Bertie Merefield

Story:
Bertie Merefield was born on 27th November 1889 in Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, the son of Frederick and Mary Ellen Merefield (nee Gray). The family lived in 3 North Street, Fontmell Magna, Dorset.  By the outbreak of war Bertie had moved to Church Farm, West Stour, Dorset, where he was employed as a Wheelwright.  He enlisted on 11th December 1915 but was not mobilized until 16th November 1916 when he joined the Royal Engineers (Service No. 212394). He carried on his trade as a Wheelwright.  He transferred to the Durham Light Infantry on 17 Sep 1917 (Service No. 77005) with whom he served in France and Flanders. He transferred back to the Royal Engineers (Service No. 212394) eventually becoming an Acting Lance Corporal.  He was discharged on 14th October 1919. (Note his military records show him as Bertram but he was registered as Bertie.)   He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.   He married Dorothy May P. Yeatman in Shaftesbury, Dorset, in 1928.  It is not known if there were any children of the marriage.  By the 1939 Register he was living at Restmor, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury and was working as a General Carpenter.  He died locally in 1974.  His brother, Sidney Stanley Merefield, also served in the conflict.