Commander Alfred Gilmore ALSTON O.N. C.M.G. R N [1520]

  General Notes:

Alfred appears twice in the 1881 Census.

Following his father Alfred went to sea, first in the Merchant Service passing his 2nd Mate Certificate 14 Feb 1889, 1st Mate Certificate 8 Feb 1891 and his Masters Certificate 22 Jun 1893.

ALSTON, Alfred Gilmore b.Greenhithe (sic) 1868 (1865 vol.73) 020655 London 1893 Commander RN vol.73 vol.43 1893-1895; vol.58 no voyages listed; vol.73 1906-1911
Ref:http://www.crewlist.org.uk/findingonindexes.html#online

1939 Register.
21 Brook Lane , Felixstowe U.D., Suffolk, England
Alfred GAlston10 Oct 1868 R N RetiredSingle
Adelaide Alston01 Apr 1875 Unpaid Domestic DutiesSingle

Death Ref: 4th Qtr 1954 5h 210 aged 86
. . . . .
And of
Captain A. G. ALSTON
C.M.G., R.N.
third Son of the above
who died October 1st 1954
aged 86.
Sussex grave 2 register reference L193c
Record set Sussex, Eastbourne Monumental Inscriptions.
Ref: Findmypast

  Other Records

1. Census: England, 3 Apr 1881, 30 Auckland Hill Norwood LND. Alfred is recorded as a son aged 12 a scholar born Greenhithe KEN

2. Census: England, 3 Apr 1881, Christs Hospital School Newgate LND.
Alfred is recorded as aged 11 a scholar born Greenhithe KEN

Francis was schooled at Christs Hospital School an ancient instution founded in 1552, it gathered up 'fatherless and poor children' and cared for them. Through the generosity of the citizens of London smart new clothes were provided, today (2021) and now co-educational, it retains its distinctive uniform, it having hardly altered for 450 yrs since Tudor times.
A long blue coat, matching knee breeches, yellow socks and white neck bands.
https://www.christs-hospital.org.uk/about-christs-hospital/history-of-the-uniform/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ%27s_Hospital

3. Alfred Gilmore Alston: Alfred's Certificates of Competency, 1889.
2nd Mate 1889; 1st Mate 1891; Captain 1893.

4. Alfred Gilmore Alston: Royal Navy Service, 1895.
R N Service
On the 31 October 1895 he joined the Royal Navy as a Lieutenant aboard the Spartan until May 97. Then he served on the Venus for a year, the Antelope for part of a year, the Phoenix for 3 years, then the Marathon for a year and the Terpsichore for a year.
He was assessed from the start of his career as an officer of very good conduct and ability, a painstaking hard-working and most efficient officer.
Described as an excellent watch keeper his Commanders recorded they had perfect confidence in him. He is further described as a careful and very good Navigation Officer and Pilot, with good judgement.
On station in North China the British Commander recorded the great assistance rendered by Lt. Alston.
He is recommended for promotion to Command, it was noted he was a very good observer, had extraordinary keen sight and was zealous in his duties.
He applies to retire in 1905 although not eligible until 1908. On 14 May 1909 he is placed on the retired list with the rank of Commander.
In retirement he served as President for Transport duties in Newhaven and Southampton, but returns to sea on the Egmont in the First World War as Acting Captain to Egypt, then serving as the DNTO (Divisional Naval Transport Officer) in Alexandria, Kantara, and Cairo. It is noted that he was treated in Alexandria in May 1916 for haemorrhoids.
February 1917 General Allenby draws attention to the good work done by Cmdr Alston "Has done his utmost to improve the efficiency of the Transport Department".
In April 1919 he is granted one month's leave in England, then he reverts to the retired list on 18 November 1919, promoted to Captain retired in recognition of his war service.
On 15 June 1920 he is awarded the Order of the Nile (3^rd class). Conferred by H.H. the Sultan of Egypt.

5. Census: England, 2 Apr 1911, Arklow House Eastbourne SSX. Alfred is recorded as a son unmarried aged 42 living on private means a retired Commander R.N. born Greenhithe KEN