George Henry Downer

 Company Serjeant Major George Henry Downer, served with the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First World War.

George was born in 1859, and his name at the time of his birth was Butcher, and he was the son of Charles Butcher and Ann Wickens, who were married in 1843.

At the time of the 1861 Census, the Butcher family were living at 2 Prussia Cottage, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wright.

1861 Census

Charles who was 42 years old, was a Milliner whilst his wife Ann was 39 years old was a Laundress.  This was the same occupation of their eldest daughter, Louisa, 17.

The other children were Emily, 9; Mary Ann, 8 who was scholars.  George was 1 years old.

Charles Holbrook, 13-year-old nephew, was employed as a Farm Labourer.  74-year-old James Harwood, lodger was also a Farm Labourer.

By the time of the 1871 Census, the family were living at Frecluice Cottage, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wright.

1871 Census

The family had changed their surname to Downer.  Charles, 51, was a Labourer, Ann was 49.  The only child who was present at home was George, 12 was also a Labourer.

George enlisted and joined the army, and enlisted with 7^th (Mountain) Battery, 1^st Brigade Northern Division, Royal Artillery. and saw action at the Third Burmese War, 1885-1887. It was whilst he was in India, that George married Agnes Emily Dyer, in 1890 in Simla, Bengal, India.

A year later, at the time of the 1891 Census, the couple had returned to Swansea and were living at 345 Burrows Road.

1891 Census

George, who was 32 years old, Pensioner of R.A. Agnes, who was 24 years.  They had a son 6-month-old, Mervyn.

George at the time of the 1901 was 42 years old, was living at 7 Marlborough Road, Brynmill. George’s whose occupation was recorded as Company Serjeant Major Royal Artillery.

1901 Census

Agnes was 32 years old.

Their children were Mervyn George, 10; Joseph, 6; Vera, 4 and 2-year-old Charles.

Also present was father-in-law, Frank Dyer, 73, who was widowed.

52-year-old George at the time of the 1911 Census, was living at 29 Alexandra Terrace, Brynmill, with his family.

1911 Census

George who was recorded as an Army Pensioner Labour Safety Fuse Works. Agnes who was 43 years old.

Their children were Vera Pauline, 16; Aubrey Francis Charles, 12; Arthur Wilfred, 7; Isabel Mary, 4 and 2-year-old Leonard Hugh.

Agnes Martha Silly Dyer, 76-year-old aunt, was also present at the property the evening of the census.  She is recorded as Pensioner Board of Education.

At the time of the First World War, George enlisted again with the Royal Garrison Artillery. 

George Henry Downer
Attestation Papers

George Henry Downer
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

February 1919, George died and had a military funeral at Danygraig Cemetery.