Reginald Henry Merrifield

Story:
Reginald Henry Merrifield (surname as registered) was born in Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset on 23rd May 1889, the son of Henry John Merefield (surname as registered) and Anne Stroud Merefield (née Tanswell).  He lived his early life in Fontmell Magna.   He enlisted and served with the 5th and 6th Battalions of the Dorsetshire Regiment eventually becoming a Corporal (Service No. 10180).  He served in the Balkans area from 11 Jul 1915 and on his discharge on 17th March 1919 was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star.    The 1921 Census shows him living with his brothers and sister at Babington Lodge, Mells, Frome, Somerset, described as a Market Gardener.  He married Lillian Hart in the Sturminster, Dorset, Registry area during 1928.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at Lloyds Bank, Market Place, Blandford, Dorset,  working as a Gardener (his wife was housekeeper to the Bank Manager).  He died in Childe Okeford, Dorset, on 30th April 1950 and was buried at St. Nicholas Church on 3 May 1950.  Of his brothers, Victor George Merrifield, died during the conflict whilst Edgar William Merrifield and John Percival Merrifield, both survived.