Allied Clans of Leader & Gurney - Family Tree

Probable confirmation BMD Index, listed as Berkhamsted not Tring.

Christened at 5, parents James and Anna.

1891 Census  of England:
Gurney:  James 42, Emma 38, Hannah 11,  James 8, George 5, Joseph 6 months.  
Occupation: James (Snr): General Labourer.
Born: All - Tring, Herts, except Joseph, born in Watford, Herts.
It is a stand-alone dwelling - 2 Ballard Building, St Mary's, Watford.

They have six lodgers: Rafe Smith 25, General Labourer, and William and Ann Young and  their three children.

Files: 1891EnglandCensusFor JamesGurney.jpg and 1891EnglandCensusForGeorgeGurney.jpg.

Note: An overseas researcher, Julie Simmons, with Gurney family links say that Ballards Building was “One of the worst slums in the town, over crowded.” and resultingly unhealthy. When we see that James and Emma have six lodgers it lends weight to the suggestion. [“julesi” in the Simmons Family Tree – http://www.ancestry.co.uk and http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/answers/answers-2006/ans6-021-simmonds.htm . See also article: http://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/page_id__544.aspx from which the map is sourced.] - SJL

1901 Census  of England:
Gurney:  Hannah aged 21, single, head of household, James 17, George 15, Joseph 10; and Mary Ann Searfield, 21, Boarder, living at 1 Fearnley St, Watford, a stand-alone dwelling.
Born: Hannah, James, George - Tring, Herts; Joseph - Watford, Herts; Mary Ann - Luton, Beds.
Occupation: Hannah and May Ann - Laundry Maids; James - Carman [carter]

1911 Census  of England:
Gurney: George 25. Boarding with the Henry Woollaston family at 8 Liverpool Road, Watford.

page 157:

"Gurney, G., Private, R.A.V.C.
Volunteering in 1914, he was drafted in the same year to Egypt and Palestine, where he did valuable work in many important engagements. He afterwards proceeded to Salonika and was engaged on important duties with his unit until the close of the war. He was demobilised in April 1919 after returning home, and holds the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals.
18, Banbury Street, Watford. X3354"

Transcribed by SJL; George Gurney WW1 Service gb1359-00164.jpg

NB Other Gurneys on page and on Other Gurneys WWI Service gb1359-00163.jpg

"Re My Dad and WW1 as far as I know he was in the Army Veterinary Corp for there was teasing about having won a VC!!!! Certainly was in N Africa but where else I have no idea. Sounds like looking after health of the animals and even just getting them fed and watered was quite a problem. and treating injuries another field plus disposing of them." ref 130814EJL

Gurney, George AVC [Army Veterinary Corps] Pvte SE 12875

Medal             Role                               Page
Victory            RAVC/101B20            1049
British             do                                  do          [=ditto]
Star                RAVC/6B                     470         [NB the number '15' is written before 'Star']

Theatre of War first served in: II
Date of entry therein: 11-12-15

[Transcribed from Medals Card - SJL]

Far right column has a reference #: PWC 752/40810