Southam in WW1

Centenary Archive

Honouring those who died and all who served

Private Ernest Sumner (10684)

Ernest Sumner  was born in 1881 eldest son of the large family of William Sumner a labourer and his wife Mary. William came originally from Kineton and Mary from Gloucestershire. The family moved around a lot in the Kineton and  Bascote/Long Itchington area although the CWGC states that Ernest was born in Bascote. 

He lived with his parents in Bascote for many years and worked as a labourer as the census of both 1891 and 1901 show.  

Private Sumner joined the 2^nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 16^th January 1915.  It was the same day that his two younger brothers ‘offered their services to their country’.[1] He was killed in action on 3^rd September 1916. His body was never found so he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. 

His parents were listed as next of kin by CWGC. He was awarded three medals: the Mons Star, Victory and British medals.

[1] Northampton Chronicle and Echo, 31^st August 1917. His brothers were William (b 1887) and Edgar (b 1895)