Ernest was a pre-war member of the Territorial Force, and in 1911 was working in a tobacco factory. He entered the war in France on 29th March 1915 with the 1/3rd South Midland Field Ambulance. It was noted in the unit war diary that he was award the Military Medal: - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the period of 30th March to 25th April 1917 when the unit was detached for the collection of wounded from the front line, during the advance of the 48th Division from Peronne to Gillemont and Tombois Farms. The War Diary also records on the night of 16th April, notice of the attack had been rather short and time for complete reconnaissance was not quite sufficient, with appalling weather conditions and an exceedingly dark night. Consequently there was some delay establishing touch between the Regimental Aid Post and the horse ambulance stationed at the cross-roads, S.W. of Malassise Farm. The roads were also badly pitted with shell holes and the darkness was intense. Sgt. Cann superintended the evacuation of wounded and managed to locate the route by flashlight about midnight. By 8am all was clear at the collecting post at Epehy. About 140 cases, including one prisoner of war, were dealt with. From November 1917 he served with his unit on the Italian Front. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at San Sisto Ridge, a location on the Asiago Plateau. The London Gazette citation reads, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid. He was in charge of a relay post in the front line which was blown in, burying a chaplain. He immediately went to his rescue and dragged him into a dug-out, finally carrying him under shell fire to a relay post in the rear. He behaved splendidly”. He was awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal in May 1919. Ernest died in February 1939. His funeral at Clifton Down Congregational Church, Bristol, was attended by his widow and children and representatives of the 2nd Southern General Hospital Reunion Association, the 3rd South Midland Field Ambulance Old Comrades Association and the D.C.M. League Bristol Branch. [Profile photograph courtesy of Derek Cann]