Forest of Dean FHT Forum - Allen John GARDINER 1895 - 1916

Allen John GARDINER 1895 - 1916 (reply)

HarryBrook — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:56:27 +0000

Since my last posting I have been informed that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission accept that Allen John GARDINER'S death was attributable to his war service, and consequently his name and details will be added to the Debt of Honour Register. In due course a memorial or headstone will be placed in the churchyard.
It is pleasing that after 93 years his sacrifice for his King and Country will be recognised.

Allen John GARDINER 1895 - 1916 (reply)

HarryBrook — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:09:57 +0000

Allen John GARDINER was buried at St. Michael's Church, Hope Mansell on June 24th. 1916. He died only two months after being discharged from the Army as being physically unfit for further military service due to sickness. His grave is unmarked. I have given all the relevant facts to another party who may be able to convince the CWGC that his death was as a result of his service, and for his last resting place be recognised and properly commemorated.

Allen John GARDINER 1895 - 1916 (reply)

HarryBrook — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:47:41 +0000

slowhands,
Thanks for your interest and input. Yes, Weston-under-Penyard is a possibility, also perhaps Lea Churchyard. The problem is access to parish records. According to the Herefordshire FHS inventory the burial records for Hope Mansell are available up to 1812, W U P up to 1874, and Lea up to 1812. I have been to Hope Mansell and could find no grave marker, neither were there on display any contact details for the priest in charge. I found a community website for WUP on Google, this also covered Hope Mansell. There is a notice board on that site, I will probably try a posting there. When I find the answer I will post it on this Forum. (I would also mention that Allen GARDINER'S death was certified by Dr. N. F. SEARANCKE who was a topic on the Forum recently).

Allen John GARDINER 1895 - 1916 (reply)

slowhands — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:05:29 +0000

Name: Allen Gardiner
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1896
Year of Registration: 1916
Quarter of Registration: Apr-May-Jun
Age at Death: 20
District: Westbury On Severn
County: Gloucestershire
Volume: 6a
Page: 324

Dancing Green would be part of "St Michaels" turf.. although Weston Under Penyard could be a possible

History of St Michael Hope Mansell
http://www.rtm.org.uk/hopemhist.html

Allen John GARDINER 1895 - 1916

HarryBrook — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:12:38 +0000

I am trying to locate the burial place of Allen John GARDINER from Dancing Green.
He was a Private in the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. He was sent to the Western Front in May 1915 and was discharged from the Army, unfit for further service (Silver War Badge issued), in April 1916. He died June 22nd. 1916, aged 20. He was the stepson of Joseph BALLINGER. I have his 1901 census entry confirming the Dancing Green connection and other family details.
He is commemorated on the memorial plaque at Drybrook Memorial Hall, and on the memorial scroll in Hope Mansell Church, where I suspect he was buried. Regrettably his death is not recognised by the CWGC, but I believe a case could be made to rectify this.
The parish records for Hope Mansell for 1916 appear not to be in the public domain. They are not listed in the Herefordshire FH Soc. published inventory of parish records deposited at Herefordshire Public Records Office.