Loftus Sam Inkpen

Story:
Loftus Sam Inkpen was born in Motcombe, Dorset, on 25 Jul 1887 and baptised there on 11 Sep 1887 the son of Edwin Thomas Inkpen, the Innkeeper of the Royal Oak Inn, Motcombe, and Mary Ann Inkpen (nee Clack).  Loftus spent his early life in Motcombe.   His marriage to Mary Snell was registered in Shaftesbury, Dorset, during 1907.  By 1911 he was living in New Road, Tormarton, Badminton, Gloucestershire, working as a Groom.  He enlisted and joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps as a Private (Service No. SE/4299).  He is thought to have served in the Balkans from 5 Jul 1915 where he became an Acting Sergeant.  Following his discharge he was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star.  The 1921 Census shows him living at 16 Coxstalls, Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, working as a Groom. By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 5 Vale View, Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, working as a United Dairies Lorry Driver as well as acting as a volunteer ARP Warden.  One of his children, Reginald Sam Inkpen (b. 1921) was killed in WW2 during 1941.  Loftus died in Wootton Bassett in 1954 and was buried in the local cemetery on 28 Jan 1954.   His brother, Rufus William Inkpen, also served but was killed in action. (NB. He was registered and baptised as Loftus Sam though some refer to him as Loftus Samuel.)