Born: Swanscombe, Gravesend, Kent. He joined the Royal Artillery 21 Sept 1885 (aged 19yrs 8mnths) as a Light Artillery (LA) Gunner, Regiment Number: 50575 (National Archives Ref. WO97 / 2979 / 123)
Tattoos: Skull & Cross on Chest; Anchor, Heart & Ensign on Right Wrist, and others on Left Arm. 5Ft 6, 145Lbs
Discharged 18 Sept 1897
Religion: Church of England
Mother: Sarah Hardy, 45 S??? Road, Sweanscome, Kent
Wife: Sarah Ann Emma Platford, Prittlewell, Essex. (m.05 Aug 1894, District: Rochford, Essex, Marriage Cert Ref: 4a 713)
Children: Ethel Maud, b. 11 Jun 1895

He re-joined 30 Apr 1900 (aged 34yrs 3mnths)
Regiment Number: 5036 (National Archives Ref. WO97 / 5043 / 65)
Tattoos: Cross, Anchor & Heart on Right Arm, Dancing Girl on Right Forearm, Britannia on Left Forearm, and Full Rigged Ship on Left Arm. 5Ft 6, 181Lbs
Discharged 29 Apr 1901
Wife (Intended): Elizabeth of 21 Sydney Road, Tilbury, Essex.

1911 Census: Living at 23 Prospect Place Gravesend, Kent with Rose and Beatrice