PRIVATE ERNEST JOHN PANTING
5th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
He was Born in Sellack in 1897
In 1901 the family were living at Baysham, Sellack and his father was a stockman on a farm
In 1911, they were still in Sellack and Ernest had joined his father working on a farm
He enlisted in the 5th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
He joined his regiment in France in September 1915 and a week later took part in the Battle of Loos. His battalion suffered 441 casualties of the 768 who started the day, 55%, including Private Henry Shaw of Sellack, mentioned earlier
From September 1915 to 1917 the battalion continued in the trenches taking part in a number of offensives and under frequent bombardment.
On 5th February 1917, he Died of Wounds in the 41st Casualty Clearing Station at Wanquetin, age 20, but there is no information where he received them
He is buried in Wanquetin Communal Cemetery Extension which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
His CGWC certificate of honour records he was the son of John and Sarah Panting of The Crews, Upton Bishop
He is commemorated on the Sellack War Memorial