#England #Military #WWI
Albert Edward GAVIN was the second of thirteen children born to Gordon Bedford GAVIN (1870 – 1950) and Euphemia Paulina MARSH (1873 – 1957).
Gordon was born in Capel-le-Ferne and Euphemia was born in Alkham. They lived around these areas. They married on 05 November 1892 in Swingfield. [This family is discussed in more detail in the biography of Gordon’s mother that is held offline. He was brought up by her aunt and uncle].
Albert had ten brothers – John Marsh GAVIN (1893 – 1959), Rowland Arthur GAVIN (1897 – 1968), Percy Lawrence GAVIN (1899 – 1977), Sidney Gordon GAVIN (1900 – 1911), Norman William GAVIN (1902 – 1972), Nelson Victor GAVIN (1905 – 1948), Owen Vincent GAVIN (1912 – 1997), Donald O’Brien GAVIN (1914 – 1995), Stanley Edward GAVIN (1916 – 1993) and Alan Gordon GAVIN (1920 – 1944).
He had two sisters, Minnie Euphemia GAVIN (1903 – 1994) and Olive Mary GAVIN (1910 – 1960). As far as I am aware all of the siblings remained living in South East Kent with most going on to marry and have children.
In the 1891 Census Albert’s father is still living with his adoptive parents, working as a General Labourer, in Hurst Lane, Capel-le-Ferne and his mother is a Domestic Servant at Chalksole Green, Alkham.
His birth was registered Q1 1895 in Dover District. According to other records he was born on 14 December 1894 and baptised on 12 May 1895 in Capel-le-Ferne. Not sure which church this would have been.
In 1901 Census the family are now living on ‘Maggot’ Farm, Alkham. More commonly known as Meggett Farm. Age given as 6 and states born in Alkham. Along with his parents and four siblings staying at this date are his Maternal Uncle Edward Marsh and a servant who was a Yardman for the property.
By the end of 1910 Albert had eight siblings. Sadly, his brother Sidney then passed away in February 1911 a month shy of turning 11. In the 1911 Census he is listed as age 17 and a Servant. He has moved out and is now a Stockman for the WILES family. This is at Great Cauldham Farm, Capel-le-Ferne.
Regarding Albert’s military career we have evidence that in the 1914 – 1918 war he was in the Army Service Corps. There is quite a lot of paperwork that is rather difficult to read. He enlisted on 24 February 2016 at Dover. His service number was T/313819. He described himself as a Shepherd and he was 5 foot 4 with a 38-inch chest on joining.
On 24 April 2017 Private Gavin was in Sydenham. He had 14 days punishment of something that isn’t very legible for not complying with an order and then refusing to give name and number.
It appears in 1919 he was a Batman in the Army with good sobriety, reliability and intelligence. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Albert’s marriage was registered Q4 1927 in Dover District. It took place on 22 October 1927 in Whitfield. His wife Gladys Mary HARRIS (1901 – 1951) was probably a local girl but cannot seem to find out much about her background. He was 32 and she 26.
They have six children born between 1928 and 1939. The 1939 register, taken on 29 September, has the family living at the White Bungalow. Albert is a Farm Bailiff and although not easy to work out think they are fairly near Minnis Lane, River based on other properties listed. Gladys is on domestic duties but most of the children’s records are closed so cannot get any information there.
Then a final child comes along in 1943 making it three boys and four girls. Presumably all went well until the 1950s. First his father Gordon passed away on 21 February 1950, then his wife Gladys on 01 February 1951 (in River I believe) and then his mother Euphemia on 06 October 1957.
Presumably he brought up the younger children with support of the elder ones until they each reached maturity. Several of them had married around 1956 beginning their own families. I believe he had thirteen grandchildren born between then and 1970.
Unable to find any more records for Albert until his death on 21 June 1974. He was 79. It was registered Q2 1974 in Dover District. Unfortunately, he would not have seen later marriages or any great grandchildren come into the family.
Albert Alonzo GAVIN was a 2x Great Uncle. The nearest shared ancestors are my 2x Great Grandparents Gordon Bedford GAVIN (1870 – 1950) and Euphemia Paulina MARSH (1873 – 1957).
Footnotes –
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