THE short life of Harlow resident, Ernest Woolard as read by Jorn Johansson.

This project has been supported by Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

Ernest William Woollard

Ernest’s parents were William Woollard, born at Broadley Common in c.1868 and Ada Mary Parish who was born at Hillgates, Eastwick in 18691. William and Ada married in 18922 and Ernest William Woollard was born in Harlow in 18933.

The census of 1901 shows Ernest residing at Clapgates in Great Parndon. His

father William was listed as a farm worker. The 1911 census shows that the family had moved to Kingsmoor Cottages, Great Parndon. There were nine children, including Ernest residing in five rooms. Ernest was the eldest of William and Ada’s children, his siblings were Annie, Agnes, Eleanor, Edith, Kathleen, Herbert, Florence and eight month old Eva.

Ernest married Nellie Baines in 19184. Nellie was born in Epping in c.1896. At the time of the 1911 census Nellie was working as a domestic servant aged fourteen at Parvills Farm, Epping.

Pioneer Ernest William Woollard, 129422, enlisted ‘in the field’ and became a member of The 1st Special Company of The Royal Engineers. Ernest died on 13 April 1918 of his wounds (just weeks after his marriage to Nellie) and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Etaples, France. Plot 29, row B, grave 4. Register Index Number FR.40.

Nellie remarried in 19195 to Joseph Whitbread and died in Epping in 19586.