Wilfred Harry Merefield
Surname: Merefield
Other names: Wilfred Harry
Locations in this story: ShaftesburyFrance & FlandersDickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, West Flanders, BelgiumCompton Abbas, DorsetSt. Leonard's Church, Semley, WiltshireDevizes, WiltshireBridgend, GlamorganSemley, Wiltshire
Story: Wilfred Harry Merefield was born in Compton Abbas, Dorset, in 1882. He was the son of James Merefield and Amelia Merefield (née Merefield). Though by 1901 he was living with his brother Albert in Bridgend, Glamorgan, and working as a coal miner. He returned to Semley and married Louisa Gertrude Woodrow on 18th January 1904 at St. James's Church, Shaftesbury. At the time of the 1911 Census, he was working as a Cowman on a Farm and they were living at Compton Abbas, Dorset. By the time of his enlistment they were living at 229 Gutch Common, Semley, Wiltshire. His father had died in 1909 and his mother in 1913.
He enlisted in Devizes, Wiltshire, and joined 'C' Battery, 82nd Brigade, of the Royal Field Artillery as a Gunner (Service No. 57938). He served in France & Flanders and he was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He died on 1st August 1917 and was buried at Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, West Flanders, Belgium (grave id. II.F.14). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church.
He enlisted in Devizes, Wiltshire, and joined 'C' Battery, 82nd Brigade, of the Royal Field Artillery as a Gunner (Service No. 57938). He served in France & Flanders and he was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He died on 1st August 1917 and was buried at Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, West Flanders, Belgium (grave id. II.F.14). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church.
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