L/Cpl 53141 Ernest Ambrose Rogers

• Age: 21
• From: Gt Yarmouth Suffolk
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 20th November 1916
• Commemorated at: Berles Position Military Cemetery
  Panel Ref: C.3

Ernest Ambrose Rogers was born 30th July 1895 in Great Yarmouth and was baptised 4th February 1903 at Great Yarmouth as Ambrose Ernest. He was the son of Ambrose and Emmeline Anne Rogers (nee Graystone) who had married in September 1888.

The 1901 Census shows that the family are living at 17 Row, Great Yarmouth. His father, Ambrose is a general labourer born in Great Yarmouth in 1855, whilst his mother, Emmeline was born in Great Yarmouth in 1856. Ernest is shown on the Census as Ambrose and is 5 years of age. He has 3 siblings all born in Great Yarmouth; Hannah born 1878, Selina born 1889 and Walter born in 1893.  

His father Ambrose died in September 1910 aged 53.

The 1911 Census shows the family living at 6 Well Opening Great Yarmouth. His mother Emmeline is a widow aged 55, born 1856 and is a home worker. She had been married for 23 years before her husband Ambrose died and they had four children. Walter aged 18 born 1893 is a Bricklayer’s labourer and Edward Ambrose is aged 15, and employed as an errand boy. She had two further daughters who had left by the time of the 1911 Census, Hannah and Selina.

Ernest Ambrose enlisted in Great Yarmouth and was formerly 12019, Norfolk Regiment. Following a transfer he was serving in the 20th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Lance-Corporal No 53141.

He featured in an article in the Yarmouth Independent on 18th November 1916:

WITH THE CROSS KEY LADS

Have just received a brief letter from Ernie Rogers, old boy, footballer, and a member of "St. George's Men's:-

" A few lines in answer to your ever welcome letter, I'm still in the "pink", the weather has been rotten of late - plenty of wind and rain, and a course "ditto" mud. You will note that the "Green 'Uns" have come into being again - and very nice too. You no doubt have seen by the papers that we have been having it "hot" these past three months, and this Battalion has made a name for itself, and being placed second to the Guards Brigade - quite an honour for us - we have done our share. Never shall I forget my 21st birthday, we made an advance of 1,400 yards on that day. We certainly have been in most "big things" up todate, and I thank my god that I have come through without a scratch. We are enjoying a well and quiet rest and tomorrow we shall show them how we play football in the old town. Have my doubts about getting "home leave" for Christmas, but cheer up, shall all be home soon. Lance Corporal Rogers was with the Norfolk's from August 1914, but since has been transferred to the King's Liverpool's. My time to wend my way across the Suspension Bridge en route for Vauxhall is drawing near, and these, my few remaining hours or being spent in the service of the old Institute. He was hunting around for a good gym instructor this morning, and after telling the tale, as a secretary is supposed to do, I captured my prey in the person of Jack Staff, one of our enthusiastic Harriers and supporters away back in '08. So all is well and next Wednesday evening will find the lads with a leader - good luck to all. I am coming back, and my experience of the past coupled together with my enforced personal separation for "Duration", will fit me for the grand work". 10th Nov 1916.

Ernie was killed in action just days later on the 20^th November 1916, aged 21, during the Somme Offensive.

He now rests at Berles Position Military Cemetery, France, where his headstone bears the epitaph:

“THY WILL BE DONE”

The village of Berles-au-Bois remained in British hands from the summer of 1915, when it was taken over from French troops, until the end of the War; but it suffered at times from severe shelling.

The village was later "adopted" by the County Borough of Wolverhampton.

Berles Position Military Cemetery was begun by the 46th (North Midland) Division in July, 1916, and used (largely by the same Division) until February, 1917. It lies in a long dip; and it was known also as The Ravine Cemetery and as Nobs Walk Cemetery.

There are now over 50, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified.

The cemetery covers an area of 379 square metres and is enclosed by a low rubble wall. 

Ernie's death was featured in the Yarmouth Independent on 09th December 1916:

CROSSKEY NOTES FROM FRANCE

Another month has commenced, and bad news reaches me. Yet one more old St Peterite has been added to the roll of honour - and but a lad Ernie Rogers was a typical Crosskey youth, a lover of football and a good sport. He played for the old school team and the past few seasons for the St. George's Men's Service. In him we have lost a good chap today, Dec. 1st was the anniversary of his birth, and I had written him, but I am of the opinion he never received the greeting, for his death was instantaneous on the 20th of last month. The chaplain wrote consoling his bereaved mother, and our deepest sympathy is with his many sorrowing relatives. He being related to me, I feel deeply the sad loss, and the desire for peace is the stronger by such losses. The best men of the Nation and Empire or being slain. News is to hand that his brother Walter in the Northampton's is keeping well. Ernie the younger brother enlisted in the 8th Norfolk's at the outbreak of war with many of the St. Peter's lads. During the past few months he has been attached to the Liverpool's.

Also in the Yarmouth Independent on 16th December 1916:

OF INTEREST TO THE CROSSKEYS

On the Pro Patria board we have had to place the names of Sid Turner, Dan Clarke, and Ernest Rogers, whom we shall never see again at our gatherings, though they will always be present in memory. [Pro Patria - "For the Country"]

Soldiers Effects and Pension to his mother Emmeline Anne.

He is also commemorated on the Great Yarmouth War Memorial.

We currently have no further information on Ernest Ambrose Rogers, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.