Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Clifford a colliery worker, born 1869 in Worthington, Leics., and his wife Mary, born 1871 in Thringstone, Leics. Alfred was born in 1897 in Coleorton, Leics., his siblings were, Ethel, born 1894, Laban, born 1895, Nathan, born 1899 and Annie, born 1901, all his siblings were born in Coleorton, Leics., in March 1901 they were residing at Rotten Row, Coleorton, Leics., this being the family home of his maternal grandparents, James Willett a colliery worker, born 1838 in Worthington, Leics., and his wife Mary A., born 1841 in Swannington, Leics. In April 1911 Alfred was employed as a colliery pony driver and was residing in the family home at Coleorton, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Ethel, Laban, Nathan, Annie, Grace, born 1904 and Mary, born 1910, the latter two siblings were both born in Thringstone, Leics. Alfred was killed by a fragment of shell whilst serving at Ypres, Belgium. The War Diary records that the Battalion had relieved the East Yorkshire Regiment in the trenches at Wieltje on the 9th and 10th September, and continued:- 4.35 – 6.35am most intense bombardment of our line, also the 1st King’s Shropshire Light Infantry on our right, and the Rifle Brigade in Fotwair Cottage line on our left. Terrific bombardment by guns of all calibres chiefly H.E. and trench mortars which fired about 50lb and caused fearful damage to trenches. A great deal of shrapnel and H.E. shrapnel used also especially along our communication trenches. 3 German aeroplanes observing for enemy the whole time, flying right above our trenches. 7.25 – 8.45am another terrific bombardment by same artillery. Bombardment commenced by the 3 German aeroplanes which were flying over our lines suddenly all turning towards the German lines at the same time. Tremendously heavy bombardment again chiefly heavy shells and trench mortars. Points on the bombardment (1) Most intense each time especially H.E. shells 5 or 6 at a time bursting in or over our trenches. The bombardment was most incessant and is estimated at 2 batteries of heavy guns (about 8 inch), and 2 batteries of 4.5 shells and at least 3 batteries firing shrapnel and H.E. shrapnel. There were 4 German trench mortars firing and these could be spotted (by the shells) and men were able to run a few bays left or right, thereby escaping destruction. The mortars fired obliquely, they did very great damage partly of A Coys trenches, being absolutely blown in, and great craters and gaps made connection with the right of A Coy impossible except by a big detour. Their report was most intense. (2) Damage to trenches due by shell fire was also very great and communications trenches in the rear of A Coy and C Coy were completely flattened. B and D Coys also had damage their barbed wire being torn to bits. (3) Casualties are extremely few considering the intensity and length of the bombardment. A Coy casualties 2nd Lt. W. H. Reynolds killed (some men had been buried and he dug them out and saved them, and was killed instantaneously almost immediately after) 3 men killed, 7 wounded. B Coy 3 men wounded (2 very slightly). C Coy 3 killed. D Coy 5 wounded. Many men initially buried and buried and rescued and not sent to hospital. Trenches ar very good and men got good protection except for direct hits. Casualties A Coy 1 sick.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday September 24th, 1915

Coleorton Soldier Killed

News was received on Tuesday that Private Alfred Clifford, of the 1st Leicesters, had been killed in action, being struck by a piece of shell. The information was contained in a letter from Private Chandler, to his parents at Coleorton, the writer stating that he saw Clifford injured and asking them to inform his parents. He states that the deceased soldier was given a proper funeral.

Pte. Clifford was a collier at the Coleorton pit and was only 18 years of age. He enlisted just before Christmas. His father is Mr James Clifford, who at that time was residing at Coleorton, but now lives in Ashby Road, Coalville, and works at the Desford Colliery. A sister of the deceased is Mrs J. Smith of Owen Street, Coalville.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 09/09/2017