Edwin in WWI in the RFA

Edwin John Dunkley was born at Wellingborough, son of John.

In 1911 Edwin John Dunkley was living at home with his parents John aged 56, a currier, and mother Ellen aged 55, his older brother Fred aged 18, a boot stitcher, and younger brother Horace aged 13, at 53 Grendon Road, Wellingborough.

After completing his apprenticeship at Wellingborough, he probably worked for Charles Clarke who had a buisness in Rushden at 71a High Street. Charles left the business in 1910 and Edwin was advertising in Kelly's at the address.

He married Ethel Kate Fensome, daughter of George and Deborah, who had come to Rushden from Bedfordshire, and worked in the shoetrade. George was a leather merchant.

Edwin was registered on 11^th December 1915, when he was living at 67 Palk Road, Wellingborough, with his parents and two brothers. He was assigned to the Royal Field Artillery, and duly examined. He was aged 25 years and 1 month, 5’3” tall, with a 36¾” chest, and of good physical development. He was then in the Army Reserve, to await call up. When that came he applied for exemption.

In August 1916 at the local tribunal he was finally denied exemption. The Rushden Echo reported: A hairdresser and tobacconist, single, 25 years of age, who had been passed for garrison duty only, and who had been previously granted temporary exemption, again appealed. The Advisory Committee were of opinion that it was not in the national interests that the appellant should be retained in his present employment.—One month’s exemption, without leave to appeal again.

Midland Mail, 15th Sept 1916 Stanley Danklyn, [error - Wanklyn] a watchmaker and jeweller, of High-street, Rushden, asked for exemption. His mother was entirely dependent upon him. He had been passed for garrison duty only. Not being in possession of a card to prove this, the case was adjourned in order that he might obtain one. This was also done in the case of Edwin John Dunkley.

He was married to Ethel Kate Fensome on 12^th October 1916 at the Wesleyan Church, and was living at 32 Queen Street.

In September 1916 he had applied for exemption, but was mobilised on 1^st November 1916 to No4 Depot as a driver. There he was in 3A Reserve Brigade and assigned to 15^th Reserve Battery. A month later he was revaccinated.

In 1917 he had been appointed to Driver (Lce/Bdr) but at his own request he resigned his rank, with the sanction of his Commanding Officer and a certificate declaring “this was not done to escape trial by Court Martial” was issued in August 1918.

He was finally discharged on 29^th January 1919 from 148^th (County Palestine) Brigade RFA, at Purfleet, and given £2 and a certificate of identity/insurance for 28 days furlough, and signed an agreement not to wear uniform after the date 5^th February 1919.

Ethel died in 1955 aged 70, and Edwin died 31^st May 1962. Probate was granted: Edwin John Dunkley of 8 Blenheim Close, Rushden died 31^st May 1962 at Park Hospital W’boro. Granted in London 27 Jul 1862 to Barclays Bank Ltd. Effects £7603.14s.

Horace Dunkley, Edwin's brother, also came to live in Rushden and married in 1929. In 1939 he was living at 55 Glassbrook Road, and perhaps they worked together?

Horace was also a hairdresser and tobacconist, born 4^th November 1897, and his wife Elsie (nee Pettitt), born 27^th August 1896, and son John F., born 25^th September 1930.

Horace died in 1947, and Elsie died in 1984.