Ernest James Day

Story:
Ernest James Day was born in Semley, Wiltshire, on 9th March, 1888. He was the son of Elizabeth Sarah Day - known as Sarah. (No father recorded on the birth certificate). His mother died in 1888. In 1891 Ernest was living with his grandmother Sarah Day and his aunt Emma J. Day. By 1901 he was living solely with his aunt. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Railway Porter and living at Balas Cottages, Semley, Wiltshire. He enlisted in Shaftesbury as a gunner in the 57th 3 'A' Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Service No. 273336). There is no record of medals being awarded. He died in the Fargo Hospital, Durrington, Wiltshire, on 9th November 1918 and was buried in Semley Baptist Chapel Yard (grave id. O.207). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church.