William Henry Packer

Story:
William Henry Packer was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset on 4 Oct 1879, the son of James John Packer and Fanny Packer (née Fussell). The family moved soon after and the first address recorded after the birth was in Batheaston, Bath, Somerset, where the father was employed on the railway. William enlisted on the 21st November 1898 and joined the Somerset Light Infantry (Service No. 5303). He served in South Africa and Northern China and was awarded the various campaign medals during this early period. During World War 1 he served with distinction in both India and Palestine and held the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant. He was discharged on pension on the 25th June 1920 following completion of his full service and was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the India Medal. The 1921 Census shows him living at 8 The Bungalows, Grahamstown Road, Sedbury, Gloucestershire, working as a Watchman and Commissionaire. The 1939 Register shows he remained at the previous address and still worked as a Commissionaire as well as being an Ambulance Driver for St. John's Ambulance His death on 25 June 1969 was registered in Bristol though he had still been a resident (and single) of Sedbury.

Source: Based on previous research by Ken Baxter.