Alphabetically: Previous | Next

1881 - 22/10/1914

Place of birth: Eastbourne, Sussex
Last known address in Bromley: 10 Albert Road

Military information

Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery
Battalion/Ship: 35th Bde
Rank: Gunner
Number: 14202

Family information

Parents: George Mark Haffenden & Sarah Ann Sherwood
Parents' occupation: Market Gardener
Siblings: (1) Caroline Sherwood, George Havenden Sharwood, William Amos Haffenden, John Evenden Sherwood, Harry Moses Evenden (d), female Evenden (d), James Evenden (d), (2) Thomas William, Lily Mary
Wife: Elizabeth Agnes Elliott
Marriage date: 31-07-1904
Children: Alfred William Herbert

Census information

1891
Address: 355 Seaside Road, Eastbourne
1901
Address: Topsham Artillery Barracks, Heavitree, Devon
Occupation: Soldier
1911
Address: 10 Albert Road
Occupation: Labourer

Extra details

Alfred was the fifth of George Haffenden and Sarah Ann Sherwood's eight children, he was registered as Alfred Evenden. His parents weren't married, their children were registered with one of these surnames - Sherwood, Sharwood, Haffenden and Evenden. Sarah died in childbirth in 1885. In 1094 George married Elizabeth Sophia Funnell, they had two children. By 1911 they were living in Bromley.

Prior to enlisting Alfred was a brickmaker. He enlisted in the Royal Sussex Regiment on 20th November 1899. He was 5ft 4¾ins tall, weighed 133lbs, had blue/grey eyes, light brown hair and a fresh complexion. On 7th January 1900 he was transferred to the Royal Artillery. Alfred said that when he went home on leave on 27th June he found his family in much need so took a job instead of returning to his regiment. He was arrested by the police on Friday 11th January1901, appearing in court the next day. Because of his circumstances he had appealed to the Queen, through the War Office for a free pardon. Alfred re-joined his regiment on 15th January and was convicted of desertion on the 25th. He forfeited all his prior service and was imprisoned until 28th February.

Alfred deserted again on 18th January 1902, returning on the 22nd. He was convicted on 14th February, again forfeiting all service and imprisoned until 10th April. On 20th March 1903 Alfred committed a crime (it's not know what crime) and was tried on 31st, found guilty, imprisoned with hard labour for 120 days and discharged with ignominy from his military service on 30th April.

At the outbreak of war Alfred re-joined his regiment. He died of wounds on 22nd October 1914.