Husband of Annie Sharples (nee Reddy), of 41, Andrew Street, Bolton, Lancashire. Enlisted at Bolton as Private 18016, 8th Bn., Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, and discharged 02/12/1914 as not likely to become an efficient soldier Re-enlisted at Bournemouth, Dorset 26/12/1914 as Private 14855, 3rd Bn., Hampshire Regiment., and discharged 24/02/1915. Caught aged 34 as Sapper 80612, an absentee from the 99th Field Company, Royal Engineers at Seaford since 25/05/1915 and as an absentee from the 16th Supernumary Company, 2nd/5th Bn., King’s Liverpool Regiment at Swansea since 22/10/1915. Appeared before Bolton Magistrates 27/05/1915 and 28/10/1915 to be sent back to his unit under escort. (Bolton Archives: JBO/1/26) Enlisted again at Bolton 12/11/1915 as Private P/1420, 1st/12th Bn., Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, discharged as medically unfit for further service 17/02/1916. Re-enlisted at Newcastle 24/06/1916 and called up for service 11/07/1917 as Sapper 304434, Royal Engineers. No overseas service on any enlistment.