Clarence Fred Hillier

Story:
Clarence Fred Hillier (aka Frederick Clarence in some records) was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 14 May 1891 the son of George Hillier, a Watchmaker, and Sarah Anne Hillier (nee Aldridge).  He spent his early life at 12 Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, until by 1911 he had moved to the premises of Silas Henry Haycock, Watchmaker, 106 High Street, Ramsgate, Kent, as an Assistant Watchmaker and Repairer.  He had enlisted on 13 Mar 1918 and joined the Royal Naval Air Service (Service No. 52456).  This service was short lived as he was transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force on 1 Apr 1918 as an Air Mechanic Class 1 (Service No. 252491).  He served in the UK only and was discharged on 8 Mar 1919.  He would have qualified for at least the British War Medal but no record can be found.  He had married Frances Jessie Harper in High Barnet, Hertfordshire, on 1 Jun 1918 and went to live there after discharge.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 29 St. Johns Road, Wembley, Middlesex, working as a Watch and Instrument Maker as well as a voluntary ARP Warden.  His death was recorded in Kenton, Middlesex, on 30 Nov 1945. Of his brothers', Alfred, Harold Sydney, Reginald George and Bertram Edgar Hillier, all served and survived the conflict.