Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Robert Fendell, a builder, born 1864 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and his wife Mary Elizabeth Fendell (nee Webster, married in the 4th quarter of 1886 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1864 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Ernest Henry was born in the 4th quarter of 1893 in Sysonby, Leicestershire and baptised on the 15th January 1894 in Melton Mowbray Parish Church, his siblings were, Robert William, born 1887, learning the carpentry trade, John Thomas, born in the 4th quarter of 1889, Jesse, born 1891 and Mabel Mary E., born 1892, the latter three siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray, also residing in the family home was Ernest’s paternal Cousin, Reuben Fendell, a schoolboy, born 1888 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, in March 1901 the family home was at Old Guadaloupe, Sysonby, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Ernest was employed as a painter and was residing in the family home at 7, Gooseberry Square, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a builder, his mother and siblings, John, a carpenter, Jesse, a carter and Mabel, also residing with the family was Ernest’s Cousin Reuben Fendell, a bricklayer, and his widowed paternal Uncle Jass Fendell, a coal miner, born 1855 in Chesterfield. In the 3rd quarter of 1914, Ernest married Florence Alice Brixton in the Melton Mowbray district, Florence was born in 1897 in Melton Mowbray, in the 1st quarter of 1915 they had a son Robert A., who was born in Melton Mowbray. Ernest’s elder brother John Thomas fell in action in March 1918.
The War Diary records: 22-23 Sep-17 – YPRES North Area. From the old British Front Line the Battalion relieved the 165th Infantry Brigade on the night of 22/23rd September in the right sector of the line held by the 55th Division, and were supported by the 2/5th Battalion SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT. The disposition of the Battalion was as follows:- Headquarters POMMERN CASTLE (C.19.a.5.4.). “D” Company on the right (Southern area). “A” Company in the centre at HILL 37. “B” Company on the left in the CAPITOL area and “C” Company in support at ELMS COURT. Consolidation of the front line was rapidly proceeded with as an advance had been made by the 165th Infantry Brigade on the morning of the 21st.
The War Diary records: 23-24 Sep-17 – FRONT LINE. On the night of the 23/24th September a heavy hostile artillery barrage preceded an attempted hostile counter-attack. Sentries of this Unit reported that the enemy were preparing to attack. After waiting for developments and making preparations to repel the attack the S.O.S. signal was given and artillery support was at once forthcoming. The Company in support at ELMS CORNER then moved forward to reinforce the Front Line, but the attack did not develop. Slight casualties were sustained.
On Friday October 5th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MELTON SOLDIER’S KILLED. Mrs E. H. Fendell, Mill Street, Melton Mowbray, has received a letter from an officer stating that her husband, Pte. E. H. Fendell, of the South Staffordshire Regt., had been killed in action. Deceased who was 24 years of age, went up with the first married group on April 12th 1916, and joined the Leicester’s, but was transferred to the Stafford’s while on active service. After being at the front four months he returned to England wounded, only getting out again as recently as last August. He is the youngest son of Mr Robert Fendell, builder and contractor, and assisted his father in the business.
On Friday September 20th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. FENDELL. – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Ernest H. Fendell, who was killed in action Sept. 23rd, 1917, aged 24 years.
Gone from our midst, but not our hearts.
The one we loved so well.
If we could have raised his dying head.
And heard his last farewell.
The parting would not have been so hard.
But only those who have lost can tell.
What pain it is to bear.
From Mother, Father, Brothers and Sisters.