Cecil Heale was born at Cleave Farm in Little Torrington on the 27th August 1898. By the time he was two years old his father, Robert Heale, had passed away and his mother, Fanny Heale (nee Alford), was a widow. At the turn of the century they lived at 174 New Street in Great Torrington. His mother, who was born in High Bickington, works as a laundress. Cecil’s sister, Florence, who is a year older than him, was born in Little Torrington.

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In 1905 Cecil was enrolled at the Great Torrington Council School for boys. By 1909 his mother had then enrolled him in the Great Torrington Blue Coat School.

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By the 1911 census there have been a small number of changes to the household. They have moved a few houses away to 184 New Street. There is also a new addition to the household as Arthur Heale, who is listed as a ‘son’ to the head of household, Fanny; although, there is no sign of a father. The two other children, Cecil and Florence, are both still at school at this time.

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​On leaving school, Cecil was employed as a glove cutter with Messrs. Vaughan & Co Ltd. Who had a factory in the town. In February 1917, at the age of 17, he enlisted with the Royal Marines and was assigned to the 1st battalion of the Royal Marine Light Infantry. From the 14th October he was shipped to France and served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders. Cecil’s service number was PLY/1996(S).