Ernest Henry White

Story:
Ernest Henry White was born in Hindon, Tisbury, Wiltshire, on 2 Apr 1886 and baptised there on 2 May 1886 the son of Emanuel George White and Edith White (nee Dinham).  He lived his early life from at least 1891 in South Street, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset.   He enlisted in the Royal Navy on 11 Apr 1902 as a Boy Class 2 (Service No. 220351).  He served in various ships and shore establishments in his time reaching the rank of Able Seaman.  His principal service was on HMS Neptune, a Dreadnought Battleship, from 31 Aug 1912 through to 29 May 1918, during which time he took part in the Battle of Jutland.  He served throughout WW1 and was eventually discharged on 19 May 1919 with a pension.  He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.   By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 417 St. John Street, Finsbury, London, working as a Porter in a Stores Department.  He died in the Weymouth & District Hospital, Weymouth, Dorset, on 2 Jun 1959.   His brother, Frederick James White, also served in the conflict.  (NB It is thought Ernest had married but no definitive record can be found.)