7262084 Corporal Ernest Edward Bridgewater was born on 7^th September 1915 to Arthur Bridgewater and Selina Bridgewater (née ) of Blackstone Cottage, Wribbenhall, Bewdley, Worcestershire. On 31^st October 1916 he was baptised at Wribbenhall Parish Church, Worcestershire. At this time, the family was living at Blackstone Cottage, Wribbenhall, a location that is within about 3 miles of the home of Lt. Col. George Lea in Kidderminster.

By 1921 Ernest's father had died. The family was still living at Blackstone Cottage, with Selina now the head.

Sometime between 1921 and 1933 Ernest moved to Blaengarw, Glamorgan and was working as a farmer.

On 16^th September 1933 Ernest enlisted with the Royal Army Medical Corps.

In the spring of 1944 Ernest married Marjorie M. Edwards in Bridgend, Glamorganshire. In 1947 the couple was living at 32 Blaengarw Road, Glamorgan.

We don't know on what date Ernest was still a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps but, just a few months later, in September 1944, Ernest was attached to 11^th Parachute Battalion and jumped into Arnhem, where he would have been incredibly busy treating his wounded colleagues.

On 21^st September 1944, Ernest was taken prisoner of war and initially taken to Stalag XIIA and given POW number 89773. He remained there until 7^th October 1944. Between 13^th October 1944 and his release on 29^th April 1945 Ernest was held at Stalag IIA Nieu Brandenburg.

The terrible conditions and lack of medical supplies is epitomised by Ernest's personal experience. Between 15-10-44 and 7-2-45 Ernest was suffering from a skin disease caused by bug bites. As a medic he would have been fully aware of the way to treat his skin condition but was unable to do so. When asked whether he received adequate medical treatment he replied: "No. Medical supplies had to be obtained from the French and we received very small quantities which were inadequate".

Following the war, Edward returned to the family home in Glamorgan and worked in Ffaldau Colliery. In 1950 he successfully gained an S1 Mining Award from Bridgend College as part of the National Coal Board "Ladder Plan".

We don't have any further information but are still researching the life of Corporal Bridgewater. If you are a relative or have any information about him, please contact us.