Ernest enlisted on 11th August 1904. he was 18 years and 11 months old, and was an Engraver by trade. From 13th January 1906 to 4th April 1907 he served in India. He entered the war in France on 16th August 1914 with the 4th Field Ambulance. His name appears on a list of R.A.M.C. personnel who were taken captive up to & including 31st December 1914. His address was given as 5 Block, 119 Cankien Street, Birmingham- (kindly provided by Steve Mattocks). In the early hours of 26th August, the 4th Field Ambulance were ordered to go to Landrecies to treat and evacuate the wounded. A couple of hours after entering the town the Germans arrived, and Ernest became one of 219 of the rank and file of the R.A.M.C. to be held captive there. He was taken to Germany entering Sennelager POW camp on 5th September 1914. He returned to England after release on 29th June 1915. On 27th November 1915 he embarked for Malta, disembarking there on 5th December 1915. He became attached to No 1 Malta Coy. On 16th September 1917 he embarked at Malta for the UK for discharge from service due to termination of his engagement. He was discharged from the Colours on 9th October 1917. Discharged on 23rd October 1917 due to termination of engagement.