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1883 Apr/Jun Born Devon
1897 Jun. Enlisted in the 13th Hussars, aged 14 years.
1891 census at Milton Cottage, North Street, Withycombe Raleigh, Exmouth
1897 Autumn Enlisted in Army
1897 Dec. A horse kicked him in the head and knocked him unconscious, but thereafter he appears to have enjoyed an accident-free career with the 13th Hussars
1901 Feb Posted to South Africa and witnessed active service out until the end of hostilities, during which period he was appointed a Trumpeter. Trumpeter, 3922, 13th Hussars, The Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal Clasps: Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902
1911 census at 13th Hussars Regt, Meerut, India, : Lce Cpl 13th Hussars , single
1912 Apr. Transferring as a Sergeant-Trumpeter to the 8th Hussars, he was serving out in India on the outbreak of hostilities, but was quickly embarked for France.
1914 Nov 11. Lands in France.
1916 Apr 16 Commissioned in Devonshire Regt, and joined the 1st Battalion in time for the Somme operations that summer.
1916 Jul 28. He received a bayonet wound in his left leg and sustained shell-shock from the explosion of an H.E. shell, injuries that necessitated his immediate evacuation to England - back home the former musician was no doubt devastated to learn that the resultant loss of hearing in his right ear would be permanent.
1917 Oct 18 . MC Gazetted.‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a patrol. Finding that the enemy’s wire could not be cut without giving the alarm, with one N.C.O. he crawled under the wire and lay on the enemy’s parapet for three-quarters of an hour, gaining valuable information. While he was returning the enemy opened a heavy machine-gun fire, but he skillfully withdrew his men, and, though wounded himself, helped carry a wounded man back. He brought back a valuable report.’
1917 Oct Promoted Lt
1916 Jul/Sep Married Derbyshire to Jessie L Steeples
1919 Aug 23 Retires receiving a gratuity.
After unsuccessful attempts to join the Post Office, he could not find employment, even though he was an accomplished Musician & Conductor. He therefore applied to ADRIC
1920 Aug 10. Joined ADRIC with service no 179. Posted to B Coy
1921 Feb 4. Promoted Section Leader.
1921 Sep 21 Posted to O Coy and reverts to T/Cadet
1922 Jan 16 Discharged on demobilisation of ADRIC
1922 Oct 15. Concert in Derby
1933 Jun 23. Reaches age limit for Reserve of Officers, and ceases to belong to reserves.
1939 Living in Derbyshire with wife Jessie at 1 Booth St, Derby. He is a Petrol Attendant Motor Work
1943 Jul 13. British Legion Band in Derby gave a concert under its conductor Capt H S Gilliland
1956 Jan/Mar Died Derbyshire
WO 339/61740