202505 Private Ernest Charles Simkins
11th Battalion Essex Regiment
10th April 1918
Born on 28/05/1899 in Canning Town, London. He was baptised on 07/07/1899.
His parents were Henry John Simkins(28/05/1874-22/09/1940) and Sarah Ann Devorah Tann(1870-16/05/1938). They were married on 10/04/1898.
Ernest had 2 brothers, Henry James Frederick(07/06/1898-30/11/1963) and
Cyril John(10/09/1901-16/02/1961).
He also had 4 sisters, Doris Mary (08/06/1903-1946),May Ellen (20/08/1905-10/02/1980), Winifred Emma Sarah Ann (02/12/1906-03/05/2001) and Edna Annie Maud (1910-1913).
In the 1901 Census, the family were recorded as living at 11 Beckton Road, West Ham, Essex.
Henry snr was employed as a crane driver.
The 1911 census recorded that the family had moved and were now living at 30 St Albans Avenue, East Ham. Henry snr was a labourer and crane driver for the Gaslight Coke Company.
Ernest enlisted in west Ham.
He was killed in action on 10/04/1918.
Ernest was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
His mother had the following text added to his headstone;
"His tender smile His loving face No one on earth can fill his place"