Henry A. Vernham

Lance Corporal, London Regiment (Prince of Wales Own Civil Service Rifles)

Age 14, Class IV A: 'Conduct very good,works well.'

Henry A. Vernham joined the war effort in November 1915 at the age of 23. He was a student at Alleyn’s until 1907 and attended the school with his younger brother, Charles. During this time, he lived at 385 Ivydale Road, Nunhead with his parents, Henry and Edith. After leaving school, Henry found work as a warehouseman before the outbreak of war prompted him to enlist in the British Expeditionary Force. Henry joined the 15^th County of London (Prince of Wales Own Civil Service Rifles) as a Private in November 1915. He served overseas on the Western Front in France throughout 1916 and 1917 and was involved in a number of British operations. In December 1917, Henry was wounded in battle after being exposed to poison gas while serving at the front. He spent three weeks recovering in hospital and re-joined his regiment immediately after his health improved. He continued to serve with his regiment until the end of war and continually proved himself to be an intelligent and reliable soldier. He ended the war as a Corporal after receiving a promotion in August 1918. For his wartime service, he received the Military Medal as well as the British War and Victory Medal.