The Queens Own Royal West Kent R

"The map is of an unmarked grave . Albert Ernest Fenner served in WW1 . Was discharged in March 1916, died in August 1916 of TB but was not granted a CWG as it was deemed “medically unrelated to his service” - it was blamed on the rheumatic fever he had suffered in 1913- sad but true . The family may like to appeal this with CWGC. This gentleman does not have a gravestone sadly.

Statement from Kerry Bateman, Customer Service Advisor, Commonwealth War Graves Commission -

"I would like to explain that to be included, for purposes of commemoration, for those who died during active military service, their death needed to have occurred during the following dates: 4 August 1914 to 31 August 1921 (First World War) 3 September 1939 to 31 December 1947 (Second World War). If, however, personnel had been discharged from, or retired from, military service before their deaths during the above period, of an injury or illness which had been caused by or exacerbated by their service, then these cases only qualify if it is proven to the present day authorities’ satisfaction that their death was indeed service attributable. From your document, as Albert sadly had 'Signs of active disease in upper lobe of right lung. Medical Board, 11th February 1916, not result of Service', I am afraid that the Commission would not commemorate him as his death was not service attributable."

Private Albert Ernest Fenner, G/4943, Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment, died 10th August 1916.

1911 Census - 30 Priory Road, Tonbridge, Kent - Robert Fenner, head, age 47, married, coal merchant, on own account, born Mayfield, Sussex; Annie Fenner, wife, age 41, married 20 years, 8 children, 6 still alive, at home, born Stovington, Sussex; Albert Fenner, son, age 16, single, assistant to coal business, worker, at home, born Tonbridge, Kent; Annie Fenner, daughter, age 15, single, at home, born Tonbridge, Kent; Frederick Fenner, son, age 11, at school, born Tonbridge, Kent; Frank Fenner, son, age 9, at school, born Tonbridge, Kent; Ephraim Fenner, son, age 8, at school, born Tonbridge, Kent; Emily Fenner, daughter, age 6, at school, born Tonbridge, Kent; Harriett Mercer, mother in law, age 62, widow, at home, born Brighton, Sussex.

Enlisted Tonbridge, Kent, age 20 years & 180 days, height 6ft, chest barrel shaped, mole on chest. Resided 30 Priory Road, Tonbridge, Kent. Formerly warehouseman.

Home 14th December 1914 to 10th October 1915; BEF 11th October 1915 to 4th February 1916; Home 5th February 1916 to 15th March 1916.

14th December 1914, enlisted; 16th December 1914, posted Depot, Royal West Kent Regiment; 19th December 1914, posted 3rd Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment; 11th October 1915, posted BEF & 8th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment; 5th February 1916, posted Depot, Royal West Kent Regiment;

15th March 1916, Maidstone, Kent, discharged, as no longer fit for War Service, age 21 years & 8 months, height 6ft, dark complexion, hazel eyes, black hair, mole right breast. Intended place of residence, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge.

Pension awarded of 4/8 a week, 6 months conditional, expires 15th September 1916. Origin unknown. Rheumatic fever three years ago. Unable to work for 6 months. Was apparently well from that time until October 1915, when he went to France - shortly after he developed a cough. Sputum contains Tuberculosis Bacilli. Signs of active disease in upper lobe of right lung. Medical Board, 11th February 1916, not result of Service. Permanent. Prevents totally.

3rd August 1916, medical report called for, pension 4/8 a week, for 2 months conditional.

23rd September 1920, Statement of Relatives - Widow, none; Children, none; Father, Robert Fenner, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge; Mother, Annie Elizabeth Fenner, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge; Brothers - Frederick John Fenner, age 21, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge; David Frank Jenner, age 19, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge; Ephraim Morris? Jenner, age 18, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge; Sisters - Annie Elizabeth Doust?, age 24, 13 Priory Grove, Tonbridge; Emily Edith Jenner, age 16, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge; Winifred Ada Fenner, age 5, 3 Priory Walk, Tonbridge.

Commemorated on Tonbridge War Memorial - Tonbridge War Memorial - The original World War I memorial at the Junction of Pembury Road and Quarry Hill. The names were later re-inscribed in the new Memorial Garden in Bradford Street.

From Tonbridge History - Albert Fenner was born in Tonbridge in 1894, the son of Robert and Annie. In 1911 he was living with parents at 30, Priory Road and assisting his father as a coal merchant. He enlisted in Royal West Kent Regiment as Private 4953 on 15th December 1914. He was discharged as no longer fit for war service on 15th March 1916, as he had suffered a bout of rheumatic fever in 1913, he recovered but then had developed Tuberculosis and heart problems. He died on 10th August 1916 at home and is buried in Tonbridge cemetery.

Statement from George Buswell Archivist, Tonbridge Historical Society (29th July 2025)

The map is of an unmarked grave . Albert Ernest Fenner served in WW1 . Was discharged in March 1916, died in August 1916 of TB but was not granted a CWG as it was deemed “medically unrelated to his service” - it was blamed on the rheumatic fever he had suffered in 1913- sad but true . The family may like to appeal this with CWGC. This gentleman does not have a gravestone sadly .