Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the youngest son of William Francis Bradshaw a railway wagon builder and blacksmith’s labourer, born 1857 in Cirencester, Glos., and his wife Selina, born 1862 in Oldbury, Worcs. Albert Cecil was born in 1895 in Coalville, Leics., his siblings were William, H., born 1885, Charles E., born 1889 and George F., born 1891, the latter three siblings were all born in Oldbury, Worcs., Ethel N., born 1892 and Ada D., born 1899, the latter two siblings were both born in Coalville, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Spring Lane, Swannington, Leics. In April 1911 Albert was employed as a blacksmith’s striker and was residing in the family home at 5, Gutteridge Street, Coalville, Leics., together with his parents and siblings Frederick and Ada. Albert, always known as Cecil was educated at the local Wesleyan School on Belvoir Road, Coalville, Leicestershire., and upon leaving, gained employment as a blacksmith at Stablefords Wagon Works. After enlistment in the 5th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, he embarked on foreign service and proving to be a very capable soldier was promoted to Lance Corporal in 1915, and to full Corporal a year later. He was wounded in the storming and capture of the Somme village of Gommecourt in March 1917, and was admitted to a hospital in France suffering from a gunshot wound to the knee, and additionally suffering from shell shock. Cecil wrote to his parents explaining the details and telling them not to worry, and that he was getting on as well as could be expected. Upon recovery he came home on leave and later returned to the front on the St. Elie Left Sector in France. Home again on leave the Coalville Times of the 2nd February 1918, announced the wedding of Lance Sergeant Albert Cecil Bradshaw to Miss Florence Trueman, daughter of Mrs S. Gray of Margaret Street. The wedding took place at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the Ashby Road and the Reverend W. H. Willis, who had visited Cecil while he had been hospitalised in France conducted the ceremony. The bride was given away by her stepfather Mr S. Gray and was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Evelyn Trueman (sister) and Miss Ethel Maud Bradshaw, sister to the bridegroom. Mr C. Bradshaw, Cecil’s uncle acted as best man. The article concluded by writing that the happy couple received many useful and valuable presents. By this time Cecil was a cadet and scheduled for officer training, however a delay resulted in his loss of life after three and a quarter years at the front. He met his death one month before the Armistice was signed, being killed whilst serving as a Lance Sergeant close to Riquerval Wood, about fifteen miles north east of St. Quentin. The attack had started shortly after midnight, and by 5.00am the Battalion was climbing (in silence) the slopes of a small hill towards the wood. About halfway up a few small cottages and thick scrub housed a force of German machine gunners, and they opened fire. One concealed German showed himself and shot from point blank range, killing many before he himself was killed. The War Diary quotes:- “Among others we lost Sergeants A. C. Bradshaw and W. E. Dimmocks.” In thirty minutes “D” Company lost ten killed and fourteen wounded. Other sources show his service number as 240631 and also 2551. The War Diary for today records. BOIS DE RIQUERVAL. 05.30. ZERO hour, D Coy (HAWLEY) with a left flank platoon (DUNLOP) moved along main road to REGNICOURT, closely followed by C Coy (BANWELL). A Coy (EDWARDES) advanced towards Chateau at south corner of the BOIS, but were at once met with very heavy machine gun fire from the right flank and front and dug in, ½ at cross roads, and ½ in hedge 50 yards east of road. B Coy advanced towards centre of wood and also became split up ½ to dig in under very heavy fire on face of hill, and ½ to dig in near FME DE RIQUERVAL. Battn HQ reached wood edge 100 yards north of Chateau and established a post there with enemy machine gun post on both flanks. Lt. S. COSGROVE commanding B Coy severely wounded. 08.00. D Coy (HAWLEY) reported within 800 yards of REGNICOURT, came under very heavy fire. Ditches along road side enfiladed and 2 Sergeants and 10 men killed. Consequently decided further advance impossible. C Coy (BANWELL) moved south to try to get touch with remainder of Battn but failed as they were not up. C and D Coy’s therefore formed a line through the wood north and south about 750 yards west of the final objective.08.30. Battn HQ party reinforced slightly now consisted of Commanding Officer, Adjutant and Lt. ASHDOWN with 1 French interpreter M. LETU, 12 French soldiers, 1 Lewis Gun team of the 4th Battn LEICESTERSHIRE REGT, and 1 platoon of A Coy collected from hedge where they were dug in. 10.00. Mixed platoon, English and French under Adjutant attacked and captured Chateau, taking one wounded German on the way. Remainder of A Coy brought up to consolidate. 10.45. Enemy recaptured RETHUIL FARM from the French and completely overlooked the Chateau. 11.00. Enemy covering his advance with very heavy machine gun fire from their front retook the Chateau capturing some of A Coy. The Medical Officer Captain W. B. JACK, ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS killed whilst attending the wounded with great courage. 2 Coy’s of the 5th Battn SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGT relieved C and D Coy’s. Later marched back to billets in FRESNOY LE GRAND. 11.15. M. LETU sent off to try and arrange French co-operation with a view to attacking Chateau again. This gentleman showed throughout the day the most praiseworthy courage and initiative combined with an entire disregard of danger. 12.30. 2 Coy’s of the 5th Battn SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGT occupied corner of wood, securing left flank of Battn HQ post, right flank still somewhat insecure. 13.45. 1 of the above Coy’s was withdrawn to make new attack which never materialised. Remaining Coy too weak to hold corner of wood withdrew to a line of hedge across the valley 60 yards east of main road. Lt. A. M. EDWARDES (Commanding A Coy) wounded. 16.30. Battn HQ and 1 platoon of A Coy now completely isolated and enfiladed by enemy’s machine guns on both flanks. Position was hopeless and several casualties occurred. Battn HQ therefore withdrew to line left by Coy of the 5th Battn SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGT. 17.15. Enemy seeing attack developing on left of French front opened tremendous bombardment. Gas and high explosive shells of all calibres were fired. Heaviest barrage was on position occupied by Battn HQ and A Coy, valley soon full of gas. 18.00. New positions sited on the side of road on east line, occupied and dug. 19.00. Battn relieved by 5th Battn SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGT. 19.30. On relief Battn marched back to billets in FRESNOY LE GRAND. 20.45. All in billets, tired out. Battn strength 10 officers, 230 fighting.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article – Friday October 23rd, 1914

DO YOU KNOW

That fifty of the Coalville Territorial recruits have been selected to make up the 5th Battalion Leicestershire about to go abroad?

(Albert Cecil Bradshaw was one of these Famous ‘First Fifty’ as they would be forever remembered – only 22 would return)

Coalville Times article – Friday October 30th, 1914

LOCAL NEWS

Fifty of the Coalville Territorial recruits who have been selected to make up the 5th Battalion for France received their clothes yesterday preparatory to leaving for Luton to-day (Friday).

Coalville Times article – Friday October 30th, 1914

COALVILLE TERRITORIALS LEAVE THIS MORNING
ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF

Fifty of the Territorial Reserves selected to make up the 5th Battalion at Luton left Coalville for that place by the 9 o’clock train this morning (Friday) amid scenes of great enthusiasm. The railway station, bridge, and approaches thereto, were crowded with hundreds of people, and the Coalville lads had a much hearty send-off. The crowd included the Vicar, curate and many of the leading residents of the town and district. The Territorials looked very smart in their new uniforms and before they left they found in their pockets packets of cigarettes and chocolates, a pleasant surprise which a number of Coalville ladies and gentlemen had thoughtfully prepared for them. While waiting for the train they and the crowd sang “It’s a long way to Tipperary” and other popular martial airs, and the train left amid ringing cheers.

Coalville Times article – Friday November 6th, 1914

LOCAL CHIT CHAT

Several of the Coalville friends of the fifty Territorial Reserves who left here for Luton last Friday have received letters which show that the men are in excellent spirits. Upon arrival at Luton they were allotted to various companies and were billeted at houses in the town, being supplied with warm blankets, and the food was stated to be good and plenty of it. It is just possible that they may have left Luton by now, as a letter received from one of them yesterday, stated they were mobilising on Wednesday and were expected to leave for an unknown destination. Since arriving at Luton on Friday they have had gun practice, several long marches and engaged in mimic warfare.

Coalville Times article - Friday July 23rd 1915

Patriotic Coalville Family - Four Sons Serving in the Army.

Mr and Mrs W. F. Bradshaw, of No. 5, Gutteridge Street, Coalville, have four sons serving in the army, a fact upon which they are to be heartily congratulated. The father, whose photograph we are pleased to publish with those of the boys, is employed at Messrs. Stableford’s works, Coalville, where three of his soldier sons were formerly engaged, and all were popular with their workmates. They all have the best wishes of many friends for a safe return.

The eldest of the four is Sapper W. H. Bradshaw, who joined the Royal Engineers at Chatham, last March. He is 31 years of age, married, and formerly worked as a blacksmith at Messrs. Stableford and Co.’s works and also at the Ellistown colliery.

A month ago, Driver C. E. Bradshaw joined the Royal Artillery, at Leicester, in which town he was up to then working as a baker. He is also married and is 27 years of age.

Corpl. G. F. Bradshaw was called up on August 4th with the Mounted Transport Brigade, but four months ago was transferred to the Ammunition Column of the Army Service Corps. He is a single man, 25 years of age, and before leaving Coalville to take up his military duties was a blacksmith at Messrs. Stableford’s works.

The youngest of the four brothers, Pte. A. C. Bradshaw, has seen some months’ service at the front. He is 20 years of age and joined the 5th Leicester Territorials in Coalville, soon after the war broke out being one of the first fifty to leave the town. For over four months now he has been taking his turn with his comrades in the trenches. He also was a blacksmith at Messrs. Stableford and Co.’s works before enlisting.

Coalville Times article - Friday October 22nd, 1915

Coalville Soldiers in a Bayonet Charge - Two German Trenches Captured

Letters received in Coalville by friends on Tuesday, state that Pte. Cyril Bradshaw (Gutteridge Street), Pte. T. Usherwood and Lance-Corporal Usherwood (Highfields Street) three of the first 50 Territorials who went from Coalville and other local soldiers had just been through a bayonet charge in which they captured two German trenches. They are glad to say they came through all right and are now resting.

Coalville Times article - Friday April 6th, 1917

Mr W. F. Bradshaw, of 5, Gutteridge Street, Coalville, has received news from the War Office stating that his son, Corporal A. C. Bradshaw, was wounded on March 13th, and is suffering from a gunshot wound in the knee and shell shock. He has written to his parents stating that he is going on as well as can be expected. Corporal Bradshaw formerly worked for Messrs. Stableford and Co., at Coalville, He was among the first fifty Leicestershire Territorials to leave Coalville, and is one of four soldier brothers.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 24th, 1917

LOCAL CHIT CHAT

Sergeant A. C. Bradshaw, of the Leicestershire Regiment, the youngest of the four soldier sons of Mr W. Bradshaw of Gutteridge Street, Coalville, a workman at Stableford’s, is over on leave from France this week. He was one of the first 50 Territorials to leave Coalville and has been much in the fighting.

Coalville Times article - Friday February 1st, 1918.

N.C.O. MARRIED

Lance-Sergeant Albert Cecil Bradshaw, the youngest of the four soldier sons of Mr and Mrs W. F. Bradshaw, of 5, Gutteridge Street, Coalville, was married on Saturday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, to Miss Florence Trueman, daughter of Mrs S. Gray, of Margaret Street, Coalville. The Rev. W. H. Wills, who made the soldier’s acquaintance while in France, and visited him when wounded in hospital, conducted the service. The bride was given away by her step-father, Mr S. Gray, and was attended by two bridesmaids, Misses Evelyn Trueman (sister of the bride) and Ethel Maud Bradshaw (sister of the bridegroom). Mr C. Bradshaw (uncle) acted as best man. The happy couple were the recipients of many useful and valuable presents. The bridegroom was one of the first 50 territorials to leave Coalville and has seen a good deal of active service. In one of the engagements he received a gunshot wound in the knee, but has fully recovered. He has now come to England to join a cadet unit with a view to training for a commission.

Coalville Times article - Friday November 8th, 1918

LOCAL CASUALTIES

Mr and Mrs William Bradshaw, of 5, Gutteridge Street, Coalville, have received news that the youngest of their four soldier sons, Lance-Sergeant Albert Cecil Bradshaw, of the Leicestershire Regiment, was killed in action on October 11th. He had been in the war almost from the commencement, being one of the “Coalville First Fifty.” Before the war he worked at Stableford’s where his father has been employed for many years. Deceased was 23 years of age and was married when home on leave last January. He was one of Mr T. Frith’s old boys of the Belvoir Road School, and a member of the Coalville Wesleyan Church.

Coalville Times article - Friday November 15th, 1918

THANKS

Mr and Mrs W. F., and Mrs A. C. Bradshaw, desire to thank all friends most sincerely for their kind sympathetic letters of condolence in the sad loss of a dear son and loving husband.
5, Gutteridge Street, Coalville, November 13th, 1918.

Coalville Times article - Friday November 29th, 1918.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday evening a memorial service was held at the Coalville Wesleyan Chapel for four men formerly connected with the church who have fallen in action – Sergeant Cecil Bradshaw, Corporal A. E. Johnson, Sergeant Walter Lewis, M.M., and Private Henry Lewis (brothers). Mr W. Hall preached an appropriate sermon and the choir sang, “What are these?” Mrs Stocking nicely rendered the solo, “O rest in the Lord,” and Mr T. Frith read the Roll of Honour.

Coalville Times article - Friday February 14th, 1919

PROPOSED MEMORIAL AND THANKSGIVING FUND

Meetings are being held throughout the Ashby Wesleyan Circuit, to consider the inauguration of a war memorial and thanksgiving fund, and there was a gathering for this purpose in the Coalville Wesleyan Chapel on Saturday night, when Mr C. H. March presided over a fairly good attendance.

The details of the scheme are set forth in a circular which is being issued, and of which the following is a copy.

“To celebrate the end of the ‘great war’ and the coming of ‘peace’ the quarterly meeting of the Circuit decided by a unanimous vote to inaugurate a great ‘Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund.’ The nation in the hours of danger has not counted any sacrifice of blood or treasure too great to hasten the time when all that we hold dear should be made secure from an unscrupulous foe. That end has been achieved. The victory is ours. In token of our gratitude to Almighty God, we desire to raise this ‘Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund’ to enable the churches in this Circuit more efficiently to carry on, and extend the Kingdom of God. We suggest that contributions may be given as a thank-offering for loved ones spared, or in memory of dear ones who have laid down their lives for us. There are also large numbers in the Circuit, who, because of the importance of their work, have escaped the horrors of the battlefield, and will be able to give substantially in thankful recognition of their privileges. Everyone, indeed, has received great blessing through the ministry of our church, and the debt we owe to our beloved Methodism is greater than we can tell. Therefore, we earnestly appeal to all our people to give hearty and generous support to the ‘Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund’. The first claim upon the income of the fund will be the clearing of the debt upon the Circuit houses, which amounts to £1,000, thus saving £44 per year in interest. The remainder of the income will be held at the disposal of the Circuit quarterly meeting for the benefit of the work of God in the Circuit. – William Hooper, William H. Wardle, B.A., and William Solomon (ministers), J. P. Adcock, J. P. (treasurer); W. J. Plowright and C. H. March (secretaries).”

During the meeting, Mr T. Frith read the Roll of Honour, which contained 99 names formerly connected with the church and Sunday School. Two have won the D.C.M. – Harry Beard and Edwin Collier – and four the Military Medal, these being Tom Palmer, Tom Wood, George Wildgoose and Walter Lewis.

Twenty had made the supreme sacrifice – Cecil A. Bradshaw, Ernest Batho, Geo. Beale, Sydney Dodds, Walter Fantom, John Hall, Horace Hall, Jess Jones, Wilfred Jones, Fred Hart, Arthur Johnson, Walter Lewis, M.M., Harry Lewis, William Setchell, Sam Smith, Tom Usherwood, Willie Wells, Alf Wood, Albert Essex and Tom Wild.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 5/9/2017