Cyril who was born in Portsmouth died on 17 December 1991 at the age of 96.
He was, to the best of our knowledge, the last 4th Hussar Other Rank survivor of the First World War.
He joined the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars in 1910 who, at that time, were stationed at Colchester, he moved with the Regiment to the Curragh, Ireland, in 1911.
On mobilisation, he embarked with the Regiment for France on 15 August 1914. He had a distinguished career with the Regiment.
He was wounded at Arras in February 1916, which left him with a slight limp. At this time he was a Corporal.
The 4th Hussars were in the front line trenches and suffered seven Other Ranks killed and thirty wounded in addition to Cyril. Whilst in Hospital at Acton he met his future wife Maggie; they were married in 1918.
On leaving the Regiment in 1918 he became a Policeman, firstly at Acton and then Wembley. He served 30 years with the Metropolitan Police, retiring at the age of 55.
Not being the type to remain idle, he then became a very successful driving instructor. All, except one, of his pupils passed the test the first time. He also helped out in a Butcher’s shop, his father having been a butcher.
Cyril was very much a family man. He was devoted to his wife Maggie, his three daughters and his home. He was of an independent nature and right to the end insisted on living by himself, although his daughter Peggy lived nearby, and he visited her daily.
He had a forthright personality but was a kind, emotional man who spent a lot of time helping other people in the community.
