Labour Corps
Died on Thursday, 24th October 1918 aged 24
Personal Information:
Edgar Albert Rattle was born in Yeovil in 1895, the son of railway porter Alfred Rattle (1864-1945) and Charlotte née Hull (1865-1946). In the 1901 census Alfred and Charlotte were listed living at 5 Lyde Terrace, Lyde Lane (today’s Lyde Road) with their three children; Gertrude Emma (1892-1972), Gladys Mary (1893-1983) and five-year old Edgar. By the time of the 1911 census the family had moved to 51 Camborne Grove where Alfred gave his occupation as a Railway Ticket Collector. The 15-year old Edgar gave his occupation as an Accountant’s Clerk, being employed by accountants and estate agents Fletcher & Bradford of Bank Chambers. He later started working in the Borough Accountant’s Department of the Borough Council.
Edgar was a cousin of Louis Chaloner Rattle (1899-1918) who also died in the First World War.
Edgar enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry (Service No 3436) at Taunton around 1915 but later his army records show that he was transferred to the Labour Corps (Service No 341806) and was working on a farm at Ilchester.
In October 1918 Edgar visited Bournemouth while on leave but was suddenly taken seriously ill. He was hospitalised at Bournemouth Military Hospital where he died from pneumonia on 24 October 1918. He was aged just 24.
On 1 November 1918 the Western Gazette reported “The death took place at a Bournemouth Military Hospital on Thursday evening of Private Edgar Rattle, only son of Mr and Mrs Rattle, of 52 (!) Camborne Grove, Yeovil, at the early age of 24 years. The deceased, who belonged to the Somersets, was previously attached to a Labour Battalion for some time, and had been working on a farm at Ilchester. He went to Bournemouth on furlough, when he was taken suddenly ill, and died from pneumonia as above stated. The late Private Rattle was well-known and highly respected in Yeovil, and the news of his untimely death was received with feelings of general regret and surprise by his many friends. Before joining the Army, about three years ago, he was in the Borough Accountant’s Office, and previously was employed by Messrs. Fletcher & Bradford, accountants (late Denman & Fletcher). The deepest sympathy is felt with the bereaved parents and other relatives in their sad bereavement.”
Alfred and Charlotte were still living at 51 Cambourne Grove in 1939, although he had retired by then.
Grave:
A3875 Yeovil Cemetery, Yeovil, Somerset