© Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Albert George Gale was born on 22nd August 1894 in Dorking to general labourer George and Annie (nee West).
Albert’s father George was born in the 1st quarter of 1859 in Dorking to farm labourer Jonathan, born about 1818 in Fetham, Surrey, and washerwoman Mary, born about 1820 in Dorking. His mother Annie West was born about 1869 in Capel, Surrey to labourer James, born about 1835 in Capel, and Annie West, born about 1838 in Reigate, Surrey. Annie West was baptised on 8th August 1869 at St Mary’s in Holmwood, where the family lived at this time. During the time of the 1891 Census, Annie and her sister Fanny were working as cook and housemaid of ironmonger Richard P. Rickman at 22 Rose Hill in Dorking. George and Annie married on 26th December 1891 at St Mary’s church in Holmwood, where they both lived.
Albert had three brothers: Leonard Frank born on 28th September 1892, Edward Benjamin born in the 1st quarter of 1901 and Alfred James born in the 1st quarter of 1908, all in Dorking.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 25 Meadowbrook Road in Dorking. George was working as a bricklayer’s labourer and Annie was looking after their sons Leonard, Albert and Edward. Albert was educated at the British School in Dorking.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at Junction Road in Dorking. George was working as a contractor’s foreman, Annie was at home, Albert was working as a nurseryman gardener. Edward and Alfred were at school. Annie stated that she had given birth to four children. The accommodation had four rooms.
Albert Gale enlisted into the Royal Navy on 10th December 1912 for the duration of 12 years. His service number was: K.17139.
He was over 5ft tall, with a chest measurement of 36inches. Albert had brown hair, grey eyes and fresh complexion. At the time of his enlistment Albert was working as an engine cleaner.
Albert served as a 2nd stoker on the HMS Victory II from 10th December 1912 to 14th June 1913, from June 1913 to August 1913 on the HMS Irresistible and from 21st August 1913 to 3rd September 1913 on the HMS Victory II again.
Finally he served on the HMS Queen Mary. He served there as a 2nd stoker from 4th September 1913. He joined the Queen Mary when she was first commissioned. In fact he helped to bring her down from Scotland. In January 1914, Albert was promoted to 1st stoker on the HMS Queen Mary, where he served until his death on 31st May 1916.
Albert George Gale died on 31st May 1916 whilst serving as a 1st stoker on the HMS Queen Mary, which sunk during the Battle of Jutland.
First class Stoker Albert Gale is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. George Gale, who live in Junction Road. He been in the Navy three years, and joined the Queen Mary when she was first commissioned; in fact he helped to bring her down from Scotland. He was previously
on the Irresistible. He was born in Dorking, and went to the British School. His brother Frank, who was not in the recent action, was in the Battle of Heligoland. He has been in the Navy six years, and has seen service on the St. Vincent, King Georgem the Hogue, the Illustrious, and the ill-fated Aboukir.
Albert Gale Death Notice © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
The Battle of Jutland was fought in the North Sea, near the Danish Jutland Peninsula. It was the largest naval battle during WW1.
Portsmouth Memorial Roll of Honour
© CWGG.org
Albert is commemorated at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on panel 18. His body was never found.
THE NORTH SEA BATTLE
DORKING’S ROLL OF HONOUR
With reference to the report in our last issue as to the loss on board the Queen Mary, of First Class Stoker Albert Gale, we should have stated that he was previously in the Heligoland battle, while his brother, Frank, also took part in the Jutland fight, and came out unscathed.
Albert Gale Correction 17th June 1916 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Albert’s brother Leonard Frank Gale died on 3rd January 1919 after accidentally falling overboard the HMS Lucia.
At the time of Albert’s death his family lived at 5 Junction Road in Dorking.
Albert’s mother Annie died in June 1922 in Dorking. His father George remarried at 65 years of age to Gertrude May Howard. The marriage took place on 6th July 1924 at St Paul’s in Dorking. Gertrude was a daughter of farmer Arthur I. Howard. George and Gertrude lived at 7 Clifton Terrace in Dorking.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | George and Annie Gale of 5 Junction Road, Dorking | |
| Regiment | R.N (P.O.) H.M.S Queen Mary | |
| Number | K.17139 | |
| Date of Death | 31st May 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Jutland | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 22 | |
| Memorial | Portsmouth Naval Memorial |
