Armourer Quartermaster Sergeant Fred Wheeler

Fred Wheeler was baptised on 24th August1873 in Andover. His parents were George who worked as a Marine Stone Dealer and Lucy nee Smith. They had married in Andover on 11th August 1851 and both parents signed the married register with a X indicating they were illiterate. By the time Fred was born his parents already had six children. (A seventh child had been born in February 1860, but died the following month)

In 1871 two years before Fred was born his parents George 43 and Lucy 39 were living in London Street, Andover with their children: George 21 and Alfred 17 were listed as Hawkers. John 9, Fanny 5 and Tom 4. Another child named Samuel was born later that same year.

Fred’s father died in Warminster, Wiltshire in June 1878, at this time Fred would have been aged about 5 years of age.

The 1881 census shows Fred's mother Lucy aged 49 living with here youngest children: Fanny 15, Tom 14 Samuel 9 and Fred aged 7. Lucy has now taken over her husband’s business and she herself was now working as a Marine Stone dealer. By 1891 Fred’s mother had now become a wardrobe dealer and living with just two of her children Fanny and Fred. Fred now aged 17 had gained employment as a Gold Smith’s apprentice.

1901 No trace of Fred could be found. His mother Lucy died in 1902.

By 1911 Fred aged 37 is a Sergeant Armourer with the Army Ordnance Corps out in India. (His year of birth was listed as 1876.) The job of an Armourer was to repair and maintain weapons and other mechanical equipment.

At the beginning of 1912 Fred married Blanche Gertrude Paterson Gregory. The Marriage was registered in Epsom.

When war broke out Fred was still a military man with the Army Ordnance Corps. No trace of his military career or when he enlisted could be found.

At the end of the War Fred remained in the Army and was based in Chiseldon Military Camp Near Swindon, Wiltshire. He had risen to the rank of Armourer Quartermaster Sergeant, No.2 section Tidworth Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

Fred died on 10th February 1919 aged 44 from pneumonia and was buried in Morden Cemetery – Garth Road on 17th February 1919. At the time of his death his home address was listed as 7 Percival Parade, Worcester Park and he left effects of £296, three shillings and 10d to his wife Blanche. Military records also show Blanche received a further sum of £54 10 shillings and 10d. After his death Fred was awarded a Long service and good conduct medal and Blanch moved to 77 Idmiston Square, Worcester Park.