A village with a big story
Selected Biographies
Gardiner, Alfred – Born: Chilton, Suffolk in 1882. Parents: William Gardiner (Agricultural Labourer) and Jane [née Farthing]. Family Connections: Brother to Ernest Athelstan Gardiner [b1878] and uncle of Alfred Golding [b1886]. Home: Borley Cottage, Borley, Essex (1891), Hall Road, Borley (1901), Borley Road, Rodbridge, Long Melford (1911). Occupation: Journeyman Baker (1901), Agricultural Labourer (1911), Stockman [1916]. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in August 1916 it was announced that an earlier certificate of conditional exemption had been granted on the grounds of a medical condition, this was later withdrawn following an appeal by the military representative. Alfred was to go before a medical board and although he does not appear to have had his exemption reinstated, no definitive military record has been found.[1] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1957.
[1] For tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 16.8.1916.
Gardiner, Bertie Charles – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk in 1880. Parents: Arthur Gardiner (Drover) and Fanny [née Watkinson] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother of Ernest Arthur Gardiner [b1876] and Charles Alfred Gardiner [b1889]; also, uncle of Cyril Charles Gardiner [b1920], and brother-in-law of Charles Drury [b1874], George Drury [b1876], Robert Drury [b1890] and George Playle [b1881]. Home: Woodfield Alley, Sudbury, Suffolk (1881), Bell Lane, Glemsford, Suffolk (1891), Brook Street, Glemsford (1901 and 1911). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901 and 1911), Carman [1916]. Married: Ellen Maud Drury of Long Melford [d1937] in 1903, and Elizabeth French in 1941. Service Record: Bertie was conscripted on 30.10.1916 as Pte.19857 with ‘K’ Company, 3rd [Reserve] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, posted to Egypt from 13.2.1917 and transferring to 15th [Suffolk Yeomanry] Battalion, Suffolks, as part of 230th Brigade, 74th [Yeomanry] Division. Within a month of his arrival the Palestine Campaign began in earnest with the First Battle of Gaza on 26.3.1917. This action failed to take the city, as did the Second Battle of Gaza three weeks later, in which the Suffolks were held in reserve and saw little direct action. On 26.5.1917 Bertie was accidentally injured when coming off guard duty, by a bullet wound to his left hand. Although considered trivial by the Army, it took weeks of treatment and convalescence before he was considered fit enough to re-join his unit in September, which was still entrenched outside Gaza. The place was not successfully taken until the Third Battle in early November when it was pounded by heavy artillery, causing the defending garrison to evacuate the position under cover of darkness on 6.11.1917. That morning the Suffolks took part in a successful dawn attack on Turkish positions at Sheria, capturing a significant number of prisoners. On 8.3.1918 began the operations known as the Battle of Tell ‘Asur, in what the Official Regimental history calls ‘three of the hardest days’ fighting and the greatest test of endurance in the Palestine Campaign’.[1] The following month 74th Division, including the Suffolks were withdrawn from Palestine and moved to France, arriving in the Merville sector of the Western Front by the middle of July. Probably while in the front-line Bertie’s unit was bombarded by gas shells on 14.8.1918, injuring his lungs to such a degree that he was in and out of hospital until the end of the War. Returning to his unit on 12.11.1918, he remained in its ranks until being transferred as Pte.658166 to 861st [Area Employment] Company, Labour Corps in early March. He returned to England at the end of the month, receiving his discharge in April 1919.[2] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1962.
[1] For details of the 15th Yeomanry’s movements in Palestine and on the Western Front see War Diaries [WO 95/4678 and WO/95/3153/3]. An account can also be found in Murphy, Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. R. The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927 [London: Hutchinson and Co, 1928], pp.211-18 and 318-21. [2] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] and Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], both in the surname of Gardener. His Service Record also indicates that Bertie may have served with 1/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.
Gardiner, Charles Alfred – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 5.10.1889.[1] Parents: Arthur Gardiner (Drover) and Fanny [née Watkinson] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Father to Cyril Charles Gardiner [b1920], and brother of Ernest Arthur Gardiner [b1876] and Bertie Charles Gardiner [b1879]; also, brother-in-law of George Playle [b1881]. Home: Bell Lane, Glemsford, Suffolk (1891), Brook Street, Glemsford (1901 to 1939). Occupation: Agricultural Labourer [1917], Builder’s Labourer (1939). Married: Elizabeth J Williams in 1918. Service Record: Charles was conscripted on 14.5.1917 as Pte.T/327966 with the Army Service Corps, being posted to France from 29.12.1917 to 20.10.1918. At the end of hostilities, he was part of the Army of Occupation of the German Rhineland.[2] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1959.
[1] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [2] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Medal Roll [WO 329], and Medal Index Card [WO 372].
Gardiner, Cyril Charles – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 20.10.1920.[1] Parents: Charles Alfred Gardiner (Builder’s Labourer) [see details above] and Elizabeth J. [née Williams]. Family Connections: Nephew of Ernest Arthur Gardiner [b1876] and Bertie Charles Gardiner [b1879]; also, son-in-law of Ernest George Ginger [b1894]. Home: 51 Brook Street, Glemsford, Suffolk [1920] to (1939). Occupation: Builder’s Labourer (1939). Married: Dorothy Maud Ginger in 1946. Service Record: Cyril was conscripted during the Second World War as Gnr.1769167 with the Royal Regiment of Artillery.[2] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 28.11.2008.[3]
[1] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [2] Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942. [3] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar.
Gardiner, Edward – Born: Bulmer, Essex in 1893. Parents: Douglas George Gardiner (Farmer) and Mary [née Orbell]. Family Connections: Brother to James Spalding Gardiner [b1884] and William Douglas Gardiner [b1895]; also, brother-in-law of John Gilson Harris [b1891]. Home: Jenkyns Farm, Bulmer Tye, Essex (1901, 1911), Griggs Farm, Bulmer [1918].[1] Occupation: Assisting on Farm (1911). Service Record: Edward was conscripted on 23.5.1917 as Gnr.163768 with 434th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, posted to France and in 1919 transferred to 2nd Royal Artillery Reinforcement Camp as part of the Army of Occupation in the German Rhineland.[2]
[1] Address taken from the Electoral Roll. [2] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Medal Roll [WO 329], and Medal Index Card [WO 372].
Gardiner, Ernest Arthur – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 27.12.1876.[1] Parents: Arthur Gardiner (Drover) and Fanny [née Watkinson] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother to Bertie Charles Gardiner [b1879] and Charles Alfred Gardiner [b1889]; also, uncle of Cyril Charles Gardiner [b1920], and brother-in-law of George Playle [b1881]. Home: Woodfield Alley, Sudbury (1881), Bell Lane, Glemsford, Suffolk (1891), Brook Street, Glemsford (1901), Chequers Lane, Glemsford (1911), Brook Street, Glemsford (1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Trimmer (1901), Ostler (1911), Builder’s Labourer (1939). Married: Miriam Crick 1880-1947 (Horsehair Drawer) in 1898. Service Record: Although no definitive record has been found, Ernest possibly enlisted as Pte.18244 with 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. If this assumption is correct, then he was posted to the Western Front on 24.8.1915.[2] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk on 25.3.1949.
[1] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [2] Medal Index Card [WO 372].
Gardiner, Ernest Athelstan – Born: Chilton, Suffolk on 3.3.1878.[1] Parents: William Gardiner (Agricultural Labourer) and Jane [née Farthing]. Family Connections: Brother to Alfred Gardiner [b1882] and uncle of Alfred Golding [b1886]. Home: Cottages near Church, Chilton, Suffolk (1881), Borley Cottage, Borley, Essex (1891), Hall Road, Borley (1901), Borley Road, Rodbridge, Long Melford (1911), Station Road, Long Melford [1915] to (1939). Occupation: Miller’s Carter (1901 and 1911), Agricultural Labourer (1939). Married: Ada Susannah Hickford [d1938] in 1912 and Elizabeth Pilgrim in 1945. Service Record: Ernest was conscripted on 15.12.1915 and placed on the Army Reserve until his mobilisation on 11.10.1918 as Pte.T/440870 with No. 3 Reserve Horse Transport Depot, Army Service Corps based at Woolwich. Ernest received his discharge in May 1919.[2] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1962.
[1] Date of birth from the 1939 Register for Long Melford. [2] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363].
Gardiner, Frederick Ernest Victor – Born: Borley, Essex on 23.1.1900.[1] Parents: William Borley (Horseman on Farm) and Emily Alice [née Pryke]. Home: The Green, Borley, Essex (1901), Borley Road, Rodbridge, Long Melford (1911), 6 Chapel Road, Lexden, Essex (1939). Occupation: Horseman on Farm (1939). Married: Coronetta Maud Simpson in 1930. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found Ernest may have enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry. Died: Groton, Suffolk on 15.4.1956.[2]
[1] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [2] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar.
Gardiner, James Spalding – Born: Bulmer, Essex in 1884. Parents: Douglas George Gardiner (Farmer) and Mary [née Orbell]. Family Connections: Brother to Edward Gardiner [b1893] and William Douglas Gardiner [b1895]; also, brother-in-law of John Gilson Harris [b1891]. Home: Lawn Fam, Bulmer, Essex (1891), Jenkyns Farm, Bulmer Tye, Essex (1901, 1911), Griggs Farm, Bulmer [1919],[1] emigrated to Australia; living at 152 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria [1947]. Occupation: Assistant Warehouseman (1911), Wholesale Hosiery [1914], Clerk and Storemen [1941]. Service Record: James enlisted on 10.8.1914 as Pte.T811 with Army Service Corps, later renumbered Dvr.T4/037705. On 17.1.1915 he was posted to France as part of 29th Divisional Train seeing action during the opening phase Somme Offensive in 1916. He was granted a commission in August 1916 being attached to 332nd [Road Construction] Company, Royal Engineers, stationed near Ypres in Belgium from June to October 1917. On 11.10.1917 James received a gunshot wound to his hand and thigh and returned to England for treatment and on recovery was posted to Italy from February 1918 to March the following year when he joined No.2 Auxiliary Pack Horse Train. Between the Wars he emigrated to Australia, enlisting in his mid-fifties in 1940. The Australian Army attestation papers for James Gardiner show that he gave a false date of birth of 15.9.1895 to be eligible for service, being assigned as Cpl.V13397 to 13 Army Troops Company, Royal Australian Engineers, where he was engaged on home service duties.[2] Died: suddenly on 4.3.1947 ‘due to his war service’ and is buried in Springvale Necropolis [grave ref: H.18.20], Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[3]
[1] Address taken from the Electoral Roll. [2] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] and Australian Army Record [NAA: B884, V13397]. [3] Commonwealth War Grave Commission record.
Gardiner, William Douglas – Born: Bulmer Tye, Essex on 8.7.1895.[1] Parents: Douglas George Gardiner (Farmer) and Mary [née Orbell]. Family Connections: Brother to James Spalding Gardiner [b1884], Edward Gardiner [b1893], William Douglas Gardiner [b1895]; also, brother-in-law of John Gilson Harris [b1891]. Home: Jenkyns Farm, Bulmer Tye, Essex (1901 and 1911), St Marys, Long Melford (1939). Occupation: Motor Engineer [1916 to 1937], Garage Proprietor in Long Melford and a Special Constable (1939). Married: Madeline Parmenter in 1926. Service Record: William was conscripted on 18.5.1916 as Pte.G/29022 with 1st [Home Service] Garrison Battalion, Middlesex Regiment transferring as Pte.38830 to No. 3 [S] Company, 1st [Home Service] Garrison Battalion, Suffolk Regiment on 22.8.1917. He was posted to France from 5.9.1917 to November 1919, receiving his discharge at end of the year.[2] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1970.
[1] Date of birth from the 1939 Register for Long Melford and confirmed by the Death Index. [2] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372].
Related Biographies
Harris, John Gilson – Born: Holborn, London on 13.2.1891.[1] Parents: John Harris (Watchman) and Emily. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of James Spalding Gardiner [b1884], Edward Gardiner [b1893] and William Douglas Gardiner [b1895]. Home: 106 Farrant Avenue, Wood Green, London [1893], 73 Carlingford Road, West Green, Tottenham, Middlesex (1911), 27 Dorset Gardens, Brighton, Sussex [1918], 48 Albany Street, St Pancras, London [1924 to 1927], 27 Tierney Road, Wandsworth, London (1939).[2] Occupation: Civil Service Clerk [1906] to (1911), Concert Pianist [1916], Master Paper Merchant (1939). Married: Maria Aldridge Gardiner in 1918. Service Record: John enlisted as a Private with 1/13th [County of London] Princess Louise’s Kensington Battalion, London Regiment at the start of the First World War and would probably have seen some action on the Western Front. On 9.12.1916 he was granted a commission in the Australian Imperial Force serving from 1916 to 1926. He was posted to France with 26th Australian Infantry Battalion and wounded in action in November 1916.[3]
[1] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [2] Some addresses from the Electoral Roll. [3] Australian Army record [NAA J1795 7/405].
Howard, Bertram ‘Bertie’ George – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 13.10.1897. Parents: George Howard (Boiler Stoker) and Elizabeth [née Beales] (Horsehair Weaver). Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Frederick Ernest Victor Gardiner [b1900]. Home: Living with James Beales (grandfather) in the Lecture Hall Yard, Hall Street, Long Melford (1901), Hollands, The Green, Long Melford (1911), Red Cottages, Foxearth, Essex [1958]. Occupation: Agricultural Labourer (1911), Milkman [1915], Royal Marine [1915 to 1946]. Married: Alice Ellen Gardiner in 1927. Service Record: Bertie enlisted on 23.11.1915 as No.22257 with the Royal Marines, serving on HMS Columbella from 25.11.1916 to 31.12.1918. The ship was part of 10th Cruiser Squadron escorting convoys in the North Atlantic. His service continued through to the end of the Second World War, retiring in September 1946.[1] Died: West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1959.
[1] Date of birth taken from Royal Marines: Registers of Service [ADM 159/137/22257].
Playle, George – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 29.7.1881.[1] Parents: Frederick Playle (General Hawker) and Mary Ann [née Bearman]. Family Connections: Brother-in-law of Ernest Arthur Gardiner [b1876], Bertie Charles Gardiner [b1879] and Charles Alfred Gardiner [b1889]. Home: Brook Street, Glemsford, Suffolk (1891 to 1939). Occupation: Coconut Mat Maker (1901), Agricultural Labourer [1914] to (1939). Married: Catherine Louisa Gardiner in 1911. Service Record: George enlisted on 9.11.1914 as Pte.16073 with 8th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Posted to France as Pte.44913 to Royal West Surrey Regiment from 13.3.1917 to October 1918, transferred as Pte.77091 to 691st (Agricultural) Company, Labour Corps and discharged in 1919.[2] Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1951.
[1] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [2] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363] and Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329].
Genealogical Tables
