Ernest was born in Ormesby, Norfolk on 22 October 1895. His parents were James and Susannah (nee Page) Palmer. James at the time of Ernest’s birth was working as a market gardener.
The family lived in Stokesby for many years. In 1901 they were living at Ferry Lane, Stokesby with Herringby.
Ernest had a sibling who died.
By 1911 James was a farmer in Foxhole, Saxlingham Thorpe and Ernest was working on the farm. The family continued to live here during the war.
In the war Ernest served in the East Surrey Regiment, service number 48417. His service records have not survived.
He returned to Saxlingham after the war but by the early 1920s he and his parents were living in Fairstead Lane, Hempnall, Norfolk.
In August 1930 he married Kathleen Symonds, born 4 November 1902, in St. Mary’s Church, Saxlingham Nethergate. Ernest was a farmer in Hempnall. Kathleen came from Saxlingham and had a daughter Thelma H Symonds born in 1922. After their marriage they lived in Hempnall, as did Ernest’s parents.
They had a daughter Cherry A born 16 March 1930.
In 1939 the family were living in Lower Tharston, Norfolk. Ernest was a farmer. His step daughter Thelma was working on the farm. There was another child as well as Cherry in the household but their name and details are withheld.
Ernest died in Brundall in 1972 and he is buried in St. Laurence Churchyard, Brundall.
Acknowledgements
England & Wales, Birth, marriage, death index 1837-2005
UK Census Collection
British Army Medal Roll Index cards, 1914-1920
1939 Register- www.findmypast.co.uk
Norfolk Electoral Rolls-Southern Division Saxlingham Nethergate and Thorpe, (Absent Voters Lists 1918-1920) Hempnall 1920 -1931
UK and Ireland, Find a Grave Index, 1300- current day.
Norfolk, Church of England Diocesan Baptismal Records.
St Mary’s Church Saxlingham Marriage records (transcribed by Mary Muir)
If anyone has any photographs or information about this person, please contact me. Email jan@janmfox.co.uk