Harry Edward Chandler

Harry Edward Chandler 1893 – 1979

Harry was born in West Langdon on 1st July 1893, to parents William Thomas and Elizabeth Ann (née Philpott), one of eight children.

In 1901, the family were living in Maydensole, Mongeham, with William employed as a waggoner on a farm. It some point, the family moved to the Nonington area, as Harry was recorded in a local newspaper in June 1904 as having had two consecutive years at school there with no absences. He received a bronze medal for this.

By 1911, they had relocated again, this time to Barfrestone. Harry was working as a ‘mate’ on a farm, with his father still earning his living as a waggoner. It appears that he did not live in Shepherdswell, however he probably worked here, and Barfrestone is a short distance from the village

No War records have been found for certain for Harry, although Higgs stated that he had served. There are many candidates with the initials H or HE, and several Harry and Henry entries (although he was called Harry, it is possible that he was baptised as Henry), however not enough details have been discovered to be sure which one is Harry with certainty. 

Following the War, Harry married Ruby Wize/Wise in the 4th quarter of 1921 in the Eastry district. He and Ruby moved into Everden Cottages at Swingfield on 6th December 1925. He was employed on Everden Farm in Alkham. Only a month later, he was accused of breaking, entering and stealing property from the cottage next door. His father-in-law, who lived at Barfrestone, provided evidence that let Harry off the hook.

By 1939, he was apparently widowed and was living back in Barfrestone with his parents, working as a farm labourer. No record has been found to date of Ruby’s death.

Harry probably died on 19th April 1979 in the Dover district, aged 85.