Born in 1893 at Brighton, England. Married to Francis Theresa (nee Hallinan).  They were living on Wellington St. West, in Chatham, ON.

Ernest served in the Great War, enlisting in 1914. He went overseas with the First Contingent of the CEF as a Private, but was commissioned a Lieutenant while in England in 1914.  CDP 29/01/18  He won his Military Cross at the battle for Canel du Nord in 1918. He was discharged from the army with the rank of Captain and immediately joined the Reserve Army.

Immediately, he became associated with the Reserve Army. In 1927, became commanding officer of the Kent Regiment. He served in this capacity for five years. In 1939, he was given command of the Firs Infantry Brigade, and in 1940, he was called to active service. During the War, Colonel Ansell served as Officer Commanding the Chatham Training Centre, as well as Army Commandant for the Kent Area.

It was reported in the CDN 3/06/42, that Lt.-Col Ansell saw a more rigorous training schedule at BTC. No.12 In August of 1942 Lieut. Col. Ansell was reassigned to the command of the BTC No.10 – Kitchener Camp. CDN 7/08/42. It was reported that Lt. Col. Ansell would be turning over the command of BTC No. 12 to Lieut. Col. A. Garrod. CDN 27/07/42.(P)

Colonel Ansell served briefly at the Kitchener and Ipperwash Camps and made a tour of the Canadian Training centres in Great Britain. Upon his return from overseas, he resumed command of the Chatham Camp. Colonel Ansell was named Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

The CDN 26/05/43 Reported that Lt. Col. E. M. Ansell (MC) formerly the Officer Commanding of No. 12 BTC – Chatham  had arrived in Britain with troops to reinforce various units in the Canadian army.   The CDN 18/12/43 reported that Lieut.-Col. and other officers of No. 12 Basic Training Centre entertained their ladies with a Christmas party in the Mess. Music and dancing was furnished by the Training Centre orchestra. 

In January of 1944, Lt. Col. Ansell became the Godfather of Karen Ann Wilson; the daughter of Major and Mrs. Sydney J. Willson of Water St., Chatham. CDN 4/01/44 Lt. Col. Ansell was officer commanding No. 12 Basic Training Camp in Chatham. He was leaving BTC for a training course on camouflage being held on the west coast. CDN 31/01/44

It was reported that Lt. Col. Ansell had arrived back at No. 12 BTC from his trip to the west coast. CDN 16/02/44

It was reported that Lt. Col. Ansell had arrived back at No. 12 BTC from his trip to the west coast. CDN 16/02/44

Serving in Canada and in England, and was awarded an OBE. CDN 2/01/46 

Colonel Ansell retired in 1946. The new armoury in Chatham was named for him. He would later marry Mrs. Helen Cowan Stewart. CDN 1/02/69.

The CDN 1 February, 1969 reported his death at the age of 75 years.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards

M.C., V.D., O.B.E.

Birthplace	Brighton, England
Religion	Anglican
Marital Status	Married
When Enlisted	August 1940
Where Enlisted	`
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Francis Ansell

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