The Life of Ernest Craddock of Sheffield

Ernest Craddock was born in Sheffield in 1892, the youngest child of a Midland Railway engine driver. Upon leaving school Ernest found himself a position with a stock broking firm until his father compelled him give it up for an apprenticeship in Vickers' electrical department. An active sportsman, Ernest joined the Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons six months before the outbreak of the Great War. After serving on the Western Front as trooper and junior NCO, he had commenced training for a commission when the armistice was signed. Peacetime brought a return to Vickers, marriage to May Rideout and the offer of a partnership in his father-in-law's coal merchant business. Ernest sold the horse and cart, bought a Ford Model T lorry and relocated his family and business to Scott Road in Pitsmoor. The Second World War brought more challenges for Ernest, his family and his business but also the possibility of an early retirement. When that failed to materialise, he pressed on until he was sixty-five. After moving to Bradway in 1958, Ernest enjoyed maintaining his property, contact with his Yorkshire Dragoons comrades and visits to and from his extended family. Ernest and May toured Scotland, travelled on the continent and embarked on sea voyages. After years of living with a heart condition, Ernest died in 1969.