Pammenter, Hugh Alexander

Hugh was the eldest son (eighth child) of Amos and Jane (nee Covington) Pammenter, born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire in the 4^th quarter 1871. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.

Hugh enlisted at Hitchin with the 8^th Hussars on 30 December 1891. In his short attestation records Hugh states that he had belonged to the 4^th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and that he had been discharged. He deserted on 3 May 1892 but re-joined in 1898 and was court martialled and imprisoned for six weeks. He returned home until his re-engagement on 13 February 1900 when he was sent to South Africa to fight in the Boer War until 27 March 1903. Hugh then returned home and joined the Army Reserves until 29 October 1913 when he enlisted with the Royal Defence Corps which was initially formed by converting the (Home Service) Garrison battalions of line infantry regiments. Garrison battalions were composed of soldiers either too old or medically unfit for active front-line service. The role of the Corps was to provide troops for security and guard duties inside the United Kingdom. Hugh survived the War.

Hugh was awarded the South African War Medal with clasps 1901 and 1902, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

He is commemorated on the St Mary’s Church Ashwell Roll of Honour.

When not in the army he was a labourer.

Hugh married Alice Denis at Marylebone, London on 7 April 1898. They had four children, Doris born 1900, Eric Harley born 1903, Vivian Hector born 1906 and Percy born 1908.

Hugh died at Ashwell, Hertfordshire in 3^rd quarter 1937.