John Padfield

Story:
John Padfield was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 9th June 1878 and baptised at Holy Trinity Church on 30th June 1878 the son of John Padfield and Jane Padfield (née Moore).   He lived his early life in Love Lane, Shaftesbury.  He originally enlisted on 4th January 1898 and joined the 12th Lancers of the Corps of Lancers of the Line (Service No. 4356).  He served in India and South Africa gaining the Queen's South African medal with three clasps and the King's South African medal with two clasps.  Whilst serving in the Army he married Kate Mahony at Holy Trinity Church, Shaftesbury on 9th February 1903 and they set up home at 3 Laundry Lane, Shaftesbury.  They went on to have two children.  John was discharged to the reserves on 4th January 1905 having served five years with the colours.  He was mobilized on 4th August 1914 again with the 12th Lancers (New Service No. 5156).  He served in France from 19th October 1914 and whilst there transferred to the 16th Lancers (Service No. 13129).  He had the rank of Private throughout his military service.  He was demobilized on 29th January 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.  Both the 1921 Census and the 1939 Register indicate he was still at 3 Laundry Lane working as a General Builders Labourer.  He died in Shaftesbury in 1941 and was buried in the Town Cemetery on 30 December 1940.