Ernest Herbert Relf
Gunner 125760
337th Siege Battery
Royal Garrison Artillery
Division 33
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Ernest Herbert Relf was the son of John and Ellen Sophie Relf. The 1911 census indicates that his parents and sister Rose ran an Athletics Outfitters. His occupation is given as Professional Cricketer.
Research revealed that Ernest was one of three Relf brothers who played for Sussex prior to the war. His brother Albert played over 500 times for Sussex and 13 tests for England, he was acknowledged as an accomplished all rounder. Brother Robert plyed for the county and scored three double centuries. The Sussex Cricket Club is erecting a plaque to the fallen of the Great War. (The Argus November 2013)
Ernest was the husband of May Relf, of 3, King’s Road, Reading. He died of illness contracted whilst on active service on 27th July 1918, aged 29. He was at 5 Northern General Hospital, Leicestershire at the time of his death. He left his wife, May Clarence Relf £148 4s 9d in his will. Ernest Herbert Relf is buried in a registered war grave number 5752 and this is marked with a private headstone.
Ernest Relf shares his grave with his mother and brother. The commemoration inscription is very close to the ground and difficult to see under normal circumstances. Ernest Relf’s name also appears on a special memorial in the War Plot.