Individual's Report

Albert was born in Spring Lane, Wyke Regis in June 1877. He was the fifth child of George Ayles and Louisa Randall, and it was his father George who registered the birth on August 6th 1877.

The census of 1881 shows 3 year old 'Scholar' Albert living at no. 1 Spring Lane, Wyke Regis, Dorset, along with his father, mother, 3 brothers (George J, Frederick and Thomas) and his elder sister (Elizabeth).

Ten years on the1891census shows the now 13 year old Albert living at 6 Newberry Gardens, Wyke Regis. His occupation is listed as a tailors boy. His father, George, has passed away, and his mother is now the head of the house, living under her own means.
Elizabeth appears to have left home and there are now four more sisters for Albert (Louisa, Lucy, Alice and Mabel). Mabel is only two years old so i presume that George Ayles died between 1888 and 1891.

Albert seems to be absent from the 1901 census. I know from family knowledge that he fought in the Boer war, and was involved in the Defence of Ladysmith. My father used to have his medals, and I remember the Ladysmith bar on them. Unfortunately they are no longer in the family having been sold when I was a child.

On January 14th 1906, Albert married Frances Lucy Cobb at the Parish church in Melcombe Regis Dorset. Both appeared to have been living at 8 Great George Street, Melcombe Regis at this point, and I believe this to be the house of one of Frances Brothers, Alfred Albert Cobb, who along with his sister Kate Jemima Cobb witnessed the marriage.

Their first child Mabel was born in November 1906 although I don't know where the couple were living at that time. Just under a year later they were living at 16 Holly Road, Weymouth when my grandfather, Albert William George Ayles, was born on the 14th October 1907.

In March 1934 Albert was a witness to the marriage of his son (my Grandfather) Albert William George Ayles, and was at that time a Docker (G.W.R), which I assuming was for the Great Western Railway at the docks in Weymouth.

I remember my father telling me that Albert was a very strict man, especially when it came to food. Nobody was allowed to leave the dinning table until all the food was eaten. This was probably a result of the siege he was in during the defence of Ladysmith, where there was no food and he had to live on grass.

Albert was widowed in 1943 when his wife Frances died at home, at this time this was 65 Newstead Road, Weymouth. Strangely enough about three doors along from one of my other great grandparents, Kate Cora Newton. At this time his occupation was stated as Labourer under corporation (he worked for the council).

Albert carried on living there until his death in February 1948. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) at the age of 70.