T4/210560 Driver, 8th Reserve Park, Army Service Corps
Douglas Coombes was born in January 1898 in Bridgwater to Wallace James Coombes originally from Highbridge and Lucy Coombes originally from Burnham. In 1901 Douglas had two older sisters and a younger brother and the family lived in 1 Gordon Terrace, Bridgwater. In 1911 Wallace was working as a dairyman and Douglas, aged 13, worked as his helper. The family had moved by this time to Salmon Lane (now Salmon Parade).
On 15 August 1917 the Bridgwater Mercury reported that Driver Douglas William Coombes of the Army Service Corps was killed by a shell on 11th August. He was only 19 years of age. He was buried in the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, grave I.F.46.
In 1924 his name was added to the memorial which was erected on the death of his father, Wembdon Road Cemetery memorial number 760. Its inscription reads: In Loving Memory of Wallace J Coombes who died September 22nd 1924 aged 53 years. Also to the dear memory of Lucy Coombes beloved wife of the above who died June 10th 1949 aged 82 years. Also Douglas William Coombes killed in action at Ypres August 11th 1917 aged 19 years.
