Ernest Edward Garratt first appeared in a census in 1891. He was living with his family in 4 in Court 8 Silvester St, Liverpool. His father and head of household was William Garratt 38, a General Labourer from Wales. His wife was Sarah 39 from Wales. Their children were Eliza 8 born in Wales, Susan 6, William H 3 and Ernest Edward 1 month old. These last 3 were born in Liverpool
In the census of 1901, the family was at at 31 Tatlock Street Liverpool Lancs. William Garratt was 48 and a Gas Stoker who had been born in Bagillt Flintshire. His wife was Sarah 49 also a native of Bagillt. Their children were Susie 16, a General Domestic Servant, William H 13, Edward E 10 and George 6.
Ten years later in the census of 1911, we learn that the family had moved to 3 New Street Connah’s Quay in Flintshire. William was then 58 and a chemical labourer. His wife of 31 years, Sarah, was then 59. The only child at home was Ernest Edward who was 20 and a weigh cabin clerk. There was a boarder Henry Hughes 42, a labourer. This census form tells us that 6 children had been born to William and Sarah Garratt and five of them had survived.
UK Soldiers Who died in The Great War 1914-19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms all the regimental details above and adds that he enlisted in Wrexham. This source tells us he ‘died of wounds’.
Ernest Edward Garratt in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that his parents were his Joint Legatees, William & Sarah Garratt, and they were paid £2. 5s 8d on the 27th October 2926 and his War Gratuity of £8. 0s 0d on the 28th August 1919
There is an index card for Ernest Edward Jones in the Flintshire Roll of Honour in the County Record Office in Hawarden. It gives 3 New Street Connah’s Quay as the address and confirms the regimental details as above. It tells us that he served for 4 years and 6 months and that he died in Heilly in September 1917 which is a completely different date from that on official sources. It was signed by Mrs Garratt.
Ernest’s brother, who had been a prisoner of war is mentioned in this newspaper cutting:-
FLINTSHIRE OBSERVER 19TH DECEMBER 1918
RETURNED PRISONERS OF WAR
Among the latest arrivals home of prisoners of war from Germany is Private Leonard WORRALL, Penyllan-street, who arrived on Thursday, and was warmly welcomed by his widowed mother and a crowd of friends and residents.
Private GRIFFITHS, 198, High-street also arrived home at the same time as Private Leonard WORRALL. They met each other in Belgium, and travelled together, staying en route at Leeds, where a gentleman entertained them.
Private W. Garrett, New-street, another prisoner of war arrived home last week. He seems to have had an exciting experience. He escaped from the camp after being a prisoner since October 1914, and made his way to Wilhelmshaven, and eventually got on to a British destroyer, and landed at Harwich.
Poor Mrs Garrett and family really suffered both loss and anxiety throughout the war.
Ernest Garratt is also named on the memorial in St Mark’s Church Connah’s Quay.
Ernest Edward is mentioned in the book ” Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 – 1918 Royal Welsh Fusiliers Volume 28″.
Ernest Edward shares his grave with 2 other soldiers who died the day after him on the 12th July 1916, one was Lc/Cpl H.A.COLE, 11560, Dorsetshire Regt and Pte. L.MELLOR, 15334, South Lancashire Regt. There were other graves that had 3 servicemen in either side of Ernest’s grave.
