Herbert Ransome

Story:
Herbert Ransome was born in Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 6th February 1890, the son of James Ransome and Mary Hannah Ransome (née Jeans).  He lived his early life mainly in Higher Blandford Road, Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset.  He enlisted and served mainly in the Dorsetshire Regiment with various units (Service Nos. 11766, 0698 and S (or 5) 119355).  This last number was used on his promotion to Sergeant.  He also served for a period with the Labour Corps (Service No. 133448).  He saw service in the Balkans Theatre of war from 11 Jul 1915 and, on discharge during 1921, was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star.   He married Jane Curtis in Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 4th March 1924.  They emigrated to the USA arriving in New York on 19th August 1931.  Both Herbert and Jane took out American Citizenship on 9th March 1938 and by 1940 they were living in Culver City, Los Angeles, California, USA, and Herbert was described as a Secretary/Valet.  He had to register for the draft on 25 Apr 1942 but it was unlikely he was called up for service.  He died in Culver City in 1968.   (N.B. His wife was called Jean on one record but on all others, including the application for US Citizenship, she is known as 'Jane'.)