Albon, Arthur

Arthur was born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 20 October 1880, the fourth son of George and Isabella (nee Smith) Albon. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.

Arthur joined the Royal Navy at Chatham, Kent in 1899, at just 12 years old, Service Number 293929 for a period of 12 years’ service, but in 1903 he purchased shore duties, joining the Royal Fleet Reserves. He rejoined for sea duty in November 1909 but stayed onshore until July 1914 when he joined the HMS Bacchante until February 1916, providing naval gunfire at Gallipoli, in the Balkan Theatre of War. In June 1916 he joined the HMS Newcastle sailing South American waters until January 1919 and leaving the Navy on 20 April 1919. He survived the War.

He was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is commemorated on the St Mary’s Church Ashwell Roll of Honour.

Arthur married Agnes Emily Rolfe in Rotherhithe on 19 September 1903. They had one son, Arthur Rupert George, born on 29 April 1906, in Southwark, London. Arthur was based at Pembroke barracks, Chatham during his service, serving on various ships, and his family lived in Pedworth Rd, Southwark, London. Emily died in 1927.

The 1939 census shows Arthur, a widower and postman, living with his son in the Leyton area of East London.

He died in 1968 at Maidstone, Kent.