Private Ernest Riley was born at Ironville in about 1891, son of James Riley, an iron pudler and Mary Riley. In 1891 and 1901 the family are living in Tank Street, Ironville but the family later moved to Franklin Road, Jacksdale. Ernest had brothers named Frank and Fred.

He enlisted at Derby Barracks.

Private Riley died of wounds, on Wednesday 26th September 1917, aged 27 years, having been taken to one of the three casualty clearing stations near Westvleteren, Poperinge, Belgium. Known to the troops as ' Mendinghem', 'Dozinghem' and 'Bandaghem'. (Mending 'em. Dosing 'em. Bandage 'em)

Private Riley is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium. He is commemorated on both the Ironville & Jacksdale War Memorials.