Ernest enlisted on 22nd October 1915. He was 28 years and 129 days old; was a weaver by trade; and was living at 5 New Oxford Street, Colne, Lancashire at the time. He entered the war in France on 31st December 1915. He was serving with the 2nd Field Ambulance when on 21st July 1916 their Bearer Division were sent to Peake Wood. The following day Ernest was gassed and received a shell wound to his left leg (ankle), fracturing the tibia. He was evacuated back to the UK, being treated at Netley from 26th July 1916 to 16th January 1917. He was then transferred to West Cliff, Hythe until 13th February 1917, returning to Netley and remaining there until 7th November 1917. On 28th November 1917 he was discharged from the army ‘no longer physically fit for war service’. He was the husband of Mary Ann Woods.