Reginald George Messer

Story:
Reginald George Messer was born in Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, on 2 May 1895 the son of George Messer and Sarah Messer (nee White).  He lived all his life, apart from Military Service, in the same area.  He had enlisted with the Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment as a Private (Service No. 9119).  He served in France and Flanders from 22 Aug 1914 and at sometime he received gunshot wounds to the left lung.  This injury caused heart problems and he was discharged on 11 Apr 1919 with a pension.  He was awarded the Victory and British War Medal as well as the 1914/15 Star.  He then lived at The King John Hotel, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire.   The 1921 Census shows him boarding at the King John Hotel, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire, with the Fishlock family, working as a Mason on his own account. He married Lily Emma Fishlock shortly after at the Parish Church, Tollard Royal, on 4 Aug 1921.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living in the High Street, Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, working as a General Labourer.  His death was recorded in the Poole, Dorset, Registry during 1971.  Of his brothers, Maurice George Messer served but died during the conflict whilst Wilfred Purefoy (Jack) Messer served and survived.