Driver Dervas Gerrard
Wallace Dervas Gerrard was born on 5 November 1897, in Atcham, Shropshire. His parents were James and Elizabeth. Dervas (also written Dervis) was baptised on 28 November 1897 at St Alkmund’s church, Shrewsbury.
He was the eldest of eleven children. The family were farmers. Dervas’ name can be found on the National Admission Register for Schools and from that it is apparent that the family moved frequently. In 1901 they were in Barton, near Wrexham and moved around Cheshire until they came to Keckwick, sometime before 1911. Immediately before the war, Dervas was working for Mr Thomas Warburton, a farmer from Daresbury.
Dervas joined the Army Service Corps as a driver. His regimental number was T35881, but nothing more is known of his military service.
The Warrington Guardian of 6 October 1917, tells us that Dervas had just been on home leave, having been at the front for the previous 21 months. His friends said he looked fit and well.
It is not clear whether he married, nor can he be found on the 1939 Register.
Dervas died in Shrewsbury in 1969, aged 71 years.