Died of wounds received in action aged 19
Buried in Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension Plot I 0 17
Eric William Scarlett was born in London, the older son of William Bowler Faulkner and his wife Louisa Scarlett. In 1901, the family were living at 52 Molton Street, London, William Bowler was described as a Bespoke Bootmaker.
He was educated at Magdalen College School, Brackley, Northamptonshire. In 1911 his parents were living at “Tarana”, Westbury Road, New Malden, Surrey. He did not take up the place he won at Christ Church.
Eric was one of 36 men - all born in October 1898 - who volunteered before they were l8, joined up and trained together at Fovant, Exeter, Dawlish and Blackdown for over a year (1916/17). Originally he joined the 2/5th London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) but was later posted to 1/28th London Regiment (Artists Rifles) as rifleman 303840. The 36 were sent to France on 8 November 1917 when they were l9. Of those 36 men twelve, including Eric, were killed within 12 months at the front, another nine were sent home wounded or sick, and others were taken prisoner.
Eric died of wounds received in action at Aveluy Wood.