Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Alfred Roser was born in the 4th quarter of 1882 in Ewhurst, Surrey to labourer and gardener George and servant and domestic caretaker Ellen (nee Tickner). He was baptised on 29th October 1882 at St Peter & St Paul’s church, Ewhurst.
Alfred’s father George was born in the 3rd quarter of 1851 in Ifield, Surrey to agricultural labourer George, born about 1813 in Lindfield, Sussex, and Sarah, born about 1820 in Cuckfield, Sussex. His mother Ellen was born in the 1st quarter of 1854 in Ewhurst to labourer Henry, born about 1815 in Wisborough Green, Sussex, and Rhoda, born about 1816 in Rudgwick, Sussex. George and Ellen married on 5th June 1875 at St Peter & St Paul’s church, Ewhurst.
Alfred Roser had one known brother: George, who was born in the 3rd quarter of 1877 in Ewhurst. He was baptised on 1st July 1877 at St Peter & St Paul’s church, Ewhurst.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the couple lived at Upper House, Ewhurst. George was working as a general labourer and Ellen was looking after their son George. The family also comprised of Ellen’s father, a general labourer: Henry Tickner.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived were still at Upper House. George sr was working as a general labourer, George jr was a telegraph messenger and Ellen was looking after Alfred. The household also comprised of Ellen’s father Henry and a lodger, farm labourer, John Jeal.
By the time of the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Redford, Ockley, Abinger, Surrey. George was working as a domestic gardener, Ellen as domestic caretaker and Alfred as a gardener.
Alfred Roser married on 9th April 1904, to Emma Jane King at St John the Baptist Church, Okewood, Surrey. At the time of the marriage Alfred was working as a gardener and the couple lived in Okewood.
Emma was born about 1880 in Redhill, Surrey to labourer Stephen Thomas, born about 1846 in Nutfield, Surrey, and Sarah Ann, born about 1852 in Horley, Surrey. Emma Jane was baptised on 21st March 1880 in Reigate, Surrey. At this time the family lived in Redhill.
Alfred Roser had two children: Lilian Maud born in the 3rd quarter of 1905 and Alfred George Stephen born in the 2nd quarter of 1910, both in Abinger.
Lilian was baptised on 13th August 1905 at St John the Baptist’s church, Okewood. At this time Alfred was working as a hay tier and the family lived at Wallis Wood, Oakwood.Alfred was baptised on 29th May 1910 at St John the Baptist’s church. At this time Alfred was working as a labourer and the family lived at Forest Green, Okewood.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at New Road, Forest Green, Ockley. Alfred was working as a hay trusser and Emma was looking after their children Lilian and Alfred. The accommodation had five rooms.
Alfred Roser enlisted into the Army in Horley. At the time of enlistment he resided in Horley. He joined the 26th Battalion, the Royal Fusiliers in May 1916. He was a private with a regimental number 41155. Alfred was also part of the 2nd/5th Battalion, the Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment. At this time his regimental number was 102643. He was still a private.
LCE-CORPL. A. ROSER
Much sympathy will be extended to Mrs. Roser, of 1, Hardwick Road Mead Vale on the death of her husband, Lce-Corpl A. Roser, King’s Liverpool Rifles, who was killed in action on Sept. 17th Lce-Corpl. Roser joined the Royal Fusiliers in May 1918, and went out to France in the September following. He came home at Exeter last year, suffering from trench fever, but five months later again went out to France. He was then transferred to the Liverpools and served with them until the day of his death. He leaves a widow and two children. The Lieutenant of his company writing to Mrs. Roser on Oct 3rd says : “It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your most gallant husband in action on 27th Sept. In the short time I have been with the company I am proud to say that your husband has always shown himself capable of undertaking any duty which fell to his lot. He was an example to all ranks of courage, endurance and willingness, and well lived up to the highest traditions of the British Army. The loss of him will no doubt be a lasting sorrow to you, but you have the consolation of knowing he died a noble death for a noble cause. Again offering my heartfelt sympathy to you in your sad bereavement.
Alfred Roser Death Notice © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
He disembarked in September 1917 to France. At Easter of 1917 Alfred came home, suffering from trench fever. He returned to France five months later. He was then transferred to the 2nd/7th Battalion, the King’s (Liverpool Regiment). Alfred Roser died in an action on 27th September 1918 in France.
He is buried at the Queant Communal Cemetery, British Extension in France. His grave reference is: B.73. The headstone bears an inscription: “Till We Meet Again”. Alfred is also commemorated at the Forest Green Memorial.
At the time of his death, his young widow, Emma lived at 1 Hardwick Road, Meadvale, Redhill. Later, she moved to 7 Coventry Road, South Norwood in London and re-married in the 1st quarter of 1921, Edwin J. Snape.
She received £2, 15s and 9d on 31st March 1919 and further £11 later in Soldier’s Effects.
Alfred Roser received the British War and Victory medals.
| Born | Ewhurst, Surrey | |
| Lived | Okewood and Forest Green, Surrey | |
| Son of | George and Ellen Roser (nee Tickner) | |
| Husband of | Emma Jane Roser (nee King) | |
| Enlisted | Horley, Surrey | |
| Regiment | 2nd/7th Battalion. The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) | |
| Former Regiment | 26th Battalion. The Royal Fusiliers | |
| Number | 102643 | |
| Date of Death | 27th September, 1918 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 36 | |
| Cemetery | Queant Communal Cemetery, British Extension, France |
