Edgar William Merrifield

Story:
Edgar William Merrifield (surname as registered) was born at Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, in 1886 and baptised there on 8th August 1886, the son of Henry John Merefield (surname as registered) and Anne Stroud Merefield (née Tanswell).  He lived most of his early life in and around Fontmell Magna except for Military Service.  By 1911 he was living with the family at 38 Sutton Road, Fontmell Magna.   He enlisted and served with the 472nd Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery eventually holding the rank of Acting Bombardier (Service No. 65021).  It is not known in which theatre of war he served but after discharge he was awarded the Victory and British War medals.   By the time of the 1921 Census he was living with his brothers and sister at Babington Lodge, Mells, Frome, Somerset, working as a Market Gardener.  He had moved to Newbury House, Newbury, Frome, Somerset, by 1938 and his death was registered in Bath, Somerset, that year and he was buried at Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 22nd June 1938.  He had remained unmarried throughout. His brother, Victor Gerald, also served but was killed, whereas, his other brothers, Reginald Henry Merrifield and John Percival Merrifield, also served but survived.