SPRATTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Ernest was born in Spratton on 4 March 1900, the son of William Wykes, a bootmaker, and his second wife, Bessie (also known as Betsy). His father died soon after he was born and he and his mother moved in with his stepbrother, William Alsin Wykes, a bootmaker on the High Street.

Ernest joined the Royal Sussex Regiment in July 1918 aged 18, but was seen as too young to serve overseas.  He remained in this country on Home Service and was demobilised in March 1919.

In October 1924 Ernest married Annie Austin.  He was a follower of the Pytchley Hunt and he died on 15 January 1934 aged 33 when he fell from his horse and was kicked in the head.  He is buried in the old Parish Cemetery in Spratton.