Ernest John Belcher

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from Mavis Williams, Researcher.

Ernest John Belcher was born on the 21st of October 1908, the son of William John & Frances Fanny Belcher (née Beckley) who had married in the September quarter of 1907 in Wallingford Registration District, Berkshire.

We see the family in the 1911 census living at 23, Wood Street, Wallingford, Berkshire. William Belcher was working as a Carter (Coal Merchant) and they had three children: Joseph, aged 3; Ernest, aged  2; and Alice Elizabeth, aged under 1 month old. There was also a fourth child, William Beckley, aged 8, who was born out of wedlock as the relationship was recorded as being the 'son of wife'.

In the 1921 census, was taken on the 19th of June 1921, the family were still in Wood Street, but now at No. 45. William Belcher was now working as a General Labourer for H.W. Snow & Sons, Contractor, Wallingford and Frances Belcher was doing Home Duties. Joseph Belcher, 13 years and Ernest Belcher 12 years made up the family. Alice Elizabeth Belcher was missing, but I found 2 deaths of an Elizabeth Belcher, both in the September quarter of 1911 and 1914 respectively, both ages were ‘0’.

An insight into their circumstances can be found in newspaper articles in the Berks and Oxon Advertiser. At meetings of the Wallingford Municipal Charities Committe, it was reported that the family applied for, and were elected, to receive shoes and stockings in 1927, and blankets in 1935 from the Golding's charity. They also received coal in 1928 and 1929 through the Misses Hedges' Charity.

Sadly, I have no information on Ernest John Belcher, neither his early or teen years, and he is missing from the 1939 National Register which was taken on the 29th of September 1939. It sees the family still at 45, Wood Street. William was working as a General Labourer and his son, Joseph, was employed as a general farm worker. I believe that Ernest had joined the Royal Marines many years before as I found an ‘Absent Voter’s List’ for 1930 and 1931 (Electoral Rolls), where Ernest was listed as living at 45, Wood Street, his service number was PO./X.252, Mne., R.M.

Ernest was to find himself fighting on D-Day and laid down his life for our freedom. He was serving in 41 (Royal Marine) Commando which landed on Sword Beach. Supported by 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment they were to attack the German strongpoint at the west end of Lion-Sur-Mer, and the nearby château. They were also tasked with connecting with 48 (Royal Marine) Commando in order to link Sword Beach with Juno Beach to the west.

The CWGC Graves Concentration Report Form tell us that Ernest Belcher, was killed in action and buried at La Breche. He was then reburied in Bayeux Military Cemetery on the 18th November 1944. Two days after he died, the London Gazette posted a notice of his award of the BEM.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Ernest Belcher. If you are aware of one, or you are related to Ernest, we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.