Edwin Percy Squire

Story:
Edwin Percy Squire was born in Bere Heath, Dorset, on 19 December 1884 and baptised in Bere Regis, Dorset, on 25 January 1885. He was the son of Edwin Squire, a Gardener, and Margaret Maria Squire (nee Peach). His family moved from place to place during his early life within Dorset and Somerset but by the 1911 Census Edwin was boarding out in Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, working as a Gardener in a Nursery. He married Bessie Russell in Shaftesbury, Dorset, during 1914 and set up home at 17A Bell Street, Shaftesbury. He enlisted on 21 September 1916 and joined the Royal Engineers as a Driver (Service No. 199449). He served in Bangalore, India, with the No 1 Company from 29 July 1917. During September 1918 he was admitted to the Bangalore Station Hospital suffering from Rheumatic Fever and a short while later also contracted Influenza to such an extent he was returned to the UK for discharge on or about 9 May 1919 for which he received a pension. He was only awarded the British War Medal. The 1921 Census and 1939 Register show he remained at 17A Bell Street, Shaftesbury, working latterly as a Groom. His death was registered in Sturminster, Dorset, during 1946.