Ernest William Case

Story:
Ernest William Case was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 12th March 1880 and baptised at St. James' Church on 2nd May 1880, the son of Henry George Case and Emily Jane Case (née Dean).  He lived his early life at Guys Marsh Farm, Shaftesbury, Dorset, where his father was the Farmer.  He enlisted in the Royal Navy on 20 Jul 1899 (Service No. 342812) and served at various establishments and ships during his service.   He  married Elsie Clara Gatehouse at Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, on 18th August 1906.   He rose to the rank of Shipwright Class 1 and, by 1911, was serving at the Royal Naval College, Osborne, Whippingham, Isle of Wight, Hampshire.  At the outbreak of war he joined HMS Leviathan, a Drake Class armoured cruiser, which was the Flagship of the North American and West Indies Station.  He was discharged with pension on 21st July 1921 and awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1914/15 Star. At the time the 1921 Census shows he was visiting at 56 All Saints Road, Landport, Portsmouth, described as a Shipwright (RN) and his wife meanwhile was living with her parents and their daughter in Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living alone at 56 Abingdon Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and was described as a Carpenter.  His death was recorded at the Petersfield, Hampshire, Registry on 9th October 1954.