Auxiliary Fireman Ernest Reginald Beadle was born on 26 November 1908 in Anerley, Surrey, the son of Ernest Albert Beadle (1879-1942) and Annie Beadle née Penberthy (b.1881). In the 1911 census he is shown as living at 222 Birkbeck Road, Beckenham, Kent, with his parents and his father's occupation was recorded as house painter. His sister, Olive Joan Beadle was born on 26 February 1914.
By 1939 the family were living at 57 Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham and in the 3rd quarter that year he married Florence Maud Franklin (1912-2004) in the Epping registration district. The 1939 England and Wales Register shows them living at 211 Birkbeck Road, Beckenham. His occupation was shown a Wall Paper Supplier and Enquiry Clerk whilst his wife was an Operator of Comptometer Calculating Machines.
In mid 1940 his sister married Norman Richard Charles Mountjoy. Both he and his brother in law were members of the Auxiliary Fire Service and attached to the West Wickham Fire Station. They both died when a German parachute mine landed on Auxiliary Fire Service Sub Station 24U, which was housed in Old Palace LCC School, St. Leonards Street, Poplar, on 20 April 1941. He was aged 32 years. Both he and his brother in law were buried at St John the Baptist Churchyard, Layhams Road, West Wickham, BR4 9HN.
When administration of his estate was granted to his widow on 21 July 1941 his effects totalled £1,041-8s-4d. He is also commemorated on the Firefighters Memorial and in their Book of Remembrance. His name is also recorded in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour that is held near the entrance to St George's Chapel, at the west end of Westminster Abbey.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
