Ernest May (–1980)

Captain Ernest May enlisted with the London Irish Rifles at the outbreak of the Great War at the age of 17 and he would go onto serve with the 2/18th Battalion (2nd Battalion, London Irish Rifles) in France, Salonika, Egypt and Palestine.

After he was demobilised in 1919, Ernest went into business in London and would become a Vice President of the Regimental Association. During the Second World War, although past the age of call up, Ernest again responded to the call of duty by taking charge of the Cadet Company as well as undertaking a considerable volume of welfare work amongst ex members as well as the dependents of the men serving overseas.

After the war, Ernest continued his interests with the London Irish Rifles and would arrange annual reunions of men from the 2nd Battalion and would eventually be able to complete the story of the 2nd Battalion, ”Signal Corporal” in 1972.

Captain Ernest May died on 7th December 1980 at the age of 83.

London Irish Rifles Association