Ezra Townsend (1884–1957)

Private

Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) 8469 2nd Battalion

Biography
Ezra was born in Exton, Rutland during 1884, the son of Amos and Margaret Townsend. By 1911 he had moved to work as an agricultural labourer in Wingerworth, then on August 3rd 1912 he married Alice Housley from Crich (Alice was the sister of George Housley and William Housley). He was a 28 year old labourer (father Amos Townsend), living at Market Place, Crich.

Ezra had two brothers, Charles and Thomas Townsend, who were killed during the war. Charles served with the Lincolnshire Regiment (3474) and was killed at Vimy Ridge on 19 April 1916. Thomas also served with the Lincolns (3623) and was killed during the Battle of Arras in April 1917. They are both remembered on the War Memorial in their home town of Corby. Ezra's two other brothers, Amos and Frank, also served but survived the hostilities.

Army Record
He enlisted at Derby on 10 October 1902 aged 19 years and six months; workng as a baker. He was serving with the 4th Battalion Derbyshire Regiment Militia. Occupation a baker. Height 5ft 5½; weight 135 lb, brown eyes and hair. He was mobilized at Derby 5 August 1914 and discharged 9 October 1915 on the termination of his period on engagement after serving 13 years. Father Amos, Mother Mary, Brothers Thomas, & Charles. Married Alice Housely of Crich on 3/8/12 at St Mary's Church, Crich.

Ezra's brothers-in-law William Housley and George Housley, are also on the Roll of Honour.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1891: Oakham

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Amos Townsend Head 32 Agricultural labourer Exton
Margaret Townsend wife 28   Exton
Ezra Townsend son 7   Exton
Rebecca Townsend daughter 5   Exton
Annie Townsend daughter 3   Exton
Thomas Townsend son 1   Burleythorpe
Harriett Smith sister 21 Laundress Exton

RG12 piece 2548 folio 32 page 34

1901: Oakham

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Ezra Townsend servant 16 Agricultural labourer Exton

RG13 piece 3014 folio 33 page 17

1911: Lydgate Farm, Wingerworth

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Ezra Townsends servant 30 Cowman on farm Exton

RG14PN21083 RG78PN1257 RD438 SD2 ED4 SN24

1939 Register: East View, the Common, Crich
Ezra Townsend b.3 April 1884; County Council lengthsman
Alice Townsend b.4 November 1880
James Townsend b.13 July 1920; dyer