HENRY WILLIAM ALDRIDGE
There is insufficient evidence from the censuses to be sure about Henry Aldridge's history before 1911, other than that he was born in Peckham in 1886 and married his wife Florence in 1908. The National Roll tells us that this was four years after he had joined the navy. The 1911 census tells us that Henry and Florence Aldridge were, in that year, living at 41, Arnaud Street, Buckland with their two young children, Florence Rosina aged 2 and Henry Charles who was under one year old.
The National Roll also tells us that during the war Henry Aldridge served aboard submarines G7, G14 and E9 on 'special duties in North Russia until March 1917. He was then engaged on important work in the North Sea in the G7.' The Roll then tells us he was unfortunately killed in October 1918, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, was mentioned in despatches and held the Order of St. George. Some of this information differs from that held by the CWGC.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission list Petty Officer Stoker Henry William Aldridge (222882), Royal Navy, serving on HM Submarine G7, died 01/11/1918, age [incorrectly] 22. Cross of St. George 3rd Cl. (Russia). Husband of Florence A. Aldridge, of 13, Riga Terrace, Landport, Portsmouth. Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial (Panel 29).
Henry Aldridge is also remembered on the All Saints Church WW1 memorial and the Cenotaph. His listing in the 'National Roll of the Great War' Section X, is on page 2.
Tim Backhouse
December 2013