Soldiers search ? Pte Ernest Bonnici

[Moston]

I regularly visit Hawthorn Ridge Cem No. 1 (Somme) - and noted the headstone for

Pte Ernest Bonnici - 1658 - kia 1/7/1916. 16th Middlesex - aged 33.

The CWGC details also state:-

Son of Paolo Bonnici, of Malta; husband of Josephine Zammitt.

Whilst holidaying in Malta in April I got chatting to the curator of the Malta At War Museum - and asked if he could do anything to contact any surviving relatives of the above man.

Sadly as Bonnici is not an uncommon name in Malta - he needs a bot more info - which hopefully survive on his service records ? - could anyone with access to these have a sneaky peak for me?

I took a stone from Mdina in Malta and have since placed it by the Bonnici headstone at Hawthorn.

Any help would be gratefully received - before I go the 'Times of Malta' for a relative search. - just to let them know he's not forgotten.

Thanks

Simon.

[Jonathan D'Hooghe]

Ernest has a Medal Index Card which shows that he went to France on 17 Nov 1915 and that he was entitled to a British War Medal, a Victory Medal and a 1915 Star.

Incidentally there was also a 4788 E Bonnici of 1 Maltese LC.

Ernest's service record does not appear to have survived but there is a service record for a Lawrence and a Joseph Bonnici - relatives perhaps?

J

[grantowi]

There is only 1 Ernest BONNICE shown on the Army OR GRO list

Pte - PS/1658 - Mdx - 1916 - I.65 - 149

And his SDGW:

Regiment, Corps etc.: Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

Battalion etc.: 16th Battalion.

Last name: Bonnice

First name(s): Ernest

Initials: E

Birthplace: Malta

Enlisted: London

Residence: Cairo, Egypt

Rank: PRIVATE

Number: P.S.1658

Date died: 1 July 1916

How died: Killed in action

Theatre of war: France & Flanders

As his residence is given as Cairo, he might not have family in Malta

Grant

[Moston]

Thanks all - looks like he's one of those we'll never know much about.

My interest originated from the Battleground Europe book for that area which mentioned him enlisting from Malta to join his pals from the Middlesex Public Schools.

Looks like I'll have to go to the Times Of Malta with just that - it's a small island and everyone seems to know everyone else !

Thanks again for help given.