1914-1918 Archives - Page 24 of 164 - Shaftesbury Remembers the Great War

Michael Vincent Dooley

Surname: Dooley

Other names: Michael Vincent

Locations in this story:
Rushworth, Victoria, Australia
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Egypt
France & Flanders
Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Caulfield, Victoria, Australia
Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Story:
Michael Vincent Dooley was born in Rushworth, Victoria, Australia, on 9th May 1894, the son of John Michael (Jack) Dooley and Annie Teresa Dooley (née McArdle). He lived all his early life in Rushworth. At the outbreak of the First World War he enlisted in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and joined the Australian Imperial Force on 15th May 1915 as a Private (Service No. 171). He left Australia on 8th May 1915 and served thereon in Egypt, France and Flanders, eventually finishing in the UK where he was discharged in London on 31st October 1919. During his Military Service he had been initially with the 24th Battalion 'A' Company but was later transferred to the Australian Provost Corps and rose in ranks to Sergeant.

On his discharge he was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star. At this time he met Flossie Phillips whose parents, Harry and Amelia Phillips, lived in Shaftesbury, Dorset. He eventually married Flossie on 6th October 1919 at Holy Trinity Church, Shaftesbury. They took up residence at the Knowles Arms, Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, as evidenced by the 1921 Census. By the time of the 1939 Register he was still living at Knowles Arms Cafe, Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, described as a Bacon Curer and he was also a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service during World War Two. Flossie died in 1970 and was buried locally on 29th December 1970. Michael then returned to Australia to live with his brother in Caulfield, Victoria, Australia, until his death on 2nd August 1972 and subsequent burial at Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, on 7th August 1972.

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The National Archives

Stanley Harold Gray

16th June 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Gray

Other names: Stanley Harold

Locations in this story:
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Winford, Nr. Bristol, Somerset
Leicester, Leicestershire
Birstall, Leicestershire

Story:
Stanley Harold Gray was born in Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 13 Jan 1898 the son of Walter Edwin Gray and Ellen Mary Gray (nee Merrifield). He lived his very early life in Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset until by 1911 he and his family had moved to Winford, Near Bristol, Somerset. His military record shows he had joined the Royal Kent Regiment as a Private (Service No. 202750). He was discharged due to epilepsy on 5 Apr 1918. He had not qualified for any medals nor did he receive any pension. His marriage to Constance Mabel Easom was registered in Leicester, Leicestershire, during 1937. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 'Lynton', Cossington Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, described as an Ophthalmic and Dispensing Optician. His death was recorded in Birstall, Leicestershire on 17 Apr 1977.

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Samuel James Chasey Gray

16th June 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Gray

Other names: Samuel James Chasey

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Enmore Green, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Ludwell, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire

Story:
Samuel James Chasey Gray was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 19 Jul 1894 and baptised at St. James Church on 5 Aug 1894 the son of James Chasey Gray and Susanna Kensell Gray (nee Norris). He lived all his life in the Shaftesbury and Enmore Green area. He had married Amelia Jane Case in Shaftesbury, Dorset, during 1915 and the marriage certificate indicated he was then serving as a soldier. There is no other military information available at this time. The 1921 Census shows him living at 8 Haimes Lane, Shaftesbury, described as a Fish Merchant on own account. By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 2 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, still working as a Fish Merchant and Shopkeeper. He died at The Grove House Nursing Home, Ludwell, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, on 16 Sep 1940 and he was buried locally on 18 Sep 1940. It is known his wife went on to re-marry. His brother, William Henry Gray, also served and survived the conflict.

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Samuel Roberts

12th June 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Roberts

Other names: Samuel

Locations in this story:
Ludwell, Donhead St. Mary. Wiltshire
Sevenoaks, Kent
Swindon, Wiltshire
France & Flanders
Plymouth, Devon
Exeter, Devon

Story:
Samuel Roberts was born in Ludwell, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, on 8 Oct 1884 and baptised at the Birdbush Independent Chapel, Ludwell, on 9 Nov 1884 the son of William Roberts and Priscilla Roberts (nee Ingram). He spent his early life in and around Donhead St. Mary until by 1910 he had moved to Swindon, Wiltshire, working as an RSPCA Inspector. He married Lucy Helen Short in the Registry Office, Sevenoaks, Kent, on 19 Mar 1910. Regrettably his wife petitioned for divorce on the grounds of desertion and adultery though the case was eventually set aside on 29 Nov 1920. It is thought that Samuel had enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry as a Private (Service No. 16311). He later transferred to the Royal Fusiliers (Service No. GS/141738) and later still to the Labour Corps (Service No. 485561). He had served in France and Flanders from 21 May 1915 where he had sustained gunshot wounds to the right leg. He was eventually discharged on 26 Feb 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. There is no information as to his whereabouts beyond this time other than his final address following discharge was YMCA, Plymouth, Devon, and his medals were dispatched to 6 Edmond Street, Exeter, Devon, in 1923.

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Harry Gray

12th June 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Gray

Other names: Harry

Locations in this story:
Twyford, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Fort George, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Southampton, Hampshire

Story:
Harry Gray was born in Twyford, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 25 Oct 1899 the son of William Gray and Jane Gray (nee Hardiman). He lived all his life, apart from Military Service, in the Compton Abbas area. He enlisted on 25 Oct 1917 but was not mobilized until 22 May 1918 and joined the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry as a Private (Service No. 3872). He spent most this period with the 2nd Battalion (No5. Platoon, 'B' Company) based at Fort George, Guernsey, Channel Islands. He was discharged on 14 Dec 1919 but did not appear to have warranted any medals. The 1921 Census shows him living at 14 Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, working as a Cowman. He married Beatrice Louisa Parker at Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 7 Nov 1928. By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 3 East Compton, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, described as a General Farm Labourer as well as being a volunteer ARP Warden. His death was recorded in Southampton, Hampshire, on 9 Nov 1998 aged 99 years. His brother, Frank Gray, also served and survived the conflict.

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Percival James Davis

4th May 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Davis

Other names: Percival James

Locations in this story:
Alcester, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Shaftesbury, Dorset
France & Flanders
Horton, Dorset
Bournemouth, Hampshire

Story:
Percival James Davis was born in Alcester, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 21 May 1892 the son of James John Davis and Maria Davis (nee Russell). He lived his early life in the Alcester (St. James) area until by 1911 he was boarding at Castle Hill House, Shaftesbury, working as a Servant to Dr. Harold Gould. His duties were to 'wait on gentlemen visitors'. He enlisted on 26 Jan 1912 in the Royal Navy as an Officers' Steward 2nd Class (Service No. L3391). His short service ended on 3 Mar 1913. He again enlisted on 25 Nov 1915 and joined the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment as a Private (Service Nos. TR/9/7089 & 23687). It is not known in which theatre of war he served in but he was with the 4th Battalion when he was discharged as being medically unfit due to heart problems on 12 Dec 1917 with the rank of lance Corporal and awarded the Silver War Badge No. 283961 as well as the Victory and British War Medals and a life pension. He married Annie Mary Louisa Extance in the Parish Church at Horton, Dorset, on 25 Dec 1919. The 1921 Census shows him living at 6 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, working as an Outfitter's Assistant for W.G. Salisbury, Draper and Outfitter, of 34 High Street, Shaftesbury. By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 'Elhanan', Glendale Road, Bournemouth, Hampshire, still working as a Shop Assistant in a Gentleman's Outfitters. His death was recorded in Bournemouth during 1959. His brothers, Ernest George Davis and John Richard Davis, also served and survived the conflict.

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Bertie Alford

4th May 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Alford

Other names: Bertie

Locations in this story:
Motcombe, Dorset
Bucharest, Romania
Telega, Romania

Story:
Bertie Alford was born in Motcombe, Dorset, during 1884 the son of Sidney Herbert Alford and Clara Jane Alford (nee Marshall). He lived his early life in The Street, Motcombe. He had married Atena (maiden name unknown) Alford in Bucharest, Romania, on 25 Jan 1915. He had enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps on 31 Jan 1917 (Royal Air Force from 1 Apr 1918) as a Aircraftsman Class 1 (Service No. 58084), He served most of his time in the UK as a Fitter. He was discharged on 22 Aug 1919 and gave his forwarding address as 24 Strada Atena, Bucharest, Romania. He qualified for at least the British War Medal. No other information has been found beyond this date. His brothers, James Alford and Herbert Alford, both served and survived the conflict.

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Edwin Walter Alford

4th May 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Alford

Other names: Edwin Walter

Locations in this story:
Enmore Green, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset
Luton, Bedfordshire
Epping Forest, Essex
France & Flanders
East Stour, Dorset
Stapleford Abbott, Nr. Chelmsford, Essex

Story:
Edwin Walter Alford was born in Enmore Green, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 21 Jan 1896 the son of Samuel Thomas Alford and Rebecca Alford (nee Burden). He lived his early life at 22 Enmore Green until by 1911 he was boarding at Stroud Farm, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, working as a Cow Boy on the farm. He had enlisted on 6 Jul 1915 and joined the Dorsetshire Regiment as a Private (Service No. 15116). It is not known precisely where he served but it has been assumed in France and Flanders with the 5th Battalion where he received gun shot wounds to his right hand. He was discharged on 29 Mar 1917 being unfit for further service and awarded the Silver War Badge No. 153409 as well as the Victory and British War Medals. He married Rose Norris in the Mere, Wiltshire, Registry area during 1917. The 1921 Census shows him living at The Dairy House, East Stour, Dorset, working as a Cowman at the local Manor Farm though by 1926 he had moved to Walters Farm, Stapleford Abbott, Near Chelmsford, Essex, and yet again by the time of the 1939 Register to 45 Front Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, still working as a Cowman. His death was recorded in the Epping Forest, Essex, Registry area during 1976. His brothers, Joseph Alford and Elijah Tom Alford, also served and survived the conflict.

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William George Butt

3rd May 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Butt

Other names: William George

Locations in this story:
Donhead St. Andrew, Wiltshire
Tapney, Near Wickham, Hampshire
France & Flanders
Nantes, France
Horton Heath, Eastleigh, Hampshire
Corleie, Somme, France

Story:
William George Butt was born, registered and baptised in Donhead St. Andrew, Wiltshire, simply as George in 1893 and baptised as George at St. Andrew's Church on 7 May 1893 the son of George Butt and Annie Butt (nee Scott). He used the names William George Butt in later life for all purposes. He spent all his early life in Donhead St. Andrew. The 1911 Census shows his name as William George Butt and he remained as that throughout his Military Service and his subsequent marriage. He was living at Lone Cottage, Tapney, Near Wickham, Hampshire, when he enlisted on 23 Apr 1915 and joined the Army Ordnance Corps as a Private (Service No. 06437). He served in France and Flanders from 31 Jul 1915 reaching the rank and Lance Sergeant. He met and married Marie Antoniette Celeste Forget in Nantes, France, on 23 Oct 1918. He was granted 14 days leave only to return to duty on the Armistice Day. He was sent on final leave prior to discharge on 12 Aug 1919 and gave his address as Barkers Hill, Donhead St. Andrew, though he advised the Army on 27 Oct 1919 that he had relocated to 21 Cite Parmenties, Corleie, Somme, France, for all other purposes. He had returned to the UK with his wife by the time of his death on 11 Mar 1973 was living at Woodland Cottage, Botley Road, Horton Heath, Eastleigh, Hampshire.

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Victor Hugh Butt

3rd May 2022/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Butt

Other names: Victor Hugh

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury, Dorset
York South, Ontario, Canada
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Story:
Victor Hugh Butt was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 22 Oct 1896 and baptised at Holy Trinity Church on 20 Dec 1896 the son of Charles John Butt and Rosa Trowbridge Butt (nee Wickham). He spent his early life in Shaftesbury until the whole family emigrated to Canada in 1910 and set up residence in York South, Ontario. Victor married Ethel Rose Davis in York, Ontario, on 5th Jan 1918. He had enlisted on 22 Apr 1918 and joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force (Canadian Engineers) and was based solely in Canada at their Training Depot as a Company Office Sergeant (Service No. 3035431) until his discharge on 10 Feb 1919. No medal records have been found. His mother, Rosa, died in 1922. Victor had moved to Toronto, Ontario, by 1921 and he died there on 10 Apr 1960.

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