Edgar John Dibben

Story:
Edgar John Dibben was born at Iwerne Minster, Dorset, on 27th March 1883, and baptised there on 10 Jun 1883 the son of Police Constable Edwin John Dibben and Ellen Dibben (née Pike).  He spent his early childhood at Shillingstone Lodge, The Chalk, Iwerne Minster, Dorset.  He enlisted with the Royal Field Artillery on 31st August 1914 and achieved the rank of Lance Bombardier (Service No. 98037).  He served in France from 21 May 1915 on attachment to the 60th (Reserve) Battery though, on his return to the UK prior to discharge, he was serving as a Gymnastic Instructor.  He married Elizabeth Ellen Harris on 5th March 1918 at St. John's Church, Deptford, London.  He was demobilized on 17th February 1919 and was awarded the Victory and British War medals and the 1915 Star.  The Electoral Register of 1921 shows him living at Church End, Sherfield on Loddon, Hampshure. By the 1939 Register he had moved to The Cottage, Greensward, Wokingham, Berkshire, working as a Private Gardener.  His wife, Elizabeth died in 1942 and he remarried Beatrice May Hilton in the Salisbury, Wiltshire, area during 1943.  There were no children of either marriage.  Edgar died on 9th February 1955 at his then home, 145 Bradford Street, Bolton, Lancashire.  His brothers, Frederick Charles and Edwin George, also served in the conflict and all their names appear on a Roll of Honour published privately in Iwerne Minster. Source: Based on previous research by Ken Baxter.