Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following information
Alfred Frederick Ireland was born in December 1876 in Dorking Surrey.
His father, Charles Ireland was born in the 1st quarter of 1838 in Dorking to James and Sally. He was baptised on 7th February 1838 at St Martin’s Church in Dorking. At the time of Charles’ baptism the family lived at Ram Alley in Dorking (renamed Dene Street in 1904). Charles died in the 3rd quarter of 1894 in Dorking. He was 56 years old. Alfred’s mother, Frances Mann to William and Mary, was born on 5th April 1840 in Horsham Sussex. She was baptised on 21st June 1840 in Horsham. Fanny and Charles married on 8th February 1864 at St George the Martyr church in Southwark, where at the time both resided. Charles lived at 7 Swan Street, Borough and Fanny at 6 Swan Street, Borough. Charles worked as a tailor, his father James as an inn keeper and Fanny’s father William as a carpenter. The 1871 Census reads that Charles and Fanny were living at Dean [Dene] Street in Dorking.
Alfred had five siblings. He was the youngest of three sisters and three brothers. His siblings were: Edith Ruth born in the 2nd quarter of 1864; Mary Ann born in the 1st quarter of 1866; James George born in the 4th quarter of 1867; Thomas Edward born on 25th June 1870 and lastly, Alice Ellen born in the 2nd quarter of 1874, all in Dorking Surrey.
The 1881 Census reads that the family moved to Heath Hill Dorking. At this time Alfred was four years old. Charles was still working as a tailor and Alfred’s brother James George as a shop boy.
The 1891 Census reads that the family still lived in Heath Hill at number 9. Alfred’s mother sadly passed away in the 1st quarter of 1891. She was buried in Dorking Cemetery on 13th March. Alfred’s oldest sister Edith was working as a domestic servant and cook, his dad as a tailor, brother James as a coach smith and brother Edward as a footman. Alfred himself worked as a grocer’s assistant and he was fourteen years old.
There is no information in 1901 Census for Alfred Frederick Ireland. However, by the time of the 1911 Census, Alfred’s father Charles also died. He passed away in 1894 in Dorking Surrey. At this time all siblings were already grown up and some set up their new families. Alfred became a boarder at his oldest sister Edith Ruth Peters nee Ireland’s home at 74 Rothes Road Dorking Surrey. The house had five rooms and was occupied by: Edith, her husband James (a journey man and a butcher);
their two teenage daughters Edith Alice (a ladies tailor) and Fanny Eliza, lovingly named after her grandmother; and lastly eleven years old Mabel. Apart from Alfred, Edith had another boarder: Mr Henry Trimm (a school teacher). Alfred was working as a house painter.
By the time of the 1911 Census, Alfred’s father Charles had also died. He passed away in 1894 in Dorking. At this time all siblings were already grown up and some set up their new families. Alfred became a boarder at his oldest sister Edith’s home at 74 Rothes Road. The house had five rooms and was occupied by: Edith, her husband James (a journey man and a butcher); their two teenage daughters Edith (a ladies tailor) and Fanny; and lastly eleven year old Mabel. Apart from Alfred, Edith had another boarder: Mr Henry Trimm (a school teacher). Alfred was working as a house painter.
Military History
Alfred enlisted at Guildford Surrey. He was part of the 3th (Reserved) Battalion The Border Regiment with a rank of Lance Corporal and the 2nd Battalion (Regular Army) The Border Regiment with a rank of Private. His regimental number at both Battalions was 5537.
The 3rd Battalion was based at the outbreak of the war in August 1914 at Carlisle. On 5th August 1914 they moved to Shoeburyness where they stayed until 1916. The Battalion was a depot and training unit and stayed throughout the war in the UK. However soldiers on reserve were expected to fill the ranks of the wounded and deceased at the front. Considering Alfred’s age (38 years old in 1915), he was likely to be first on reserve and later in 1915 called up with many others to fill gaps of the 2nd (Regular) Battalion.
In May 1915 the 2nd Battalion was fighting in France in actions at the Battle of Aubers (9th May), the Battle of Festubert (15-25 May), the second action of Givenchy (15-16 June), and the Battle of Loos (25 September to 14 October) the largest British offensive.
Photograph courtesy of Lois Leyland
Arthur died on 16th December 1915. He was buried on 21st December 1915 in Dorking Cemetery. His grave reference number is R.3137 and his headstone does not carry an inscription. The grave was listed as a private marble memorial stone. He was 38 years old.
He was granted the British and Victory the 1914 Star medals.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Charles and Fanny Ireland | |
| Regiment | 3rd Battalion Border Regiment | |
| Number | 5537 | |
| Date of Death | 16th December 1915 | |
| Place of Death | Dorking | |
| Cause of Death | Died of Wounds | |
| Age | 38 | |
| Cemetery | Dorking Cemetery |
