Ernest James Hall (tree in the Memorial Park)

My great uncle Ernest J Hall (killed in action 13.10.1918) has a tree in his memory on the path backing on to the area where the miniature trains used to run. Unfortunately the tree has grown to such an extent that it's partially covering Ernie's plaque. An email to the park supervisor (?) has not brought a response. I have spoken to gardeners in the park who have said that my concerns would be passed on and that I would be informed when the problem was resolved. As yet I have had no feed back so can only assume that it has not been done. Can anyone give advice please. I decided not to put this topic under the memorial park heading as I'm not sure it quite fits the bill, apologies if I've got it wrong

Hi, I have sent you the contact details of one of the park team. They have always been extremely helpful.

Just for everyones info, the Council's IT team are currently working on a searchable database of the names and locations of the trees and plaques, accessed from a terminal to be located in the visitor centre, which should be available in the near future. As it will obviously only be accessible during opening times, it's a shame they couldn't just make it available on-line.

Tony, thanks for the information, I have sent an email. I'll keep you posted

I've been walking my dog around this area recently and wondered whether there was any feedback about your plaque from the park support team?

Tony, sorry I forgot. Yes, eventually it was sorted, I havent seen it but my brother has, from what he describes to me the plaque has been moved slightly away from the tree. I must make an effort to see it. Tony, if you are there on a regular basis can you let me know if you see it? Hopefully you can find it from my directions.

It appears from the plan that it's not far from the Kenilworth Road/Leamington Road entrance. I'll have a look next time I'm passing

Private Ernest James Hall, S/43592, 1st/5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders was killed in action 13th October 1918. He died one week before his 20th birthday. Born in Bretford, he resided at 142 Cook Street. He was employed as a baker before enlisting in May 1915 and went to France in November 1915 with the Army Service Corps. Before being transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders he was in the London Regiment. Private Hall is buried in Avesnes Le-Sec Communal Cemetery Extension, Row B, Grave 10 and commemorated in St John's Church.

Information about the cemetery can be viewed here. His entry can be found in the list on the first page. Hope that helps.

Tony, yes I knew all this, my niece has been to see his grave. Thank you. If you enter the Memorial Park at the Leamington Rd and Kenilworth Rd junction through the wrought iron gates (which reputedly Ernie's father-in-law made) and bear right following the perimeter path and Ernie's tree is approx 50/100 yards on the right backing on to the site of the miniature railway.

As an afterthought to this, how can I find out more about the action in which he was killed?

Hi again, you could try searching the British Army WWI service records online to see if they have his war records. Maybe they might have further info. I'm sure others will be able to chip in with suggestions. The book I have states 'The final Allied Offensive - 1918. After the 51st Highland division returned to the Cambrai area the 1/5th Seaforth took part in the attack on 12-13th October, the division's final major operation before the Armistice. The last battle of the war for the 1/5th Seaforth was the attack at Thun St. Martin. The final 16 days fighting had cost the Battalion over 400 casualties.' Further information concerning the battle of Cambrai can be found on this page on the Firstworldwar.com website. Once again, I hope this helps with your search. Notes taken from War Memorial Park - The Missing Faces by Trevor Harkin.

Tony, many thanks, much appreciated.

Matchle55 - Ernest's Medal Card shows that he was awarded three medals - The Victory Medal; The British Medal; and the 1915 Star. It records that he first went to France on 6 November 1915 with the Army Service Corps - his number was S/4/094835. He later transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders with the number S/43592. Later still he transferred to the London Regiment with the number G/92023. Hope this helps.