Sgt A J Moore, his picture below, and this small but intriguing newspaper article about him was discovered just recently in the Ist Kent Artillery Volunteer Corps record book which can be found in the Archives on this website.

This newspaper article tells us that Sgt Moore of the Royal Garrison Artillery has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery on the field.  He is the husband of Mrs R A Moore and son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Moore of 6 Granville Road, Sandgate and before the outbreak of war was in the Territorial Artillery.

Naturally the archive team wanted to know more about this gentleman, his family, his life and, of course, his bravery award.

Family Background

The 1911 Census tells us that Albert John Moore is single, aged 20 and a labourer.  He is living with his mother Agnes Moore (42) and his father Albert Moore (43), his brother Thomas James (15) and his uncle Stephen Moore (45) in the same dwelling (but no address listed) in Sandgate.

His mother Agnes had five children but sadly only two survived ie Albert John and Thomas James. His father is a Mariner and his brother Thomas James is a Baker.  Uncle Stephen Moore, brother of Albert Moore senior, is a widower and also a Mariner.  All five of the family were born in Sandgate.

Going back another ten years, the 1901 Census states that his father Albert Moore and family are living at 6 Kirby Cottages, Sandgate.  Albert is 33 and his occupation is a lamp lighter.  Born in Sandgate.

His wife Agnes is 32 years of age and according to this census was born in Malta not Sandgate as per 1911 census.  As well as Albert John who is 10 years old and his brother Thomas (5) there is also a sister listed on this census called Amelia aged 8.

Further back in time we find in 1871 the Moore family are living in Sandgate where find Albert John’s grandparents.  The 1871 Census tells us that his grandparents are Thomas Moore (32) occupation a Fruiterer born in Faversham and his wife is Harriette who was born in Tonbridge.

The family are living in Sandgate but no address is listed.  They appear to be between the Fleur-de-Lis public house and Sydney House.  However, in 1881 their address is listed as 25 Broadway and in 1891 as 25 High Street.

Baptism Register – St Paul’s Church – Sandgate 1867

The baptism register is dated December 1867.  This document tells us again that Albert John’s grandparents are Thomas and Harriette Moore. Two of their sons are baptised on 11 December 1867 and they are Albert and Stephen ie the father and uncle of Albert John and his grandfather Thomas Moore is listed as a Greengrocer.

Further research into Albert John’s ancestors will probably take us out of Sandgate as Thomas and Harriette come from other parts of Kent.

So having discovered a little about his family background we continue with his military service during WW1 and the Military Medal awarded to Albert John.   The following newspaper feature has been discovered.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald

16 November 1918

We find Albert John Moore mentioned in more detail in the Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald newspaper, with the title Military Medal Winner.

‘The Military Medal awarded to Sergt. Albert Moore for bravery in the field was presented to him at the Sandgate School by Lt. Col. R. J. Fynmore J.P.  The Reverend G. S. Long presided, and was supported by the Headmaster of the school Mr A. H. Ullyett, whose pupil Sergt. Moore had been for ten years.

The particular service for which the Medal was given was performed at Ypres on the 30th October, 1917.

“Whilst the battery was under heavy fire a shell blew the dug out in and buried three men.  He got these out, tended their wounds, and with help got them to the dressing station, and then carried on the working of his gun.”

Sergt Moore joined the Sandgate Artillery Volunteers in April, 1907 and is now serving in the R.G.A.

He returned to the front last week.’

Army Service of Sergeant Albert John Moore

Service number 138857

Albert’s army service commenced in 1914 and ended in 1920 when he was 30 years of age.  His regiment was the Royal Garrison Artillery and his rank was Sergeant.  He was awarded the Britain, Campaign, Gallantry and Long Service Medals and Awards.

The Military Medal for bravery was awarded for the 200th Siege by the R.G.A.

The Military Medal (MM) was awarded to warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks for gallantry in action against the enemy. It ranked below the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Later in life the 1939 Register tells us that Albert was born on 17 November 1890 and was a General Labourer.  He would have been 49 in 1939.  His wife was called Rosa and she was born on 2 February 1880 and her occupation is listed as Unpaid Domestic Duties.  They were living at 28 Park Road, Folkestone, Kent.  Three persons were in the household but third person’s name is not disclosed.

Rosa (Rosa Agnes nee Empson) was ten years older than Albert and they had married in 1915 but sadly Albert died towards the end of 1940, aged just 49 years.  

Sergeant Albert John Moore is to be remembered for his bravery during WW1.

Christine Bleach

Archive Team 2020