Reginald's Story.
Reginald was one of 15 children born to Alfred and Mary Ann Peers whom in 1911 lived at 6 Commonhall Street in the city. Sadly the 1911 census shows that of their 15 children 7 had died. Alfred worked as a blacksmith and was also one of the bell ringers at the cathedral, a position he had held for 28 years.
In 1911 Reginald was working as a porter, his service papers show his trade to be a packer, however he also worked as a barman in Bridge Street.
He enlisted 9 November 1915, into the Royal Garrison Artillery and was posted to the 106th Siege Battery on 4 January 1916. After a few months of training, on 7 May 1916 he embarked for France. Prior to leaving, on the 2 February 1916 he married Edith Lilian Baynes at St. Michaels, Chester. On the 3 December 1916, they had a son, Reginald Kenneth. At this time Edith was living at 18 Duke Street, Chester.
Six months later, 30 June 1917, Reginald was granted 10 days leave, returning to France 10 July 1917, this probably was the only time he had to meet and see his son. He was wounded 21 November 1917 and died 8 days later at the 47 Casualty Clearing Station from wounds to the abdomen and neck. Notifcation of his death appeared in the local press.
Died of Wounds.
GUNNER R. PEERS.
It has been officially notified that Gunner Reginald Peers, R.G.A., so of Mrs. Peers, Chapel Terrace, Chester and of the late Mr. Alfred Peers, blacksmith, of Commonhall Street, Chester, died of wounds on November 29th. Gunner Peers was married and leaves a widow and one boy. He formerly was a barman with Mr. George Barlow, Bridge Street. He was born in Chester and attended Grosvenor St. John’s School. His father was one of the bellringers at the Cathedral, a position he had held for 28 years.
Nantwich Guardian, Friday, December 14, 1917.
By 1919 Reginald’s father William had died, the Statement of names was completed by his widow, Edith (Lilly).
As was the case with many young widows, without support they remarried. Edith, known as Lilly by 1921 had remarried to William Davies, who worked for Chester City Council, Reginald Kenneth, age 4 years 6 months is listed as his stepson.
On 25 March 1939 Reginald Kenneth married Dororthy Emily Banks at St. Michaels, the same church as his mother and father had in 1916. Reginald and Dorothy lived at 4 Mount Pleasant he worked as a coach painter. He lived in Chester all his life, his last home was 6 York Street, Reginald Kenneth passed away 16 August 1991.
Reginald Kenneth and Dorothy on their wedding day in 1939.
The Cheshire Roll of Honour would like to thank Nigel Meyrick and Mrs. C. Meyrick for the picture of Reginald.