Alfred Claude Keats

Story:
Alfred Claude Keats (more often known as Claude) was born in Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, on 2 Jan 1896 and baptised there on 11 Mar 1896 the son of John James Keats, a Blacksmith, and Matilda Amelia Keats (nee Williams).   He lived all his early life in Sixpenny Handley until he enlisted on 11 Dec 1915 and was placed on reserve until embodied on 27 Jun 1916 joining the Army Service Corps (Motor Transport Section) as a Driver (Service No. M2/193281).   He served in France and Flanders from the 8 Oct 1916 with the 384th Motor Transport Company.  He was discharged on 23 Oct 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War Medals.  During one period of leave he had married Gertrude Helen Moore at the Parish Church, Amesbury, Wiltshire, on 26 Oct 1918.  The 1921 Census shows he and his wife boarding in Holders Road, Amesbury, Wiltshire, where Claude was working at the Larkhill, Wiltshire, Military Camp as a Lorry Driver. By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 123 Earls Court Road, Amesbury, Wiltshire, still working as a Lorry Driver.  His death was recorded in Salisbury, Wiltshire, during 1968.