Soldier Record

Born 29.10.1877 a farmer's son, the youngest of three boys and a girl (Jack, Bill, Elizabeth), on outskirts of Preston. After his father was killed by a kick from a horse, he worked from the age of 12 in a mill where he was so unhappy missing the outdoor life. Age 15 he ran away to a circus that was in town never seeing his family again. He enjoyed the circus life and learned to be a clown and then joined a trapeze group called The Ondo Brothers. He travelled all over Europe but eventually the troupe folded and he became The Great Nestah, a music hall comedy juggler.

He met his wife Annie McGee, also a music hall artist called Antonia Cambell, and had three children. He volunteered for the Army going to join his home regiment. In Flanders he could not stand life in the trenches and volunteered to be a sniper, at least he would be in the fresh air. Every day before dawn he would be lifted into the trees to a firing position. Once the Germans located him they would strafe the trees so much that there would be no leaves or branches left and he had to survive up there until it was dark, when he was lowered down. He survived the war but when he came back he could not face audiences nor had the dexterity to continue in the music halls. All he was fit for was labouring.