William Ernest Pike

Story:
William Ernest Pike was born in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, in 1896 and baptised there on 19th July 1896. He was the son of Ernest James Pike, a Farmer, and Mary Agnes Pike (née Dowding). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, a Scholar and living at Waterloo Farm, Motcombe, Dorset. He enlisted at Sturminster Newton, Dorset, and joined the 1st Battalion of the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry (Service No. 716). Following a later posting of the Battalion, which was associated with the Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line, his Service No. changed to 230131. At the time of his death he held the rank of Lance Corporal. He served in Egypt from 22 Aug 1918 and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He was killed in action in Palestine on 21st November 1917 and was buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Churchill Boulevard, Jerusalem, (grave id. Y.83). He is remembered on the Motcombe War Memorial, Dorset.