Albert Thorne Fradd was one of nine
siblings and was born on the 10th August 1887 on Portsea Island, Hampshire,
England to Samuel Fradd and Mary Jane Thorne.
Albert’s father Samuel was born in
Padstow, Cornwall, England and it is suspected that he moved to Portsmouth in
his trade as a Shipwright to work in the docks and it was here that he met and
married Mary Jane Thorne who was born in Hampshire.
Albert’s middle name was taken from
his mother’s maiden name.
The UK, Royal Navy Registers of
Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 records that Albert as a schoolboy, began work at
the Portsmouth Dockyard as a Boy Shipwright aged 12.
He was 4' 9" with dark brown
hair, grey eyes and fresh complexion when he joined.
His Official Number was P345594.
 |
| Career Postings. |
He spent his first 5 years there from
16 July 1902 until 15 July 1907 where he learnt his trade and was then posted
to various RN ships and shore establishments up until 09 Aug 1927 when he paid
off after 40 years’ service as a Chief Shipwright.
 |
| HMS Bellerophon. |
It appears Albert served on many
ships in a maintenance capacity as the length of tenure on these vessels was
quite short, except for three ships; HMS Princess Royal, HMS Bellerophon and
HMS Argus.
 |
| HMS Argus. |
Albert’s record states that his character was VG (very good)
throughout his naval career. He was awarded three good conduct badges, which I
believe is the maximum one rating can receive.
He married Gwendoline Fradd his first
cousin in March1917 in Portsmouth, Southampton where they had 1 issue, a
daughter called Lenora Gwendoline.
 |
| HMS Princess Royal. |
Albert died on the 25th April 1955 in
Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England.
His wife Gwendoline passed away in 1957.
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