230808 Pte. Ernest John Biterlich British Army 14th Btn. Welsh Regiment from:Swansea (d.28th Feb 1918) Ernest Bitterlich, known by his middle name of John or Jack, was born in Islington, London in 1882. He time-served a six-year plasterer's apprenticeship with his father. When he was aged 27 he fell in love with 19-year-old Gertie Ella Norris, moved to Swansea to marry her, and moved in with his in-laws in Swansea. They had a son, Arthur Joseph Henry in 1913.
Jack signed up for service on 10th October 1914 in Swansea, but was discharged after 101 days as "Likely to become an inefficient Soldier". I have a copy of his Short Service Attestation Certificate (Enlistment) Details:
"1 child, 1 wife, 6 years apprenticed to father as Plasterer, British. No criminal record, age 31 years 5 months. 5' 7.5" tall 125 lbs 35", chest +2" expansion. Fresh complexion. Blue eyes. Light brown hair. C of E, 5 tattoo marks L arm, 2 Tattoo marks right arm, mole in middle of back. Declared Fit for Army joined Swansea Battalion Welsh Regiment Oct 10th 1914.
Discharged 101 Days later on 18/1/15 Reason: "Likely to become an inefficient Soldier" signed C/O 14th Welsh."
He fathered a daughter, Gertie and then joined up again on 13th December 1915. Jack served with 23rd Welsh Pioneers until 6th April 1916. He was invalided out to a London hospital. His wife and daughter visited, but his daughter recalled that he never came home and they rarely visited, she speculates that her mother divorced him (she did not, she is listed as a widow in his will, but remarried quickly). He was awarded a badge and a Silver War Medal, possibly suffered from shell-shock or gas. He never recovered and died 28th February 1918 Stratford, West Ham.
I am still learning about him. His great grandad was a Polish sailor and his daughter Gertie was my partner's nan.
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