Private Albert Victor Bevans

Albert Victor Bevans was born on 1st October 1886 to parents Victor, a printers Compositor and Elizabeth Ann (nee Willmott). His parents had married the previous year on14th December 1885 at Christchurch in Southwark.

In 1891 Albert and his sister Ida were living with their parents at 22 Edward Street, Newington.

Albert first went to Crampton Street School in Walworth, then in August 1893 aged 6 with the family moving to Charlotte Street in Lambeth, Albert was registered at St. Andrew School, in Charlotte Street.

His sister Ethel was born in 1894. A couple of years later his father Victor died aged just 33, Albert would have been about age 10. Albert's mother Elizabeth remarried the following year and a year later his first ½ brother Frank Shine was born.

In the 1901 census Albert aged 15 was listed as a boarder living at 10 Hatfield Place in Southwark and was working as an Errand Boy. His future wife Violet Smith was living at number 15 Hatfield Place.

On 10th July 1902 citing his age as being 17 years and 9 months, Albert (aged 16) entered militia service He was given the service number of 2529.

Then on 2nd September 1902 he enlisted at 38 New Kent Road, London for the Royal Fusiliers 3rd Battalion and given the service number 9743. He stated he was aged 18, height of 5ft 2 ¾ , weight 115 lbs, having a fresh complexion, grey eyes and black hair.

He serviced in the army from 2nd September 1902 till 1st September 1915. Having serviced for 12 years his period of engagement ended.

Albert had married Violet Smith, on 12 March 1906 at a Register Office in Southwark. Their first child Violet was born a couple of months later but sadly died in the December of that year.

The 1911 census show the family living at 56 Brunswick Street, Blackfriars with two children: Nellie born in 1909 and Albert who was born in 1910. Another child called Alice was born in 1912.

Albert was called up for further military service on 11th April 1917. He re-joined the Royal Fusiliers 5th Battalion in Woolwich and was given yet another service number 44986. He stated his occupation as a Labourer and his age 33 (still adding two years to his age). However, the answer to the question “are you married”? he stated no but referred to a reputed wife called Mary Ann Bevans. His Answer to the question "have you ever serviced"? He answered yes, served 12 year and discharged on 1st August 1915.

Two weeks after enlisting, Albert was admitted to the Military Hospital at Western Heights, Dover suffering from shortness of breath and a cough which he had had for several years. He stated his condition started in October 1916 at Woolwich, Arsenal and was not a result or aggravated by military service.

Albert, suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis was discharged as no longer physically fit for war service on the 30th April 1917. His address on discharge was given as 7 Lorrimore Road, Walworth.

Albert died 15th March 1918 at the Downs Sanatorium and was buried in Morden cemetery on 22nd March. His name also appears on a stone cross memorial in the churchyard.