Ernest Walter Coombes

Story:
Ernest Walter Coombes (sometimes spelt 'Coombs') was born in Ebbesbourne Wake, Wiltshire, on 29 May 1998 and baptised there on 17 Jul 1898 the son of Thomas Coombes and Emma Jane Coombes (nee Lucas).  The family moved to Great Easton, Durnford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, by 1901.  Ernest enlisted on 1 Feb 1917 and joined the Royal Marines Light Infantry as a Private (Service No. PO/19845).  He was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action serving with the 4th Royal Marines Battalion during a raid on Zeebrugge, Belgium, on 23 Apr 1918.  He was buried in an unmarked grave in St. James Cemetery, Copt Hill, Dover, Kent.  The actual grave number is either PW 38A or PW 54A.  He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. His brother, Herbert John Coombes, was also killed during the conflict in 1914.