Stanley Thomas Bastable

Story:
Stanley Thomas Bastable was born in East Orchard, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 30 Jan 1892 the son of William Thomas Bastable and Louisa Martha Bastable (nee Marcham).  He spent his very early life in Marsh Common, East Orchard and later in Gillingham, Dorset.  His father died in  May 1901 and his mother re-married Walter Crump in 1903 and went to live in Milton, Kent.   Stanley enlisted with the King's (Shropshire) Light Infantry as a Boy Soldier (Bugler) on 20 Feb 1906 (Service No. 8100).  He served in India and progressed to Bandsman on 31 Oct 1913 with the rank of Corporal with the 2nd Battalion.  Though he suffered from some bronchial troubles he was nevertheless posted to France & Flanders on 20 Dec 1914 but was transferred back to the UK on 24 Feb 1915 suffering from tuberculosis which had been exacerbated by the conditions of his service.  He was discharged on 14 Apr 1916 as being no longer physically fit for service and was awarded a pension.   He lived initially at the time at 1 Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, but later was admitted to the Sturlett Sanatorium, Broseley, Shropshire, where he died on 6 Sep 1916.   He was buried on 9 Sep 1916 in  Shrewsbury General Cemetery, Shrewsbury, (Grave Ref: 187. 8. H.).    He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star and the Silver War Badge No. 504179.  His stepfather, Walter Crump, had predeceased him in 1906 and his mother, Louisa, in 1908.