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 (28/5/1886-1952), LIVED AT 10, ST THOMAS PLACE, COLLIER STREET, HULL (1911 CENSUS) AND 1, JOHN’S PLACE, FRANCIS STREET, HULL (WAR PENSION ADDRESS). 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.
