Military History

Alfred enlisted on 12 Dec 1911 in Tamworth aged 16 years and this is confirmed by his service number, 1949, which was issued between Feb 1911 (#1770) and Jan 1912 (#1987). Click here for his Register of Effects Record

The 1st Battalion (A & B Companies) mobilised at Shorncliffe where they were based on 5 Aug 1914 and on 8 Aug 1914 they moved by train to York where they billetted and were joined from C & D Companies who arrived from Cromer. They then billeted at Strensall York before moving by train to Harrow Weald on 18 Aug 1914 and on 22 Aug 1914 left Harrow by train and travelled to Southampton where they arrived at 5.30am and immediately boarded the SS Caledonia and the set sail for France at 10.30am the same day.

They then went ashore in Boulogne, France at 4.30am on 23 Aug 1914 and Alfred was now aged 19yrs old. The following day they were in La Cateau and first saw action only two days after landing at 6.30am on 25 Aug 1914 at St. Python during the Battle of La Cateau

Alfred is listed as being killed in action on 25 Oct 1914 near Houplines. The 1st Battalion's war diary entries for the period 23rd to 26th Oct 1914 are transcribed below.

Houplines - 23rd Oct [1914]: Reserve Companies shelled by heavies about noon. Capt Bentley mortally wounded, Capt Bannerman slightly & 5 men. Moved in relief of R. Fusiliers at night & took up very extended line with every available man in firing line. Difficult postion with several points enfiladed. 1/2 D Company remained in support.

Houplines - 24^th Oct – 2am: Heavy musketry and maxim fire by Germans lasting about 1pm. 2 casualties. Desultory sniping in evening. At night C Coy making new trench to cut off right angle corner to front trench.

7pm: ½ D Coy under Lt Pelksy relieved Coy of Kings Own.

Houplines - 25^th Oct: Heavy shelling all day A Coys farm demolished & burnt. ½ Coy D under Lt Pilkington came in for a good deal of shelling from heavies. Very fine day which probably accounted for much shelling.

Draft of 1 Officer and 113 men arrived tonight  (Lt Black). Very wet night which made trenches very bad

Houplines - 26^th Oct: Heavy shelling by our own guns in morning. Enemy shelled trenches and sniped continuously.

10 casualties, 3 of last draft. Fine