John Victor Clement

 

J. V. Clement
St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen
credit - findagrave

Able Seaman J. V. Clement served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in the Drake Battalion of the Royal Naval Division, after he enlisted on the 12^th May 1915.  He passed away on the 22^nd of August, 1918, following wounds to the buttock and thigh at the 1^st Australian General Hospital,  Rouen, and is interred at the St. Sever Cemetery Extension in Rouen.

During the First World War, the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves enlisted more than 70,000 Naval Reservists. Many of these individuals were assigned to the land-based Royal Naval Division, which participated in all major battles on the Western Front.

UK British Army and Navy Birth,
Marriage and Death Records 
1730-1960

According to the UK British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records 1730-1960, John was born on 15^th April 1897. His mother was Elizabeth Clement, residing at 30 Scyborfach Street, Waun Wen, Swansea.

What do the records indicate?

John’s birth date is confirmed, and the 1901 Census records indicate that the Clement family resided at 38 Scyborfach Street.

1901 Census

Charles, aged 30, is employed as a General Labourer, while Margaret is aged 25.  Their three children are

Thomas C., aged 6, and John V., aged 3, both attend school. Additionally, Frank, who is 11 months old.

A decade later, the 1911 Census records that the Clement family is residing at 30 Scyborfach Street

1911 Census

Charles, aged 40, is employed as a General Labourer, while Margaret is aged 39.  Their children are

Thomas Charles, aged 16, is employed as a Riser; John V., aged 13, is employed as an Errand Boy; Frank, aged 10, who attends school, and Elizabeth M., aged 8.

Charles and Margaret were residents at 30 Scyborfach Street at the time of the 1921 Census.

1921 Census

This would conclude the blog; however, records indicate that John’s mother was Elizabeth, not Margaret. The question remains: Who was this, Elizabeth?

Following back on Charles’ line.

Charles was born in 1871, and at the time of the 1881 Census, the Clement family was living at 33 Scyborfach Street

1881 Census

John, 39 years old, worked as an Engine Driver on the Railway; his place of birth was recorded as Llanrhiddian, Gower. Elizabeth, 38 years old, had her place of birth recorded as Murton, Gower.

John died in 1909.

At the time of the 1911 Census, Elizabeth Clement resided at 36 Scyborfach Street.

1911 Census

Elizabeth, aged 68, is widowed. Her son, George, aged 33, works as a Blacksmith Striker.

Also present is Walter G., 18 years old, who is employed as a Tinplate Behinder and is Elizabeth's nephew.

It is possible that John mentioned Elizabeth as his mother when she was, in fact, his grandmother.