BORN GRIMSBY 1887. ONLY SON OF JOHN FERNS (1854-1913) & ANNIE PAYTON, OF 5, MARLBOROUGH CRESCENT, CHARLES STREET, HULL (1901 CENSUS). HE HAD ONE SISTER, MARY SIZER (1884-1970).
MARRIED AT SCULCOATES REGISTRY OFFICE, HULL IN 1907. HIS WIFE LYDIA (1886-1952), LIVED AT 10, ST THOMAS PLACE, COLLIER STREET, HULL (1911 CENSUS) AND 1, JOHN’S PLACE, FRANCIS STREET, HULL .THEY HAD THREE SONS. THEIR DAUGHTER DIED IN INFANCY. HE WORKED AS A LABOURER.
ENLISTED HULL. SERVED WITH THE 6TH EYR PIONEERS. POSTED TO THE DARDENELLES, ON 14/07/1915. DIED OF WOUNDS, ON 21/08/1915, AGED 28, AT THE 17TH GENERAL HOSPITAL, ALEXANDRIA. HIS ARMY EFFECTS WERE LEFT TO HIS SISTER, MARY. HIS WIFE RE-MARRIED AND BECAME LYDIA BEAUMONT.
HIS NAME IS RECORDED ON ST CHARLES BORROMEO, WW1 CHURCH MEMORIAL, JARRATT STREET, HULL.
