Private Vernon Joseph Byrd Pethard (1886-1960) lived at The Sandys Arms in 1911 and worked as a market gardener’s labourer. He was called before a Military Tribunal on 21st February 1916 and ask for an exemption from military service, as he was indispensable on the land, looking after about ten acres for his mother and himself. This was refused and he subsequently enlisted. His brother, Henry G. Pethard, had been granted exemption from service on condition that Vernon enlisted.
Vernon did his war service with the Royal Fusiliers (No 31718) and Labour Corps (No 62103) and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. No other record of his service survives.