Gilbert James Avery

Full name Gilbert James Avery, born in 1895 in High Street, Wheatley, son of William Avery, timber merchant and saw mill proprietor, born in Bledlow Ridge, Buckinghamshire, and his second wife Emma nee Ruffell, born in Swallowfield, Berkshire; (his first wife, Ellen nee Newell, whom he had married in 1869 had died in 1881). In 1901 and 1911 the family were living on High Street, Wheatley. Brother of John E. Avery, who lost his life, and of Leonard Avery. James attended Wheatley Elementary school. In 1911, he was working with four elder brothers as a sawyer in his father's timber yard close to Wheatley Railway Station. He was sworn in as a Special Constable for Wheatley in September 1914. He served from 1916, first in the Royal Flying Corps/Royal Naval Air Service and then from 1 April 1918 in the new Royal Air Force, the Muster Roll for that year recording Avery G J as having the rank of Air Mechanic 1.