Marcus Jenkins

Story:
Marcus Jenkins was born in 21st October, 1871 in Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire. He was the son of Eli Jenkins, a farmer, and Sarah Jenkins (née Witt). There is no record of Marcus at home in the 1901 Census and it is possible he was already in the Marines. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single and a Sergeant in the Royal Marine Artillery (Service No. RMA/5814), stationed at H.M.S. Warrior in Devonport, Plymouth. Later records up until his death show him as a Gunner. In 1911 he was awarded the Coronation Durbar medal for service on the Guard of Honour to the visiting Royalty. For his service during the war he was awarded the Victory, British and 14/15 Star medals. He died "by means other than disease, accident or enemy action" on 29th July 1918 on board HMS Africa and was buried at Freetown (King Tom) Cemetery (grave id. 1.F.11). At the time of death his next of kin was his brother, Charles Jenkins, who lived at Donhead St. Mary, his father having died in 1917. Marcus is remembered on the war memorial at Ludwell.