson
William enlisted into 2nd/7th battalion “the Buffs” the East Kent Regiment as a private (2249) at Dover on the 7th September 1914. He died of wounds received in France on 11th July 1916, aged 22. He is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. He is commemorated on Folkestone War Memorial, Christchurch, and Christchurch School War Memorial, Folkestone.
William Ernest Simpson was born (September) 1894 in the Elham District to Mary Ann and William Ernest Simpson. William Ernest Simpson senior died (March) 1897 in the Elham District. In 1901 (census) the rest of the family, Mary, William and sister Lilly lived with Mary’s parents Henry and Jane Down and her brother George at 75 Guildhall Street, Folkestone. Mary, William and William moved to 33 Darlington St, Folkestone in c1908. William was educated at Christchurch School. After leaving school he became a house or general painter. His mother Mary, remarried in (March) 1918, to Albert J.F. Wallace and went to live at 299 Gladstone St. Peterborough.
