Alfred Gitsham (b 1883)

[Gail2005]

I'm trying research my line of the Gitsham family.  My great grandfather was Alfred Gitsham.  He was born in 1883 in Plymouth, Devon, UK.

His wife was Florence Eliza Collins.  They had 5 children that I know of: William, Alex, George, Frank & Charles.  William, Alex & George (my grandfather) were all killed while serving in WWII.

My Dad was only 1 when his father (George) died and his mother (Veronica Spenceley) remarried John (Jack) Evans in 1945.  My grandmother has since passed on and we are finding it extremely difficult trying to go back further then Alfred.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[heywood]

Gail, you are very welcome. Do you have Alfred in 1891 census?  I wonder if this is him but different place of birth 

1891 RG12; Piece: 1682; Folio 53; Page 6

Union Place Exeter

Mary Ann Gitsham married 35 yrs Charwoman
Frederick Gitsham son 12 yrs Errand Boy
William Gitsham son 9 yrs
Alfred Gitsham son 7 yrs
Frank Gitsham son 5 yrs
Charles Gitsham son 3 yrs
Albert Gitsham son 8 months

all born Exeter

Do you have his marriage details- that would give a father's name.

regards
heywood
 
 

[heywood]

I can't see him in 1901 yet, but there are a couple of these boys who are crew members on vessels  - do you know his occupation?

[Mort29]

According to the 1881 census, the Father was a John Gitsham - a Thatcher.

Mary Ann sticks to Exeter as her PoB, but Frederick (eldest present in 1891) was born Crediton.

RG11/Piece 2145 Folio 68 Page 4 - Whitestone Parish, Devon in St Thomas Regn District


Back in 1891, John Gitsham is a patient in Devon and Exeter Hospital.


Marriages Jun 1873 
 
BERRY  Mary Ann    Exeter  5b 167   
Gitsham  John     Exeter  5b 167   

[cath151]

Hi,
There is a record on National archives site , Registers of Seamans Services, for a Alfred Gitsham born 1 November 1884, Exeter. This tallies with his occupation and pob around 1911.
As Heywood suggests best way to be sure is to get marriage certificate.
You can also find him on the 1911 census.
Best wishes
 Cathy

[Gail2005]

Thank you to all those who replied (and so quickly)

Unfortunately I don't have his marriage certificate.  Dad was pretty sure Alfred 's place of birth was Plymouth, but as he was only 1 when his own Dad died, so this could easily be wrong.

His son William Alfred Gitsham (b 1911, d 1940) was a leading stoker on the HMS Acasta.  I've seen the page on Alexander John Gitsham and also seen the memorial for the Scottish project showing all 3 of Alfred's sons that died in the war.  None of this seems to give any more information on Alfred.

I do know that George was a jockey before he went away to war and he was presumed to be killed when the ship he was being held as a POW on was bombed.  This information came from other people on other boats in the area.  They were all told to go down below and when they came back up George's boat was missing.

I'll follow all of this information up.  Please add anymore info if you find it.

[Gail2005]

Sorry Kathy, I forgot to reply to your information.  Yes, as far as I know he was a Coastguard in the Navy.

[Gail2005]

I also remember Dad saying he was in contact with an Yvonne Gitsham (his cousin I think??) in Australia (which is where we live - Dad emigrated in 1970), about 20 years ago.  She was able to supply him with a bit futher information but unfortunately it was misplaced when he moved 3 years ago.

[Mort29]

Marriages Mar 1908   
 
COLLINS  Florence Eliza    Devonport  5b 525   
COUCH  Annie Burnsford     Devonport  5b 525   
GITSHAM  Alfred     Devonport  5b 525   
STEPHENS  James William     Devonport  5b 525   



I think Alfred is a Boarder in Devonport 1901 census - spelled/transcribed Gilson .... RG13/Piece 2113 Folio 140 Page 34