No.RMA/11511, Bombardier, Ernest "Edward" SIZER
Aged 39
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Ernest Sizer was born in Soham on 20th May 1877 (Newmarket Q2-1877 3B:590), son of Betsy SIZER
His given name varies from Ernest to Edward. The Royal Marines recorded his birth as 1876. 1881 census...Aged 3 he was at Mere Side, Soham with his father? Robert SIZER [48] farm labourer and his mother Betsy? [46], all born in Soham. It is just possible these were his grandparents as the next census has him as Robert's grandson, possibly he was the son of Betsy Sizer (junior). Betsy Sizer died in 1887 (Newmarket Q4 3B:341) aged 53, this could be his grandmother. 1891 census...Aged 14, farm labourer, he was at Hunt's Corner, Soham with his widower grandfather Robert SIZER [59] farm labourer born Soham. 1901 census...Aged 24, he was in the Royal Marine Artillery in Bermuda aboard HMS "Hotspur" an armoured ramship, relegated to guard ship. His family is a puzzle with many chances of error, relative's help required. 1911 census...Aged 33,he was a bombardier in the Royal Marine Artillery at barracks in Eastney, Portsmouth His cousin Edith Walmen at The Homestead, Eastern Parade, Southsea, was notified of his death. On his marine service record she is Mrs E. DALMORE. On his medal card she is natural half sister. Not able to find any of these versions so far in census or marriage registers. |
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He re-enlisted ( he apparently had 8 years previous service) in London in the Royal Marine Artillery on 1st September 1905, giving his date of birth as 20th
May 1876, a groom, born Soham.He was 5 feet 9.9 inches (177.6 cm) tall, blue eyed, light brown hair, Church of England. His next of kin was E.T. Jackson (cousin)(? half sister) of Clay Street, Soham, later changed to Mrs E Dalmore of Homestead, Eastern Parade,
Southsea, which seems to be her married name.
His postings were:- 1st Sept.1905 to 14th Feb.1906.........Royal Marine Artillery 15th Feb.1906 to 16th Jan.1907.........HMS Bulwark 17th Jan.1907 to 17th Feb.1908.........HMS Bacchante 18th Feb.1908 to 16th June 1913........Royal Marine Artillery 17th June 1913 to 31st May 1916........HMS Indefatigable (when she was sunk) The Battle of Jutland was the only time the British Fleet met the German High Seas Fleet. Both sides wanting to claim a victory, it was the High Seas Fleet that never ventured out again. Admiral Beatty it is claimed uttered the phrase "There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today" after the Indefatigable and Queen Mary were sunk. "Indefatigable" was the only battlecruiser of the 1908-09 Naval Programme. Launched 28th October 1909, commissioned 24th February 1911. Mounting 4 x 2 12 inch guns, 16 4 inch guns and 2 torpedo tubes. Around 4pm on the 31st May 1916, "Indefatigable" was hit around the rear turret by two or three shells from "Von der Tann". She fell out of formation to starboard and started sinking towards the stern and listing to port. Her magazines exploded at 4:03 after more hits, one on the forecastle and another on the forward turret. Smoke and flames gushed from the forward part of the ship and large pieces were thrown 200 feet (61.0 m) into the air. It is thought an early salvo hit in 'X' magazine that blew out her bottom and severed the steering control shafts, followed by the explosion of her forward magazines from the second volley. Only two men out of the crew of 1019 survived, both rescued by a German torpedo boat. |
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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