Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
Ernest Edward Bickley was born at Water Eaton on 22nd April 1891. He was baptised at Christ Church, Gailey, on 7th June 1891 - the son of Edward (a waggoner) and Ann. The family moved around with father Edward's work: in 1901 they lived at Bickford and in 1911 they lived in Drayton, Penkridge. By 1911 Ernest was working as a farm labourer. Presumably he was working in the Brewood area when he enlisted.
Ernest enlisted at Wolverhampton in about May 1916. He was eventually posted to the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment. It is not known when he joined his Regiment at the front but he was probably with them by 3rd Ypres (Passchendale). He died of wounds on the 28th March 1918 - probably sustained during one of the German 'Operation Michael' or 'Operation Mars' offensives on 21st and 28th March.
Private Ernest Edward Bickley 242707 was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. He is commemorated on the War Memorials at Brewood and Codsall.
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.