Trafford

Born on the 24th March 1914, the birth being registered during the June
quarter 1914 in the Bolton R.D. - ref: 8c/787, the son of Percy Henry &
Margaret Gornell (nee Tildesley).

1921 Census - 464 Halliwell Road, Bolton, Lanchashire.   Son - aged: 7 -
born: Bolton.   Head of household -  Percy Henry Gornall - Married - aged:
44 - occ: Fancy Draper & Milliner (Employer) - born: Hindley, Lancashire.  
Also - Margaret Gornall - Wife - aged: 38 - born: Tyldesley, Lancashire.   
Also - 1 elder brother.

Married Nora Thomsson during the June quarter 1939 in the Bolton R.D. -
ref: 8c/787.

1939 National Registration -  241 Withnell Road, Blackpool, Lancashire 
(Lodging House).    Maurice T. Gornall - Born on the 24th March 1914 -
Married - occ: Cashire (Electricity Department)    Nora Gornall - Born on
the 31st January 1914 - Married - occ: School Teacher.

Later employed as a Cashier with Altrincham B.C. 

Joined the RAF in 1941.

The local newspaper report states that at a Blackpool Inquest into the
cause of his death, he was shot in the back by persons unknown and an open
verdict was recorded.

He was one of a party of NCO's and men under instruction for the right and
wrong way of undertaking patrol and sentry duties.   He and another NCO
were acting as sentries, who were to be "attacked" by four others.  Blank
ammunition was being used and the sentries were to fall down as imaginary
casualties, but Corporal Gorall told the sergeant that he had been hit.   
He was rushed to the Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, but died soon after
admission.    The House Surgeon that carried out the autopsy found a small
puncture in his back with extensive wounding of the chest due to the bullet
shattering a rib and passing through his lung.    The Coroner stated that
he was not satisfied with the self denials of who was using live ammunition
for the exercise.

Post War, his widow - Nora Gornell, became the head teacher of Timperley C
of E Infants’ School, on Stockport Rd.