Edward enlisted as a private in the South Eastern Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, part of the Royal Army Medical Corps, in August 1914. The Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Edward saw service in Gallipoli, and France, working in unimaginable conditions.
Stanley William Emptage
Following the death of his mother and the incapacity of his father, when Stanley was just eight years old he found himself in a Boy’s Industrial Home in Lewisham, south London. He suffered under its very harsh regime and was removed to the Training Ship Exmouth.
Although there was discipline, it wasn’t harsh and the boys were taught skills which would fit them for their future lives. Stanley thrived and was able to develop his music skills and make music his career.
Thomas Emptage the Younger versus The Navy Board
Thomas was called upon to do his duty and hire out his cutter to the Navy Board, to help service the English fleet at war with France.
If you hire something out, you expect to be paid for your time and expenses especially when, during the period of the hire, you’ve not had any other form of income and have incurred debts on behalf of your country.
Thomas, like many other people at the time, found himself having to argue with the Navy Board in order to be paid.
Walter Dansy Emptage
Family poverty following the death of his father when Walter was just one year old probably led to Walter joining the Royal Fusiliers Special Reserve in 1913 when he was 17 and served in World War I. His military career continued when Walter enlisted in the RAF in 1923, serving for four years, including in Palestine. And he was still young enough to serve in the army when war broke out again in 1939.
But life for Walter took a darker turn after the war.
Edward Lindsey Emptage 1892 – 1966
Edward’s twin brother died in World War 1 but Edward survived. He was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre in the process but at what cost to himself and to his family?
His son David begins to understand his father’s emotional distance.
Clifford Walter Emptage
Colour Sergeant Clifford Walter Emptage was a career soldier who served in the 21st London Regiment.
He was a specialist in machine guns. When invalided out of France in 1915 he continued to serve as a training instructor.