Benjamin Hawkins

Story:
Benjamin Hawkins was born in Pimperne, Dorset, on 15 Jun 1898 and baptised there on 7 Aug 1898 the son of George Hawkins and Bessie Ann Hawkins (nee Miles).  He lived his early life in Pimperne and Newtown, Farnham, Dorset, where his father was licensee of the local inn.  He had enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps on 3 Apr 1917 (the Royal Air Force from 1 Apr 1918) as an Airman Class 3 (later Private Class 1) (Service No. 69669).  He served in France and Flanders as both a Motor Cyclist as well as a Batman.  He was finally discharged on 15 Aug 1918 and awarded the Victory and British War Medals.  He married Emily Herring at the Parish Church, St. Marylebone, London, on 7 Jan 1923.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 34 Winterbourne Road, Poole, Dorset, working as a Bus Driver.  His death was recorded in Blandford, Dorset, on 3 Apr 1949.