On the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium is the name of A/693 Sergeant Ernest Scholefield Gall serving with “B” Company 7th Battalion The King’s Royal Rifle Corps who died 30/07/1915.

He was the son of Annie E. Gall, of 10, Larches Avenue, East Sheen, London, and the late James Gall. He was a Cashier at Barclays Bank.

Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

Ernest, the son of James Gall and Annie (nee Scholefield) was born at Basford, Nottinghamshire in 1888. His father worked at Barclays Bank as a cashier then later became bank manager. Although he is generally known as Ernest several documents prefix his name with Francis.

In 1901 Ernest was at St Chad’s College Public School for Boys, Denstone, Staffordshire. He was 13.

By 1911 he was working as a bank clerk and living alone in rented property at 5 South View, Barnard Castle.

Prior to war Ernest worked for Barclays Bank from 1905 until enlisting in 1914. He began his career in the Stock bank at Nottingham before moving to Barnard Castle in 1905. He worked as a cashier there from 1905 until the time he enlisted at Sunderland on August 11th 1914. He did, however, spend a short period at the Richmond branch in 1912. He was highly esteemed by his colleagues.

The same month Ernest was drafted to the Army Pay department at Aldershot. He was made up to sergeant in his battalion in September just a month after enlisting.

He was a keen member of the Barnard Castle and District Shooting Club, so that was perhaps why he was attached to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps which was considered to be one of the crack infantry regiments, and was stationed Blenheim Barracks, Aldershot.

His enlistment documentation documents show that Ernest was recorded as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 132 lbs, fresh complexion, grey eyes, dark brown hair and his faith was Church of England.

He was on home duty from August 11th 1914 until May 17th 1915. The following day he embarked for France. He was reported missing on July 30th 1915 then later he was recorded as dead, presumed from wounds, on or since July 30th 1915, having served a total of 354 days.

It was noted on records that 2 letters had been received about the soldier. One was from Captain Wormald and the other from Sergeant McGavin who reported that Sergeant Gall was missing but there was no hope of being alive as no prisoners were taken that day i.e. July 30th 1915.

His estate of £227 4s 9d was left to his mother, Annie.

Ernest Scholefield Gall is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25

His name is also listed on the Barclays Bank Roll of Honour in London.