The 1901 census of England and Wales notes Cecil Ireland’s father, 36 year old Ernest Ireland, running the post office at Junction Road, Keymer, Sussex.  At the time, the family comprised Ernest Ireland and his wife Elizabeth Ireland (aged 37), their three children: Winifred Ireland (aged 13), Claude [Foord] Ireland (aged eight) and Cecil [Ernest] (aged five), and two assistants: Frank Cotton (aged 22) and Ernest Scott (aged 17).  Cecil and Claude had both been born at Burgess Hill.

Chailey resident, Reg Philpott remembers that the family used to have a post office and that Cecil Ireland later married “a Bristow” and possibly had a tailor’s business, but next to nothing is known about his war service.  Chailey Parish Magazine records in October and November 1914 that Cecil Ireland is serving his King and Country but that is the only mention that he receives.

It is possible that Cecil enlisted at the outbreak of the war but was discharged soon after and never served abroad.  Certainly, I have been unable to locate a medal index card for this man at the National Archives.

Cecil's brother Claude Foord Ireland, served in the First World War and was killed in action on 12th October 1917.

Sources & Acknowledgements:

• 1901 Census of England & Wales
• Chailey Parish Magazine
• Interview with Reg Philpott in 2003