Robert N's Story.
St. Mary's Weaverham R.o.H. Plaque records two Gandy's; T. M. (Thomas Moreton) Gandy one of Acton Bridge “Fallen” listed under his name and
R. N. (Robert Newton) Gandy.
Robert Newton Gandy
R. N. (Robert Newton) Gandy.
Robert Newton Gandy
The 1911 census has two parts of the Gandy family in the village, one family living at Acton Hall Farm and the other family at the Hollies. Robert was 24 and a Land Agent as was his father Ezra Gandy. The census records Ezra Gandy head of the family, aged 63 and a Land Agent, born Acton. His wife Lydia Alice aged 59, born Leicestershire; followed by three daughters Francis Mabel, Edith Gertrude and Evelyn Doris then Robert Newton Gandy aged 24, a Land Agent.
WW1 medal roll records 3 lads named Robert Gandy, one of which is for a Robert Newton Gandy. He is with the Royal Army Service Corps Regimental No M2/264187 Serjeant. Awarded British and Victory medals, theatre of war and date of entry not addressed. (See comment below from his grandson on his Rank.)
The following information on the Gandy family and the connection to the village has been supplied by Charles Cottle, grandson of Robert Newton Gandy; “Robert Newton Gandy (always known as Newton) was my grandfather. His daughter (Ruth, now deceased) was my mother. In the 1920's/1930's, Newton and his immediate family (including Ruth) lived at Box Hedge. Newton's father was Ezra Gandy. Where my somewhat distant connection with Moreton arises, is that Newton and Moreton's father (Edward Gandy) were first cousins. [Looked at another way, my great grandfather Ezra was uncle to Edward, thus great uncle to Moreton].”
“With the passage of time and with Moreton's branch of the Gandy family dying out (his one sibling, a sister, never married) mine is in reality the closest connection to Moreton that now exists.”
“If I could make a correction to your records regarding my grandfather, he was in fact commissioned. His two medals are inscribed 2nd Lieut R N Gandy R.A.S.C. (Royal Army Service Corps, responsible for transport, in particular for bringing combat supplies to the forward troops).”
“As I detailed, Newton was in fact a first cousin of Moreton's father Edward Gandy. That is, Newton's father (Ezra Gandy) and Edward's father (Thomas Gandy) were brothers”
“Grandpa spoke very little about the War. I know he served in France, most likely in the Somme area. He suffered more than one enemy bombardment (the Germans were in the habit of shelling transport columns as supplies were being brought forward). In one bombardment the soldier next to him was killed outright - head blown off. By lucky chance Grandpa escaped physical injury but had to endure nightmares for the rest of his life.”
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 JANUARY, 1918. 943
The undermentioned Cadets to be temp. 2nd Lts-. 18th Dec. 1917:— Robert Newton Gandy.
Robert Newton Gandy died 20th Jan. 1973 and is buried at St. Mary’s.
Research Bob H.
Research Bob H.