Military History

Albert is listed as dying on 13th June 1918. Albert's father wrote to the Red Cross enquiring as to his whereabouts, his letter is recorded as being received on 10th August 1918 which stated that he was reported missing as of 28th May 1918.

A rough translation of the Red Cross reply (click here) is "Died 13.6.18 in the hospital in Sisonne, buried there in the cemetery of honor. Pay slip transferred from a medical transport department 2.8.18". Albert's cause of death is not given.

The 3rd Battalion war diary entries for the period 26th to 28th May when he was reported missing are transcribed below.

Vandeuil - 26 May 1918 - 7.30pm: Warning order received that Bn was to be ready to move to Muscourt at 8pm

10pm: Orders received to move to Muscourt, owing to expected German attack at dawn.

Muscourt - 27 May 1918 - 1am: Bombardment began

3am: Battalion arrived at Muscourt

8.30am: Battalion put at disposal of 50th Division

9.15am: Bn moved up to Concevreux & took up position with A&B Coys covering the bridgehead at Concevreux. C Company formed a defensive flank almost at right angles to the canal (the enemy had cross the canal at Pontavert & were moving in a south westerly direction) and D Company were in reserve in trenches on slopes south of Concevreux.

2.30pm: Enemy broke through Battalion on our right and worked behind the three front companies and got into Concevreux. After heavy casualties the Bn managed to withdraw & take up position on high ground south of Concevreux with left on Concevreux – Ventelay Road. Bn now about 120 strong. In the fighting around Concevreux some of the Bn got separated & withdrew too far to the left.

10.30pm: Battalion again had to withdraw to SW of Ventelay. Following officer casualties occurred during the day, Capt E.A. Humphries (missing), 2 Lt E.V. Mathews (missing), 2 Lt R.O. Goolden (wounded and missing), Lt W.B.J. Wall (wounded and missing) and Capt T Grant wounded. 

SW of Ventelay - 28 May 1918 - Bn ordered to withdraw to Les Venteaux – Montigny road. Bn now olding high ground NW of Montigny. The enemy now holding ground south of Bouvancourt, it was there decided to withdraw.

7pm: Stragglers found their way to transport lines at Legery & efforts were made to reorganise what was left of Battalion into one Company.

9pm: Enemy reported to be in possession of Crugny so transport & remnants of Bn moved to Aougny.

Following officer casualties occurred during the day: Lt T Milner wounded, 2/Lt B Wasley missing, Capt. T.P. Muspratt MC wounded who was with composite Bn composed of 3 teams & Brigade Instructional Platoon.