Harry Gilbert Stainer

Story:
Harry Gilbert Stainer was born in Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 30th September 1888, the son of Gideon Stainer and Emily Stainer (née Sims).  He lived his early life at the family home in Bozley Hill, Cann, Shaftesbury, until 1911 when he had moved to Wimborne, Dorset, working as an Assurance Agent.   He enlisted with the 1/9th Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment and became an Acting Sergeant (Service No. 355692).  It is not known which theatre of war he served in but on discharge was awarded the Victory and British War medals.  The 1921 Census shows him now boarding in lodgings at 68 Mayfield Road, Gosport, Hampshire, still an Assurance Agent for the Pearl Assurance Co.   He married Ethel May Towner in Gosport, Hampshire, during 1934. The marriage was short lived as Ethel died on 2 Jun 1938 in Gosport.  The 1939 Register shows him at 104 High Street, Gosport, Hampshire, a widower and still employed as an Assurance Agent. His death was recorded at the Winchester Isolation Hospital, Winchester, Hampshire, on 25th June 1950.  His brothers, Austin Frederick Stainer, Ernest Stainer, William Edgar Stainer and Francis Hubert Stainer, all served in the conflict.