Ernest William Hatch

Story:
Ernest William Hatch was born in Gillingham, Dorset, on 20 Jan 1882 the son of Albert Hatch and Mary Ann Hatch (nee Penny). He lived some of his early life at Bittles Green, Motcombe, Dorset. He had enlisted as a Boy (2nd Class) with the Royal Navy (Service No. 199374) on 20 Jan 1900. He had married Hannah Jane Comlay in Portsmouth, Hampshire, during 1906. At the outbreak of war he had been serving aboard HMS King George V, a Dreadnought Battleship, and was at the Battle of Jutland. He served on various other ships during his time in the service rising to the rank of Chief Petty Office. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals, the 1914/15 Star as well as the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. By the 1921 Census he was on shore duties and living with his wife at 56 Telephone Road, Southsea, Hampshire. He was pensioned off from service on 7 Dec 1922. Regrettably his wife died during 1925 and he went on to re-marry Ethel Bartley in Shaftesbury, Dorset, during 1927. By the 1939 Register he was living at Edward Grove, Portchester, Hampshire, working as a General Labourer. He died in the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Hampshire, on 4 Jan 1963. His brother, Arthur Frank Hatch, had also served in the forces during the conflict.