Robert Ernest Anstee (b 1894)

by Gary. M. Anstey, chief researcher of the Anstey story project.

See ‘Anstey: A Complete History From the Norman Invasion to World War One‘ for much more on the Ivinghoe Anstees. In addition to biographies of various Anstey individuals who make up this sub-branch, the book contains a plethora of Anstey research and statistics, including an analysis of how the Ivinghoe Anstees fit into the pedigree descendent from Hubert de Anesti, the 12th century originator of the ‘Anstey’ surname.

IV 20. Robert Ernest Anstee: He was born on 22 August 1894 in Kempston, Bedford to parents Edward Charles Anstee (IV 12) and Emma Elizabeth Clarke. He grew up living at 115 Bunyan Road, Kempston and by the 1911 Census he was a “fitter” living at 12 King Street, Kempston with his family.

He was called up for service towards the end of World War One, on 23 April 1918 with the Royal Navy (Service Number: M30883) – almost certainly he was conscripted. At this time he was a “fitter and turner” by trade and placed as rank “Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class“. Per his Service Record, he served on ships:

• ‘Pembroke (II)‘ from 23 April 1918 to 17 November 1918; and
• ‘Inflexible‘ from 18 November 1918 to 7 March 1919;

He was granted shore demobilisation on 7 March 1919 and deemed eligible for the ‘War Gratuity’ – his “medal entitlement was issued to the man directly“.

After the war, he married Constance Hilda King in 1920 in Bedford, having children in Bedford

• James Anstee (b 1921);
• Betty Anstee (b 1924); and
• Hazel Anstee (b 1928).

At the time of the 1939 Register the family was living at 62 Spring Road, Kempston. He died in 1974, still living at 62 Spring Road, Kempston.

Anybody who would like to add anything to this biography, please contact us at research@theansteystory.com.