SHEPLEY, Alexander George


Warrant Officer (Victualling), Alexander George SHEPLEY
Aged 28


Royal Naval Reserve
Died of Illness on 25th November 1919


Alexander George Shepley was born on 9th November 1891 (4th qtr 1891 Wakefield 9c:62) son of William Henry Ashmore and Elizabeth SHEPLEY (née SHAW). Baptised on 26th December 1891 at Wakefield All Saints when they lived at Elm Street.

1901 census...Aged 9, he was at 27 Hatfield Street, Wakefield with his father William H A SHEPLEY [39] pawnbroker's assistant born Chesterfield; his mother Elizabeth [36] born Chesterfield; sisters Edith A [11] and Margery J [5]; brother Ernest W. All the children were born in Wakefield.

From December 1906 to November 1907 he was crew on the SS 'Port Kingston', out of Bristol

1911 census...Aged 19, a ships steward on the Canadian Northern Steamship Line, he was visiting the HARRIS family in Bristol. His parents were still in Wakefield.




HMS Columbella, armed merchant cruiser - ex SS Columbia of the Anchor Line

He served on HMS "Changuinola" an armed merchant cruiser which survived the war.(converted from ex German steamer "Carl Schurz"), also HMS Columbella, another armed merchant cruiser, ex SS Columbia of the Anchor Line. From his death certificate, the cause of death was tuberculosis. He was unemployed,an ex Warrant Officer, Royal Naval Reserve on HM Columbella. The informant and present at death was his aunt Annie J SHAW. He died in Chedburgh so more than likely buried there..


From this it appears there was an ongoing connection between the Shepley family and the Bury St.Edmunds area but so far no documents have been found to explain it. His maiden aunt, born Chesterfield, was a schoolmistress, living with her father in 1901 at the School House, Chedburgh, In 1911 Jane Shaw had her niece Edith Alice and nephew Ernest William living with her (Alexander's sister and brother). She died in Chedburgh in 1923. so that appears to be a reason for Alexander to be in Chedburgh.


Alexander Shepley is buried in ?? and he is not recognised by CWGC

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