Ernest Walter Coombs

Story:
Ernest Walter Coombs (sometimes spelt 'Coombes') was born in Ebbesbourne Wake, Wiltshire, on 29 May 1998 and baptised there on 17 Jul 1898 the son of Thomas Coombs and Emma Jane Coombs (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.  His brother, Herbert John Coombs, was also killed in 1914.   He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.