Benjamin George Chick

Story:
Benjamin George Chick was born at Hemyock, Devonshire, on 15th December 1896 and baptised there on 21 Feb 1897 the son of Thomas Edward Chick and Sarah Ann Chick (nee Clist). He lived his very early life in Dunkeswell, Devonshire, intil 1906 when his father came to Blandford's Farm, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, to take over the tenancy from his brother who had recently died.   Benjamin enlisted on 27th May 1915 and joined the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry as a Private (Service No. 1436).  He served in Palestine and Egypt mainly with various signals units.  He transferred to the Royal Engineers and was promoted to Corporal (Service No. A/517855).  He was employed as a Motor Cyclist Dispatch Rider.  He later transferred back to the Dorset Yeomanry (Service No. 230697).  He was discharged on 31st August 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star.   The 1921 Census shows him living at Blandford's Farm with his parents and helping his father on the farm.  He married Phyllis Margherita Burden at St. Aldhelm's Church, Branksome, Poole, Dorset, 0n 11 Apr 1928.   By the time of the 1939 Register he was himself the tenant of Blandford's Farm, West Street, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, and was described as a Dairy Farmer.  He died on 14th September 1968 and was buried at St. Andrew's Church, Fontmell Magna. Benjamin's brother Thomas (b.1888) also served in the war, with the Canadian Expeditionary Force.