ALFRED ERNEST ISLES

DEATH OF MR. A.E. ISLES HIS WORK FOR NEWBURY BOY SCOUTS

The death of Mr. Alfred Ernest Isles occurred rather suddenly at the home of his sister, Mrs. H. Samuels, 37 Essex-street, Wash Common, on Saturday. Mr. Isles had a serious illness at Chatham Hospital eighteen months ago. He had been in failing health ever since and was forced to give up his occupation as a clerk in a shipping office at Chatham six months ago. He was 42 years of age.

Mr. Isles was at one time a well-known dance promoter in Newbury and district, and used to run private dancing classes. He was also keen on scouting and had belonged to the movement for twenty years. He was very popular with the boys and was appointed assistant scoutmaster of the 6th (Newbury) Group in 1924. His heart and soul were in Scouting and only a short time before he died he was helping to arrange a camp fire and concert on Wash Common.

A native of Newbury, Mr. Isles, familiarly known as "Buff," had a proud army record. He served in the Berks Yeomanry and was transferred to the Warwickshires during the Great War. He was discharged disabled as a result of a wound at Messines Ridge, and it was thought that this was a contributory cause of his death.

The funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, the service being at St. John's Church and the interment in the Newtown-road Cemetery.

The mourners were: Mr. William Isles, Mr. Lawrence Isles, Mr. Dick Isles, Mr. Frederick Isles (brothers), Mrs. H. Samuels, Mrs. Tom Waite (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Smither, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wentworth (sister and brother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs Bob Isles (brother and sister-in-law) Mr. A. O'Brien, Mr. and Mrs. Gore, Donald Gore, Miss Kitty Wentworth, Mr. and Mrs. W. Maccabee.

Long list of those present at graveside, including members of the 6th (Newbury) Scout group.

Newbury Weekly News 3 August 1939 Bk 1917 p 219 no.11352.

Aged 42. Buried 2 August 1939