Private Jesse Pipkin
Serving Soldiers' Biographies
Private Jesse Pipkin 58920 Northamptonshire Regiment
Jesse Pipkin was one of nine children born to Walter and Minnie Pipkin (nee Brandham). Unfortunately, three children died shortly after being born.
Jesse was born on 15th June, 1899 in a cottage in Eaton Bray High Street (per 1901 Census). By 1911 his family had moved into the last cottage on the right (as you look from the High Street) in St Giles Yard, Eaton Bray. He had now been joined by two brothers, Archibald and Cyril, and two sisters, Norah and Ivy. Violet was to join them in 1916.
In later life, they recounted many a tale of their childhood antics including scrumping from the local orchards and throwing objects down the well in St Giles Yard - these including Archibald’s best shoes - they may still be there!!
In 1923 Jesse married Winifred Tearle at Eaton Bray Church. They were blessed with three children, Francis, Grace and Doreen. They lived at 12 Park Lane.
Jesse worked with Bill Neville for Standard Telephone Cable Company. He and Bill were part of a gang who layed telephone cables from London to York and London to Bristol.
Jesse then worked for a while at the Totternhoe Lime Works driving the little engine.
He then went on to work at the Gas Works in Dunstable. Jesse and Ron Lugsden worked together as gas fitters until Jesse’s retirement.
Winifred sadly passed away in 1974. Jesse continued to live at 12 Park Lane along with his son Frank. Jesse was a familiar figure at the White Horse Inn where he and Frank participated in many a domino competition and succeeded in winning many trophies. Well into his eighties he would still be found in the evening supping his usual pint at the White Horse. He loved gardening and was especially proud of his vegetable plot.
Jesse passed away in January 1994.
- Protection Certificate and Certificate of Identity
- Medal card British and Victory Medal
- Certificate of Transfer to Reserve on Demobilization, 1917
- Homeguard
- Soldier's Demobilization Account
- Employment card back
- Certificate of Thanks
The National Roll Of The Great War Section V Luton
PIPKIN J Private, 3rd Northamptonshire Regiment
St Giles Yard Eaton Bray
Joining in July 1917 he embarked for France in June of the following year and was engaged in many battles during the retreat and advance of 1918 including those at The Somme, Marne and Cambrai where he was wounded in September 1918. Invalided to England he received hospital treatment and was demobilised in March 1919 and holds the General Service and Victory Medals.
Credits
Written by Nicky Lewis (daughter of Grace Pipkin).
Thanks to Gillian Hunter for the photograph.
Sources
- Ancestry
- Genes Reunited
- CWGC
- Roll of Honour
- Eaton Bray.com