Gerald James Trowbridge

Story:
Gerald James Trowbridge was born on 12th September 1889 at Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, and baptised there on 13th October 1889, the son of Robert Trowbridge and Annie Trowbridge (née Davis).  He lived most of his early life in and around Okeford Fitzpaine.  He enlisted on 2nd February 1909 as a Territorial with the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry (Service No. 337) with whom he was obliged to attend annual training camps.  He was embodied on 5th August 1914 and given a new Service No. 1254.  He served in Egypt as a Lance Corporal during which time he received a Gun Shot Wound to his left leg on 2nd October 1915.  He recovered sufficiently to continue in the military but was discharged on 28th February 1916 having completed the term of his engagement.  This discharge might not have happened if his younger brother, Reginald Trowbridge, had been granted exemption from the military service in order to assist on the family farm.  As this was not granted Gerald took his discharge for family reasons. He was awarded the Victory and British War medal as well as the 1914/15 Star.  Gerald married Ethel Mary Allen at Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, on 2nd May 1920 and they set up home eventually at Gore Farm, Margaret Marsh, Shaftesbury, Dorset, where according to the 1921 Census, Gerald was the Farmer.  There was one child of the marriage.  He was still living at Gore Farm by the time of 1939 Register.  He died on 20th May 1983 which fact was registered at the Yeovil, Somerset, Registry, having been living at Black Venn Farm, Margaret Marsh, the parish in which he was eventually buried.