Harry Eakins – Royal Marine Light Infantry, H.Q. Plymouth

Bugler Harry Eakins – Royal Marine Light Infantry, H.Q. Plymouth

Harry Eakins was born in 1875 at Stonehouse, Devon, the son of Henry and Hannah Eakins.

1881 Census

At the time of the 1881 Census, the Eakins family were residing at 9 Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse. Henry was absent from the household on census night, while Hannah (35) was recorded as a laundress. Their children were Mary (13), Henry E. (6), Beatrice A. (2), and Alice M. (4 months).

1891 Census

By the 1891 Census, Harry, aged just 16, was already serving with the Royal Navy, ranked as a Private, and was recorded as serving aboard HMS Cambridge. This early enlistment marked the beginning of a long naval and military career.

1901 Census

By the turn of the century, Harry had transferred to the Royal Marines. In 1901, he was serving as a Bugler, based at the Royal Marine Barracks, East Stonehouse. In 1903, he married Eleanor Mary A. Williams at Plymouth.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the family living at 7 Hobart Street, East Stonehouse. Harry (36) was still serving as a Bugler with the Royal Marines, while Eleanor (32) managed the household. Their children were Violet (6), Leslie (3), and Henry (1).

During the First World War, Harry continued his service with the Royal Marines. At the time of his death, he was stationed at Headquarters, Plymouth, one of the most important naval and military administrative centres in Britain. Located within the Devonport naval complex, Headquarters, Plymouth was responsible for personnel administration, training, logistics, and medical coordination for Royal Navy and Royal Marines units operating in the Western Approaches and beyond. Experienced long-serving Marines such as Harry were often retained in headquarters or support roles, where their knowledge and service were essential to maintaining naval readiness during wartime.

Harry Eakins
For Park Cemetery, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

Harry Eakins died on 27^th March 1918 while serving at Plymouth. He is buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.

Following his death, his widow Eleanor later remarried Dorian Davies, and by the time of the 1921 Census she was living in Dunvant, Swansea.