He does not appear in any records until he joins the Militia in 1902 and goes on into the army. He appears in RIC, workhouse records nad GRO death as John Gamel
The Gamel family first appears in London in late 1800s and were from France. I suspect he was born in France and changed his Christian name to something Englaish
1885 Jan 25. Born London (not on GRO)
1901 census - not there
1902 Aug 7 Joined Middlesex Militia. He had been born at Stratford, Middlesex and was living at St Pancras. Mother "Happy Gamel" address unknown. Brother Arthur, Sidmouth St, Grays Inn Rd . He told army he was born 16 Oct 1882
1902 Nov 15 deserted
1903 Jul 17. Surrendered. Sentenced 21 days
1904 Feb 20. Joins Highland Light Infantry. #9231
1914 Aug 14 Lands in France
Transferred to Labour Corps #449429
1920 Sep 14. Joined with RIC no 73071 & ADRIC no 11. ex-Soldier
Posted C Coy
1921 Jan 27. Dismissed
1922 Appears in workhouse records in London
1938 Living at Rowton House, Newington Butts SE11. Rowton Houses was a chain of hostels built in London, England, by the Victorian philanthropist Lord Rowton to provide decent accommodation for working men in place of the squalid lodging houses of the time.
1942 Died Poplar, London