No.15616, Private, Alfred George GILSON
Aged 22
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Alfred George Gilson was born in Cheveley (Newmarket Q2-1894 3B:506), baptised in Cheveley in 1894, son of Richard and Annie GILSON (née PAVIS).
1901 census...Aged 6, George was at Main Street, Cheveley with his widower grandfather Benjamin PAVIS [75], father Richard GILSON [33] labourer; mother Annie [35], sister Ida [4] and brother Francis [2]. All were born in Cheveley. 1911 census...Aged 16, a farm labourer, he was near Park Gates, Cheveley with his parents, brother Francis and sister Ruby [9] and Rose [6] both born in Cheveley. Sister Ida was a domestic in Cambridge.
The pension card has his parents at 25 The Street, Cheveley.
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He enlisted in Bury St. Edmunds, from his number, in 1911. The Guards Division has the unusual distinction of being formed in France in August 1915. The various
Guards units that had been with other divisions were withdrawn to be brought together to create this formation. It remained on the Western
Front throughout the rest of the war. From 'THE GRENADIER GUARDS IN THE GREAT WAR OF 1914-1918", by Lt Col. The Right Hon. SIR FREDERICK PONSONBY (1920):- Sept. 12. An attempt was made at 1 a.m. to secure the Quadrilateral by the 1st Battalion but was unsuccessful, so the 4th Battalion were ordered up in support but could not advance and so were relieved by the Suffolks. The 2nd and 4th companies were then placed at the disposal of the 1st Welsh Guards, while 1 and 3 Companies retired to Bernafay Wood. During the course of the day efforts were made to connect the various parts of the line, and the 1st Battalion Grenadiers and 2nd Battalion Scots Guards were sent up by companies to strengthen the weaker portions. By the evening the line though not by any means straight, had been joined together in one continuous trench. Even when No. 2 and No. 4 Companies got to Trones Wood they were still under very heavy shell-fire. Captain Spencer-Churchill reported this by telephone to the Brigade-Major, who inquired whether he wanted any retaliation. " Very much " replied Captain Spencer-Churchill, and instructions were accordingly given. The effect was wonderful, and after a few minutes the German artillery turned their attention to another part of the line. Later on No. 3 Company was sent up and placed at the disposal of the O.C. 1st Battalion Grenadiers. At 10 P.M. the 4th Battalion Grenadiers was relieved by the 1st Battalion Scots Guards and marched back to Happy Valley Camp. The 4th Grenadiers lost 10 men on the 12th September 1916. The Bury Free Press of 21st October 1916 reported:- GALLANT CHEVELEY MAN'S DEATH - "ABSOLUTELY TRUSTWORTHY, HARD WORKING AND EXCELLENT - COLONEL'S PRAISE FOR HIS GROOM The following letter has been forwarded to us, showing the circumstances under which Prvt A.G.Gilson died. His many friends will be glad to read how faithfully and thoroughly he carried out his duties:- Sept 14th 1916 - "Dear Mrs Gilson- if you have not already received the news fromthe War Office, I fear it will come as a great shock to you to hear that your son, No.15616 Prvt A.Gilson was killed on duty on Tuesday morning last. He was my groom, and was brining up my horse, when a shell struck him on the head, and he died at once. I cannot tell you how I feel his loss - he was so absolutely trustworthy and had working and excellent in every way.Please accept my deepest sympathy in your great loss -Yours sincerely, Henry Seymour, Lt.Col., 4th Batt., Grenadier Guards".... A memorial service for Prvt George Gilson (4th Grenadier Guards) and Prvt Nathan Hazelwood (24th London Regiment) was held in the parish church on Sunday October 15th...
photo; Commonwealth War Graves Commission Special Memorial as his actual grave is unknown. click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
