TANDY Laurence Wilston

Laurence Tandy was born on 21st April 1891. He left school at the age of 12 to work as ‘garden boy’ to the Reverend W. Pearson, Kington Rectory, Flyford Flavell, Worcester. Rev. Pearson was apparently an amateur gardener of some distinction.

Laurence’s next position was at Neuport Hall, Eardisley, Herefordshire where he worked under Thomas Watkins, Head Gardener to the De Cliffe Vigors family, subsequently moving with them to The Grange, Claines, Worcester. After 3 years and 7 months at The Grange, he moved on to Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, the Marquis of Hereford’s estate, where he worked under the Head Gardener, Charles Harding. Several more gardening jobs followed before Laurence enlisted in the army at Sevenoaks, Kent on 18th February 1916. He was first posted to the Royal Fusiliers and he later served in the Berkshire Regiment, Labour Corps and The Buffs. In November 1917 whilst home on leave from the French battlefields, Laurence married Florence Blake. He was discharged from The Buffs regiment as being no longer physically fit for war service on 10th November 1919 after three years and 238 days with the colours 28 days in the Army Reserve. At the time of his discharge Laurence had brown hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion.

Laurence Tandy served as Private 25990 with the Royal Fusiliers, Private 60827 with the Labour Corps and Private G/28003 with the East Kent Regiment. He was awarded the British war Medal and the Victory Medal.