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Australia

HMAS Australia was flagship of the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron patrolling the North Sea .

He was 19 and the son of Mrs. Ada Ware (formerly Ison), of 64, York Rd., New Cut, Bedminster Bridge, Bristol.

Albert Victor Ison was born at St. Paul’s, Bristol, Gloucestershire on 7th May, 1894 to parents Archibald Samuel Ison & Ada Ison (nee Pomphrey). He was baptised on 29th May, 1895 in Bristol, Gloucester, England.

The 1901 England Census recorded Albert V. Ison as a 6 year old, living with his family at 122 Hayward Rd., Bristol, Gloucestershire. His parents were recorded as Archibald S. Ison (Foreman in Fancy Card Box Factory, aged 31, born Leicester) & Ada Ison (aged 33, born Bristol, Bedminster, Somerset). Albert was one of four children listed in this Census – Beatrice A. Ison (aged 8, born St. Paul’s, Bristol), then Albert, Gertrude M. Ison (aged 5, born Eastville, Bristol) & Lilian Ison (aged 2, born St. Lawrence, Bristol).

Archibald Samuel Ison, Albert’s father, died on 29th August, 1910 in Bristol, England. The 1911 England Census recorded Albert Victor Ison (born Argyll Rd., Bristol) as a 15 year old Clerk (Co-operative Society), living with his family at 64 York Rd., Bedminster, Bristol, Gloucestershire in an 8 roomed dwelling. Albert’s mother was a widow – Ada Ison (Owner of Cardboard Box Factory, aged 41). Ada had been married for 20 years & had seven children, one child having died. Albert was one of five children listed on this Census – Beatrice Ada Ison (Clerk (assisting in the business), aged 17) then Albert, Gertrude Ison (At Home, aged 14), Lilian Ison (At School, aged 12) & Evelyn Mercia Scot Ison (At School, aged 8). Albert’s mother Ada Ison married James F. War in the September quarter, 1913 in the district of Bristol.

Albert Victor Ison enlisted with the Royal Australian Navy in Melbourne, Victoria on 8th November, 1913. He was given a service number of 3472 & his next-of-kin was listed as his mother – Mrs Ison, still at 64 York Rd. Albert joined H.M.A.S. Cerberus (/explore/units/471) on 8th November, 1913 as Stoker 2nd Class.

Albert was transferred to H.M.A.S. Australia (/explore/units/2117) on 3rd February, 1914 until 7th April, 1914. After a brief period away from the Navy (reported for desertion) and then at HMAS Penguin, Albert returned to HMAS Australia on 16 June 1914.

Stoker Albert Victor Ison died on 16th March, 1915 at Rosyth, Fife, Scotland from Epilepsy. (Source: Australian War Memorial – Roll of Honour) He was buried in Queensferry Cemetery, Edinburgh, Scotland and his headstone was “erected by his shipmates as a token of their respect.”