SPRATTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY


Ordinary Seaman Ernest Christopher KENCH

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve BZ7735


Ernest’s parents, Christopher and Martha Kench
Ernest’s parents, Christopher and Martha Kench

Ernest Kench was born in Upham in Hampshire in 1900, the son of Christopher Kench, an experienced gardener, and his wife, Martha. His father moved to become head gardener at Broomhill, Spratton, the home of Sir Mervyn Manningham Buller, and this began Ernest’s association with Northamptonshire.                                                                             

Ernest joined up in June 1918 and became a signalman in the Royal Navy.  He did not serve overseas, but was posted to HMS Diadem, a training ship at Portsmouth. He returned to Northamptonshire when he left the service in June 1919 and was awarded the British War Medal. 

He married Doris Sophia Adams in January 1928 and died in Duston, Northamptonshire on 31 March 1959.

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Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve blazer badge
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