1803 PRIVATE ALBERT FREDERICK ALDRED
‘F’ (HALESWORTH) COMPANY
1/4TH BATTATION, SUFFOLK REGIMENT
TERRITORIAL FORCE
KILLED IN ACTION
25TH APRIL 1916
AGE 21 YEARS
Albert was another one of the original Halesworth Territorials to pay the ultimate sacrifice. He had been born at Holton in 1895 the first son of Frederick, a coal porter, and Emma (née Knights). After leaving school where he was particularly known for the quality of his artwork he began work as a Newspaper Boy for W.H. Smiths and Sons at Halesworth Railway Station whilst living at No. 17 Station Road. On joining ‘F’ Company in late 1913 he was in the employ of Mr Catling the Quay Street butcher. Having from a young age been a keen member of the Church Lads Brigade that would have stood him in good stead for his Territorial service.
He crossed to France with the 1/4th Suffolk’s in November 1914, where he fought in their first action at Neuve Chapelle, as a member of the new ‘C’ Company, in which he came through relatively un-scathed, although a short time later he was hospitalised with an injury to his left knee. On the 16th December 1915 he was granted seven days home leave, returning to the front just before Christmas.
At the end of January 1916, Albert was admitted into the 43rd Field Ambulance suffering from Myalgia, a common illness of the time, due to overuse and strain of various muscles, no doubt caused by constant digging of the new trench systems etc. He returned to the Battalion on the 16th March. The early days of April were spent out of the front line with the time being spent on training, in such subjects as ‘Gas Helmet Drill’. On the 22nd April, the Battalion relieved the 1st Middlesex Regiment taking over their trenches in the area of Annequin.
On the night of the 25th April the 1st Middlesex mounted a trench raid from the Battalions right hand company positions. It was during their successful withdrawal with 3 prisoners, the Germans reacted with an intense barrage of rifle grenades. Published in the Halesworth Times of the 2nd May 1916, Albert’s death was announced, which included extracts from a letter his parents received from his Company Commander Captain Robert Brunger, in which he greatly praised Albert for his cheerful and happy disposition, that made him popular with both Officers and men alike. He also related to Albert’s passing stating that he had been struck by a rifle grenade and did not suffer in any way. Captain Brunger D.S.O. who hailed from Framlingham later lost his life in October 1918. After his death Albert was buried in the Cambrin Churchyard Military Extension, where with the Reverend W Hogarth officiating, he was laid to rest and is where he remains to this day.
At the time of his passing, Albert had celebrated his twenty-first birthday just nine days before.
After losing Albert, his mother Emma, being listed as his next of kin, would have been entitled to a pension of 5s 0d (25p) per week, with a War Gratuity payment totalling £14 9s 0d (£14.45). She would also be entitled to have claimed his medal entitlement which consists of the 1914 Star Trio with Memorial Plaque and Scroll.
The location of these awards is unknown.
Copy of the original Field Service Card that Albert had sent to this younger sister Ivy on the 27th January 1915.