Ernest Arthur Patterson

A Drummer with the 8th Bn., Ernest died on 31st of August 1915 at the age of 19. 

Ernest was born at Oulton Broad in 1896, a son of George and Emma Patterson. In 1901 his family lived at Park Estate, Oulton, Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at Edith Cottage, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, and Ernest was a baker’s errand boy.   

Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 8th Battalion. He arrived in France with the Battalion on 25 July 1915. He served with A Company.

On 23 August 1915 the 8th Battalion took over positions close to Bronfay Wood, near Bray. 

The Battalion War Diary has a very short entry for 31 August:

1 man killed (No 14796 [sic] Dmr. Patterson) A Company