Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the Bridgnorth area who died during the two World Wars.
Ernest Onions was born in West Bromwich in 1887. He was the son of Silas Onions, an engine fitter, and his wife Elizabeth. The family lived in West Bromwich until they moved to Danford, Claverley, at some time between 1901 and 1911. After moving, Silas worked as a jobbing gardener.
After leaving school, Ernest worked as a telegraph messenger. Once the family moved to Claverley he became an estate labourer.
Ernest joined the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, serving in the 7th Battalion. He went to France in September, 1915. He died (probably of 'natural causes') on 15th April, 1917, a few days after the battalion took part in the First Battle of the Scarpe. Conditions in the trenches were very poor; it is likely that exhaustion and exposure played a part in his death. He is buried in the St. Hilaire Cemetery, Frevent.
Private Onions, 13718, KSLI, was awarded the Victory and British War Medals and the 1915 Star.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg. For news of updates follow @BridgnorthHeros on Twitter.