Pte 30187 Reginald John Waite Amery

• Age: 19
• From: Raby
• Regiment: 21st Bn Kings
• Died on Monday 29th November 1915
• Commemorated at: Barnston (christ Church) Churchyard
  Panel Ref: N.E. Corner

Reginald was born on 18th October 1896 in Raby and Reginald was baptised on 16th June 1899 alongside his four siblings; Francis Percival b. 01st March 1890, William Leslie b. 29th March 1892, Edwin Siddall b. 25th April 1894 and Emily Mary Gladys b. 14th April 1899 at Heswall.the son of Robert Thorpe Amery and his wife Sarah Jane (nee Raney, sometimes nee Twist) who had married 21st January 1884 at St James' Church, Toxtethc. 
The 1901 Census finds the family living at Sandy Lane, Heswall. Reginald is 5 years of age and lives with his parents and seven siblings. His father is a 42 year old Barnston born aand employed as a clerk of the works, whilst his mother is 36 years of age and was born in Liverpool. His  three eldest siblings were born in Liverpool and are listed as; Thomas H. aged 16 and a joiner's apprentice, Robert aged 15 also a joiner's apprentice and Annie aged 13. Francis Percival aged 11 was born in Barnston, William Leslie aged 9 was born in Raby, Edwin Siddall aged 7 was alos born in Raby. His youngest sibling Emily Mary Gladys is now aged 1 and was born in Heswall.

The 1911 Census finds that the family have moved to Brimstage Road, Barnston. Both parents are resident and they advise that they have been married for 26 years and have had ten children all of whom have survived. Reginald is now aged 14, he has six siblings living with him in the household. They are listed as Thomas Henry aged 26 and a joiner, William Leslie a 20 year old bricklayer, Edwin Siddall aged 16 a joiner's apprentice, Emily Mary aged 11, George aged 9 and Nigel aged 5.      

He enlisted in Liverpool and joined the 21st Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 30187. He contracted Scarlet Fever and died on 29th November 1915.

He now rests at Barnston Christ Church Churchyard in the North East corner. His headstone bears the epitaph:

"PEACE PERFECT PEACE".

A newspaper report published at the time of his death states:

Much sympathy will be extended to Mr and Mrs Amery of 1 Mersey Terrace,Seacombe in the sad loss of their son Reginald, a Private in the 21st Kings Liverpool Regiment who died on Monday from the effects of Scarlet Fever.

The deceased who had had but a short Military career was only 19 years of age, and during that time he had been in training  he had had to be treated at the hospital for several weeks. As a civilian he followed the occupation of a Shipping Clerk, and was employed by Elder Dempster Line. He joined the Pals some six months ago, and was much liked by the fellow members of his company.He had four brothers in the Army who have seen active service in France and the Dardenelles, and were present at the funeral to pay a last homage to their dead brother. Private Reginald Amery enjoyed considerable popularity among a good circle of friends, who will deeply sympathise with the near relatives in the great loss they have sustained.

Birkenhead News 4th Dec 1915

Private Reginald Amery

Details of the death of Private Reginald Amery, 21st City Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, at the Palm Grove Military Hospital, Birkenhead. An account of his funeral at Barnston on Thursday are given in our county edition today. "Reg," who joined the Army last May, was only 19 years of age, and was the 6th son of Mr and Mrs R. T.  Amery of "The Cottage", Barnston, and Liskeard. Previous to the war he was a clerk on board the SS Eloby. He was well-known and respected in Barnston, Heswall and district where he was very popular, especially in football and cricket circles. Deceased died on November 29th from the effects of scarlet fever.

[SS Eloby, ocean liner, built 1913, torpedoed 1917]

Reginald is commemorated on the following war memorials Barnston Parish Church and Elder Dempster Line Memorial

Soldiers Effects and Pension to his mother Sarah Jane.

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