Victor James Gatehouse

Story:
Victor James Gatehouse was born in Ludwell, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, on 27 Mar 1887 the son of William Henry Gatehouse and Clara Madonna Gatehouse (nee Gray).  He spent his early life in Ludwell until, on the 20 Aug 1906, he enlisted and joined the Royal Engineers in Portsmouth as a Sapper (Service No. 16062).  He was based with the 43rd Company until, by 1911, he had been posted to the 41st Company in Singapore.  At the outbreak of war he was sent to France and Flanders on 14 Sep 1914 to join the 54th Company as an Acting Corporal where, on the 19 Sep 1915, he received severe gunshot wounds to his right knee.  It became necessary to amputate his leg below the hip and he was finally discharged as unfit for further duty on 13 Aug 1916.  He was awarded the Silver War Badge No. B48954 as well as the Victory and British War Medals together with the 1914/15 Star.   He married Annie Lavenia Foot at St. John the Baptist Church, Charlton, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, on 26 Dec 1916.  The 1921 Census shows he was living in Tarrant Monklton, Dorset, working as an Estate Carpenter.  By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 16 Home Road, Bournemouth, Hampshire, working as a Joiner.  His death was recorded in Bournemouth during 1972.  Victor's father and seven of his brothers all served and survived for which details can be found in the link below.