Ernest George Furnaess was born in Pembroke Dock, South Wales on 17 December 1887.

The 1901 Census states that the family lived at 8 Ferry Road, Lower Pennar, Pembrokeshire, South Wales.  The head of the family was John Furnaess aged 52, who was employed as a Steam Engine Worker.  His wife Sarah Ann Furnaess aged 51 and their five children – Hannah Furnaess aged 17, an Apprentice Dressmaker, Ernest George Furnaess aged 13, Harry Furnaess aged 10, Ellen Furnaess aged 8 and Frank Furnaess aged 6 years.

Nothing is known of his early life, but in February 1915 Ernest married Susannah Jones and they lived at 42 Victoria Road, Rhyl, Flintshire.

During that same year he enlisted with 8th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment.  Following training he sailed with the Battalion from Folkestone, arriving in Boulogne, France on Thursday 2 December 1915.

Thiepval Memorial

There is a Flintshire Roll of Honour Card for him at the County Archives Office, Hawarden, which was dated 9 September 1919 and signed Mr Jones.

He is remembered on a Remembrance Plaque which is situated in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire and on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales.