Maj. Ellis James Castello

    Ellis James Castello M.C., T.D. was born on 20 September 1897 at London, England; and his birth was recorded in the September quarter 1897 at Paddington Registration district. He was the son of James Castello (1863-1928) and Edith Sarah Franklin (1866-1907). He appeared on the census of 31 March 1901 at 46 Queens Gardens, Paddington, London, England, as Son, age 3, born Paddington, London. He appeared on the census of 2 April 1911 at 23 Oxford Square, Hyde Park, London, England, as Son, age 13, birthplace Paddington, and he was at School.

He was educated; 'at Clifton and Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. Served in both World Wars'.

He was awarded medal(s) for service in the Army during the Great War [WWI] and The National Archives contain the following World War I Campaign Medal Card:

    'Description Medal card of Castello, Ellis James 

    Corps Regiment No Rank 

    Royal Field Artillery - Second Lieutenant 

    Royal Field Artillery - Second Lieutenant.10'

He appeared in The London Gazette Issue 30901 published on the 13 September 1918' which recorded the following Military Cross citation:

    '2nd Lt. Ellis James Castello, R.F.A.

    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With the enemy at close quarters on his flank and in rear, he worked all day in the open on communications under constant machine-gun and rifle fire. He restored and maintained communications that were frequently broken, and when the enemy was around the battery positions his energy and fearlessness inspired all ranks.

He was a Chartered Accountant after 1925.

He and Elizabeth Marjorie Cohen were engaged on 15 January 1930; and an announcement was placed in The Times, Forthcoming Marriages: 'The engagement is announced between Ellis James Castello, of 23, Oxford-square, W.2. and Elizabeth Marjorie Cohen (Betty), youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Cohen, of 71, Portland-place, W.1.14' Ellis James Castello M.C., T.D. married Elizabeth Marjorie Cohen, daughter of George Alfred Cohen and Gertrude Hannah Myer, on 5 June 1930 at Central Synagogue, Great Portland Street, Westminster, London, England; and their marriage was recorded in the June quarter 1930 at London City Registration district.

Ellis James Castello M.C., T.D. has a Special Operations Executive personnel file held at The National Archives from his service during the Second World War 'with photograph. He was executor to his stepmother Sarah Franklin and the 1947 National Probate Calendar records that Sarah Castello was 'of The House in the Field Wendover Buckinghamshire widow' and Probate was granted on 23 January 1947 in London 'to Ellis James Castello M.C. major H.M. army and Iris Sarah Langdon (wife of Geoffrey Harry Langdon)'.20

He was listed in The London Gazette Issue 39007 published on the 1 September 1950 as follows:

    'GENERAL LIST. ARMY CADET FORCE Berkshire.

    2nd Lt. Ellis James CASTELLO, M.C., T.D. (7556), from T.A. Res. of Offrs., Spec. List (for service with A.C.F.), to be Lt., 1st Apr. 1950, with seniority 23rd Jan. 1946.22'

He and Elizabeth Marjorie Cohen lived between 31 December 1952 and 20 March 1953 at Bucklebury, Berkshire, England; at the time of their daughters Diana and Susans' engagements and marriages.23 Ellis James Castello M.C., T.D. died on 29 April 1983 at Berkshire, England, at age 85; and his death was recorded in the June quarter 1983 at Reading/Wokingham Registration district. He was the subject of an obituary in The Times: 'Castello - On 29 April, 1983 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Major Ellis James Castello (retired) M.C., T.D., aged 85, beloved husband of Elizabeth (Betty) and much loved grandfather. Funeral private'. on 30 April 1983. He was cremated at Hoop Lane Crematorium, Golders Green, London, England.25,26

GEDCOM Note

Military Cross - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With the enemy at close quarters on his flank and in rear, he worked all day in the open on communications under constant machine gun and rifle fire. He restored and maintained communications that were frequently broken, and when the enemy was around the battery positions his energy and fearlessness inspired all ranks.