Gilbert Frank Lodge

Story:
Gilbert Frank Lodge was born in Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 7th November 1893, and baptised there on 18 Mar 1894 the son of James Lodge and Emily Elizabeth Lodge (née Brickell).   He lived his early life in Cann and later at Grove Farm, Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset.   He enlisted and joined the King's Royal Rifle Corps (Service No. 7136).  He served with them in France and Flanders from 30 Jul 1915 where he became a Lance Corporal.  He later transferred to the Labour Corps (Service No. 447954) as a Corporal.  On his discharge on 4th March 1919 he was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star.  The 1921 census gives his address as Cann Common, Shaftesbury, where he worked as a Cowman. He married Violet May Crumpton at St. Saviour's Church, Walthamstow, Essex, on 25th June 1921.  They went on to have two children.  By the 1939 Register he was living at 28 Burnham Road, Chingford, Essex, working as a Carpenter and Joiner.  He died in the Waltham Forest Registry area on 13 Jul 1974.   His brother, Cecil James Lodge (b.1888) also served in the conflict.