Ernest John Wade Porter was born and brought up in Chelmsford. He worked for the grocers Fred Luckin-Smith's before joining the army. He was accidentally killed in Scotland while on exercises in May 1945. His parents lived in Baddow Road.

Ernest was born in Chelmsford in 1926, the only son of Ernest Walter Porter (1889-1960) and Henrietta Maud Porter (nee Harrington) (1893 – 1981). His parents had married at St. George the Martyr, Queen Square in London on 3rd May 1917. At the time Ernest's father was a 26 year-old mechanic living at 51 Upper Bridge Road in Moulsham, while his mother lived at 26 Great Ormond Street in London.

Ernest was baptised at Chelmsford Cathedral on 21st November 1926. By then his father was a machinist of 114 King's Road in Chelmsford. His siblings included Irene May Porter (born 1917) and Henrietta Matilda Mary Porter (born 1920).

During the Second World War Ernest served as Rifleman 14869028 in the 10th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).  Prior to serving in the army he had worked on the provision counter of the Chelmsford grocers Fred Luckin-Smith's.

On 28th May 1945 Ernest was accidentally killed whilst on exercises with his regiment at Langholm in Dumfriesshire. He was the 18 years old. At the time of his death Ernest's parents were living at 246 Baddow Road, Chelmsford. His funeral service was held at St. John's, Moulsham on 2nd June 1945, followed by interment at Chelmsford Borough Cemetery (grave 5830).

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Ernest John Wade PORTER, Rifleman, 10th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Killed on exercises in Dumfriesshire. Aged 18