John Percival Merrifield

Story:
John Percival Merrifield (surname as registered) was born at Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 9th April 1899, the son of Henry John Merefield (surname as registered) and Anne Stroud Merefield (née Tanswell).  He lived all his early life in Fontmell Magna.  He enlisted and served with the 2nd Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment, achieving the rank of Acting Colour Sergeant (Service No. 13247).  It is not known in which theatre of war he served in but after his discharge on 18th April 1919 he was awarded the Victory and British War medals.   The 1921 Census shows him living at Babington Lodge, Mells, Frome, Somerset, living with his brothers and sister and described as a Market Gardener.  He married Evelyn Louisa Beck at Iwerne Minster, Dorset, on 21st February 1928.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 12 Vicarage Street, Frome, Somerset, now described as a Fertilizer Manufacturer.  He died in Iwerne Minster, Dorset, on 5th May 1978.  Of his brothers, Victor George Merrifield, died during the conflict whilst Edgar William Merrifield and Reginald Henry Merrifield, both survived.