Trafford

Born during the June quarter 1882 in the Altrincham R.D. - ref: 8a/183, the
eldest son of William & Mary Vernon (nee Gordon).

1901 Census - 21 Brunswick Road, Altrincham.   Son - aged: 10 - born:
Broadheath.   Head of household - William Vernon - Married - aged: 35 -
occ: Moulder's Labourer - born: Winsford, Cheshire.   Also Mary Vernon -
Wife - aged: 35 - born: Manchester.  Plus 6 siblings.

1911 Census - 29 Dale Street, Broadheath.   Son - aged: 19 - occ: Caretaker
(Dogs) - born: Altrincham.   Head of household - William Vernon - Married -
aged: 47 - occ: Pulley Moulder in Machine Tool Co. - born: Winsford,
Cheshire.   Also Mary Vernon - Wife - aged: 47 - born: All Saints,
Manchester.  Plus 7 siblings.

Employed as a Carter by Mr. Ackerley, Grocer, 78 Stamford Street,
Altrincham.

WO363 - He enlisted into the 5th Bn, Cheshire Rgt at Altrincham on the 18th
November 1914.  He was then aged 22 years and was residing at 29 Dale
Street, Altrincham at that time.  He was 5 feet 4 inches in height - had a
chest measurement of 32½ to 34½ inches and his physical development was
described as 'Good'.   Originally a Territorial, on the 21st December 1914
he agreed to be posted for overseas service.      
Posted to France on the 27th August 1916, he embarked at Southampton on the
28th August 1916 and disembarked at Rouen on the 29th.   He went straight
to the No.4 IBD (Infantry Base Depot) at Rouen.   He was compulsorily
transferred to the Loyal North Lancashire Rgt on the 7th September 1916.  
On the 25th December 1916 he was admitted to hospital having accidentally
fractured his right Tibia on the 24th.   The accident did not occur in the
performance of his duties - football ???

On the 16th February 1917 he was posted to No.2 Trench Mortar Battery.   On
the 2nd April 1917 he was sentenced to 3 days Field Punishment No. 2 for
having a dirty rifle.[In Field Punishment Number Two, the prisoner was
placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object and
was still able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable
punishment.  In both forms of field punishment, the soldier was also
subjected to hard labour and loss of pay].   Granted leave from 15th
October to 25th October 1917.   Reported as Missing on the 18th April
1918.

MIC - confirms that he formerly served in the Cheshire Rgt - No. 2971.

The Battle of Bethune took place on the 18th April 1918 when there were
heavy German attacks from Givenchy to the Lys.

The 31/05/1918 edition of the Altrincham Guardian reported that he was
missing and asked for news of him.   From being missing, the 12/09/1919
edition of the local newspaper confirms his death.