Ernest Breed was born on 22nd March 1878 in Luton. He was 1 of 8 children born to William & Mary Ann.

In 1901 Ernest is 23 years old & living with his family at 13 Edward Street. He is working as a straw hat bleacher's labourer alongside his 51 year old father William. His mother Mary 51 is working as a straw hat sewer at home whilst looking after 14 year old sister Eunice & 12 year old brother Sidney.

In 1911 Ernest is living with his brother & his family at 27 Ridgeway Road, he is 33 years old & working as a general labourer. Bertie is working as a straw plait buncher & his 30 year old wife Lilian Rose is at home looking after their 2 daughters Elsie 3 & 1 year old Winifred.

Ernest joined  the 3rd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment on 22nd March 1916 where he provided home service. On 25th August 1916 Ernest was discharged from the Army on medical grounds, it was decided that because of ulcerations on his feet due to years of physical work, he would 'unlikely become an efficient soldier'.

Ernest lived until the age of 62, he died in Luton in March 1940.