Parents

Ernest’s parents were Henry and Emily Brocklesby. Henry was born about 1851 in Rotherham, and Emily about the same year in Maltby, Yorkshire. In 1881 they lived at 8 Ellis St, Hulme, and in 1891 and 1901 at 11 Greame St, Moss Side. Henry was a brass finisher and by 1901 he was works manager. In 1911 the family lived at 9 Grosvenor Rd, Whalley Range, and Henry was a brass works manager and plumber’s merchant. Henry and Emily had 5 children. Harry was born in Rotherham about 1874 and became a plumber. Annie was born in Rotherham about 1876. Charlie was born in Rotherham about 1878. Frank was born in Manchester about 1882 and in 1901 was an electrician’s apprentice. The fifth child was Ernest.

Henry died in June 1927, aged 76. Emily died in July 1916 and is buried in Southern Cemetery.

Ernest

Ernest was born in Manchester on 9 February 1894. In 1911 he was living with his parents and sister Annie at 9 Grosvenor Rd, Whalley Range. He was an apprentice warehouseman (cotton).

There is a 1914 record of an Ernest Brocklesby working as a civilian orderly for the Red Cross, certificate number 3231. On 15 January 1916 Ernest enlisted in the Royal Marines Divisional Engineers in Deal, register number 5709. He later transferred to the Royal Engineers (service number 244229) and fought with the 428th Field Company as a lance corporal. He became ill with pneumonia on 16 November 1918 and he died on 25 November 1918, aged 25. He is buried at the Caudry British Cemetery, Nord, France, grave reference II. B. 23. The inscription reads “On higher service”. The record of the inscription mentions Miss A L Brocklesby (presumably Annie) of 38 Upper Chorlton Rd, Brooks Bar.

At the time of his death his effects were £30 4s 6d and a War Gratuity of £16 10s. Probate was given to his father in the sum of £204 12s 3d.

There was a report of his death in the Manchester Evening News of Monday 9 December 1918 under the heading Week-End Lists, Fallen Fighters. The report states that he died of pneumonia. His address was given as 38 Upper Chorlton Rd and he was said to have worked for Messrs Smith and Jones, Portland St.