Edward Gillard was born on 11 Aug 1895 but appears to have falsified his date of birth in order to enrol in the Royal Navy and join HMS GANGES in 1909, as all RN records state 11 Aug 93.  This made him seem just short of 16 years old when in fact he was not yet 14.

He died of pleurisy after Spanish Influenza and is buried in the Gallipoli Communal Cemetery in Italy in Grave No 4. Gallipoli is in the Gulf of Taranto.

02/03/2024  MB

There is stll no Birth Register but newly unearthed records from  “London Childrens Orphanages and Workhouses” have confirmed his year of Birth as 1893. Father Robert Gillard from Somerset married Ann Wells from Berkshire in 1Q 1876 in St George Hanover Square and had two son’s.

Joseph John Gillard was born 25/03/1891 in Camberwell, Southwick, London and joined the RN on the 29/01/1907. (Svc No. 238101)

Edward Gillard born 3Q 1893 with Birth place recorded as “Southwick” London and joined the RN 29/09/1909.

Both children are recorded in official registers of orphanages (Hanwell, Brentford) & workhouse hospitals from 1897.

Both attended the “T.S. Exmouth” (orphanage) prior to joining the RN.

There is no recorded confirmation of parents after the 1881 Census when they resided in Woolwich, Kent & Londn. (No census or Death registers).

Joseph survived the first and second world wars having “Indefinite release” on the 20/07/1945. (No Death register)

Both Brother and Father are down as NOK for Edward Gillard