Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Beaver an agricultural labourer, born on the 4th February 1834 in Oakham, Rutland and baptised on the 2nd March 1834 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham (son of William Beaver, 1808-1854 and Jane Tyler, 1807-1881) and his wife Eleanor Beaver (nee Norris, married on the 18th August 1856 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham) a charwoman, born on the 23rd May 1836 in Greetham, Rutland (daughter of William Norris, 1806 and Mary Bollons, 1802). Albert, a schoolboy, was born on the 9th October 1876 in Oakham, his siblings were John, a general labourer, born on the 6th April 1861 and baptised on the 15th September 1861 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, Thomas, a farm labourer, born on the 6th March 1866 and baptised on the 16th September 1866 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, Samuel, a schoolboy, born on the 6th October 1869 and baptised on the 30th October 1870 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, Henry, a schoolboy, born on the 5th January 1872 and baptised on the 21st September 1873 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham and Ellen Elizabeth, a schoolgirl, born on the 21st May 1874 and baptised on the 28th June 1874 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, all his siblings were born in Oakham, in April 1881 the family home was at South Street, Oakham.
In April 1891 Albert was residing in the family home at Catmose Street, Oakham, together with his father, an agricultural labourer, his mother and siblings, Samuel, an ostler and domestic servant, Henry, a domestic gardener and Ellen, a general domestic servant, also residing with the family was a grandchild, Lizzie Beaver, a schoolgirl, born on the 10th November 1883 in Liverpool, Lancashire and baptised on the 6th January 1884 in St. Margaret’s Church, Anfield, Lancashire.
In March 1901 Albert was employed as a plumber journeyman and was residing as a boarder at 4, The Terrace, Greetham, Rutland together with his wife Emily Alice Beaver (nee Fawkes, married on the 16th April 1900 in the Church of St. Nicholas, Pilton, Rutland), born on the 29th October 1879 in Pilton, Rutland and baptised on the 25th December 1879 in the Church of St. Nicholas, Pilton (daughter of Reuben Fawkes and Emma Barfield).
Albert’s father died aged 75 years on the 9th June 1909 in Oakham and his mother died aged 73 years on the 25th September 1909 in Oakham.
In April 1911 Albert was employed as a plumber and painter and was residing with his wife Emily in the family home at 3, St. John’s Gardens, St. Pancras, Middlesex.
Albert and Emily had a son, Reuben Albert Harry who was born on the 25th February 1914 in St. Pancras, Middlesex.
In the January quarter of 1917, Albert’s widow married Carel C. H. Kars in St. Pancras, Middlesex.
FAMILY NOTE: Albert also had the following siblings, Mary Jane, born on the 7th January 1857 and baptised on the 8th February 1857 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, William, born on the 7th November 1858 and baptised on the 5th December 1858 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, Sarah, born on the 12th October 1863 and baptised on the 11th September 1864 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, Matthew, born on the 27th December 1867 and baptised on the 30th October 1870 in All Saint’s Church, Oakham, all the siblings were born in Oakham.
Albert enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 7th September 1898 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 5352. He gave his place of birth as Oakham, Rutland and age as 21 years 10 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as painter.
He confirmed that he was presently serving with the 1st Volunteer Bn. Leicestershire Regt.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 7th September 1898 and recorded his birthplace as Oakham, Rutland, declared age as 21 years 10 months, trade or occupation as painter, that he was 5-feet 5 inches in height, weighed 123 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 32½ and 34 inches, his physical development was described as good. Enlisted at Leicester on the 7th September 1898. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 5352.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 21 years 10 months, height 5-feet 5 inches weight 123 lbs, chest measurement of between 32½ and 34 inches his complexion was described as dark, he had brown eyes and his hair colour was brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, none. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 7th September 1898. Place Leicester.
He gave his next of kin as his father, Thomas, mother, Eleanor, North Cote Street, Oakham. Brothers (o) William, John, Thomas, Matthew, Samuel, Henry, Arthur, Jane, Sarah, Ellen.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester. 7/9/1898.
Posted. Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 7/9/1898.
Discharged on payment of £10 within three months of his attestation. Para 107 (c) Section XIX. G.R. 1895. 1/10/1898.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 7/9/1898 – 1/10/1898. 25 days.
Total Service. 25 days.
Albert enlisted/attested into the Army Reserve (Special Reservists) on the 26th October 1914 in Marylebone, and was allotted the regimental service number 12807. He gave his place of birth as Oakham, Rutland and age as 35 years 2 days. His marital status was given as married and his trade or calling as relief examiner London North Western Railway.
He confirmed that he had previously served with Leicester Volunteers (3 or 4 years). Northants Volunteers (about 4 years). Discharged free Leicestershire Regt. about 1 month. Purchased.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Marylebone on the 11th October 1914 and recorded his birthplace as Oakham, Rutland, declared age as 35 years 2 days, trade or occupation as London and North Western Railway Relief Examiner, that he was 5-feet 4¾ inches in height, weighed 123 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 31½ and 34 inches, his physical development was described as good, his vision was described as R.E.-V=6/6. L.E.-V=6/6. Enlisted at Marylebone on the 26th October 1914. Joined on enlistment 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 12807.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as [not recorded], height 5-feet 4¾ inches weight 123 lbs, chest measurement of between 31½ and 34 inches, he had brown eyes and his hair colour was brown grey. The following distinctive marks were noted, scar back of neck. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army Reserve. Date 11th October 1914. Place Marylebone.
He gave his next of kin as his wife, Emily Alice Beaver, 2, Hardwick Place, Harrington Square, Camden Town.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester. 26/10/14.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 26/10/14.
Commenced. Recruits Training. 26/10/14.
Posted. To 10th Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 14/11/14.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 19/12/14.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 26/1/15.
Embarked. From Southampton to join the British Expeditionary Force, France. 26/1/15
Joined. 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. In the Field.
Admitted. To 19th Brigade Field Ambulance, fever S.C. In the Field. 6/7/15.
Admitted. To 7th Casualty Clearing Station. In the Field. 6/7/15.
Admitted. To 4th Stationary Hospital, pyrexia. St. Omer. 10/7/15.
Discharged. From Hospital. St. Omer. 25/7/15.
Rejoined. 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. In the Field. 27/7/15.
Embarked. From Marseilles. 10/11/15.
Disembarked. At Alexandria. 17/11/15
Embarked. From Port Suez. 23/11/15.
Disembarked. At Basra. 8/12/15.
Killed in action. In the Field. 6-7/1/16.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 26/10/14 – 25/1/15. 92 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 26/1/15 – 13/11/15. 292 days.
Expeditionary Force Mediterranean. 14/11/15 – 7/1/16. 55 days.
Total Service. 1 year 74 days.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
The War Diary records: 6 Jan-16 – Right Bank Column Operation Orders for 6th issued. Extracts from Right Bank Column Operation Orders and Battalion Orders. First day of battle of SHAIKH SA’AD. March was to have been resumed at 8.00am with intention of bivouacking that night at bend of river immediately up-stream from SHAIKH SA’AD but was much delayed by heavy mist. At about 10.00am march was resumed, the Battalion forming part of the Main Body, 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) leading. On nearing HIBSH, at about 12.00 noon, the enemy were reported in an entrenched position, about 2 miles South East of SHAIKH SA’AD, extending from river bank for some 1500 yards. The Battalion now deployed into line of Companies in fours, at 50 paces interval, and 200 yards in rear of 56th (F.F.) RIFLES. Battalion continued advance in this formation, and was eventually ordered to prolong this line to the left of 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) in echelon at 200 yards distance. At about 2.00pm orders were issued to attack this position and advance to the bend in the river at SHAIKH SA’AD. The attack commenced with units of the Brigade in following formation: - 56th RIFLES (F.F.) on the right, 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) in echelon 200 yards distance to the left, 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT in echelon 200 yards distance to left of 53rd SIKHS (F.F.), the 51st SIKHS (F.F.) being in reserve. The Battalion advanced in the following formation (distance from the enemy’s position now about 1500x)
The War Diary records: 7 Jan-16 - At 11.12am orders were received that the attack would shortly be renewed on both banks. In the meantime, enemy’s line was subjected to bombardment from 28th Battery ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY. Orders were received to renew the attack at 2.00pm, the Battalion moving forward as soon as 53rd SIKHS were seen to leave their trenches. The 92nd PUNJABIS had now been attached to the Brigade to support the attack on the left of the Battalion. “A” and “B” Companies advanced in short sharp rushes, supported by “C” Company, “D” Company being kept close up in reserve under cover. The advance progressed in spite of very strong opposition and “D” Company was thrown in, the whole Battalion finally carrying out the assault successfully over about 300 yards. Two of the Battalion machine guns pushed along the nullah X Y towards X, greatly assisted the advance in first enfilading Turkish trench P and later distributing their fire along trench Q. The Battalion was splendidly supported throughout by one section of the 28th Battery ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY, the Forward Observation Officer advancing with his telephone immediately in rear of the Battalion. The enemy’s trenches were occupied and quickly put in a state of defence, while, from both ends of these trenches a line of entrenchments was extended for some considerable distance, the left flank being well turned back. About 80 prisoners were taken by the Battalion, and a large quantity of rifles, ammunition, equipment etc. Many dead and wounded Turks were found in the trenches. The Battalion buried 62 enemy dead on its section of trenches. Enemy sniped to some extent during the night from our left flank. The following casualties among officers occurred during this day’s operations. Officers killed Lieutenant DOWDING and Lieutenant ROYCE. Wounded Captain SUTHERLAND, 2nd Lieutenant BILLINGS, 2nd Lieutenant BELLE and 2nd Lieutenant BUCKINGHAM. Other ranks killed and wounded on operations of the 6th and 7th January totalled 303.
On Friday 25th, February 1916, The Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury published the following article on page 6, under the heading. – OAKHAM. – KILLED IN PERSIAN GULF CAMPAIGN. – In the recently published list of casualties reported from Mesopotamia (the Tigris operations), appeared the name of priv. Albert Beaver, of the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, who has been killed. Priv. Beaver, who was about 30 years of age, and married, with one daughter, was a son of the late Mr. Thos. Beaver, of Oakham, and brother of Mrs. T. Peasgood, of Church-street, Oakham. He responded to the call of King and country upon the outbreak of war, and had been through the fighting in France, before his regiment proceeded to the Persian Gulf.
On the 31st July 1916, Albert’s widow, Mrs. Emily Alice Beaver, of 2, Hardwicke Place, Harrington Square, N.W., was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of seventeen shillings and six pence for herself and her son, commensurate on the 7th August 1916.
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