Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Henry James Wright, born in the April quarter of 1860 in Little Stainton, County Durham and baptised on the 24th June 1860 in St. Peter’s Church, Bishopton, County Durham (son of Joseph Wright, 1837 and Elizabeth Toon, 1835) and his wife Maria Wright (nee Clarke, married in the July quarter of 1890 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire), born in the July quarter of 1860 in Middlesex (daughter of Toon). Albert Henry was born in the January quarter of 1892 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, his mother died in the January quarter of 1892, aged 31 years in Melton Mowbray, the assumption is that his mother died as a result of complications, either during or after childbirth. His widowed father married Alice Richardson on the 1st February 1900 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, Alice was born in the April quarter of 1879 in Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire and baptised on the 18th May 1879 in St. James’ Church, Castle Bytham (daughter of Henry Richardson, 1852 and Susannah Amelia Mablethorpe, 1857), after their marriage they resided at 18, Sidney Street, Melton Mowbray.
In March 1901 Albert was residing at 40, Pall Mall, Melton Mowbray, this being the family home of his maternal grandparents, Thomas Thompson, an agricultural labourer, born in the April quarter of 1844 in Scalford, Leicestershire and baptised on the 19th May 1844 in the Church of St. Egelwin, Scalford (son of Stephen Thompson, 1810 and Maria Smith, 1816) and his wife Mary Ann Thompson (nee Toon, formerly Clarke, married on the 25th December 1882 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray), born in the October quarter of 1839 in Melton Mowbray (daughter of Thomas Toon, 1798 and Ann Palmer, 1800), and their children, John Thomas, an engine fitter’s labourer, born in the October quarter of 1877 and baptised on the 19th February 1878 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray and Ernest Edward, a shoe trade laster, born in the October quarter of 1883, both children were born in Melton Mowbray.
In April 1911 Albert was employed as an elastic web trade worker and was residing at Alma Terrace, Meeting Street, Quorn, Leicestershire, this being the family home of Isaiah Pell, a farm labourer, born in the January quarter of 1863 in Witham on the Hill, Lincolnshire and baptised on the 4th October 1863 in St. Andrew’s Church, Witham on the Hill (son of William Pell and Charlotte) and his wife Mary Ann Pell (nee Wright, married in the January quarter of 1888 in the Bourne, Lincolnshire district), born 1864 in Darlington, County Durham and their children, Margaret Charlotte, an elastic web trade cotton winder, born in the October quarter of 1888 in Melton Mowbray, Rose Emma, an elastic web trade cotton winder, born in the April quarter of 1895 and baptised on the 14th May 1895 in Quorn and Edith Ellen, a cotton trade winder, born in the October quarter of 1896 and baptised on the 17th November 1896 in Quorn, the latter two children were both born in Quorn, and George William Stanley Wright, born on the 22nd August 1902 and baptised on the 14th September 1902 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray and Frederick Cyril Wright, born in the January quarter of 1904 and baptised on the 13th March 1904 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, the latter two children were both born in Melton Mowbray.
Albert married Elsie Hyman on the 23rd February 1913 in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Quorn. Elsie was born on the 30th October 1893 in Loughborough and baptised on the 3rd December 1893 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough (daughter of Joseph Hyman, 1873 and Ann Jarram, 1873). Albert and Elsie had two children, Norah, born on the 1st June 1913 and baptised on the 29th June 1913 in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Quorn and Charles Albert Henry, born on the 22nd September 1916 and baptised on the 22nd October 1916 in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Quorn, both children were born in Quorn. The family home was at 8, Castledine Street, Quorn moving to 4, Thomas Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire then moving in 1919 to 49, Stores Row, Hamstead, Birmingham, Warwickshire and in June 1921 they had returned to reside at 8, Castledine Street, the family home of Elsie’s mother and stepfather, Charles Mee.
Albert enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 2nd September 1914 in Loughborough, and was allotted the regimental service number 12565. He gave his place of birth as Melton Mowbray, near Loughborough, Leicestershire and age as 22 years 9 months. His marital status was given as married and his trade or calling as concrete dresser.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Loughborough on the 1st September 1914 and recorded his birthplace as Melton Mowbray, Leicester, declared age as 22 years 9 months, trade or occupation as concrete dresser, that he was 5-feet 7 inches in height, weighed [not recorded] lbs, had a chest measurement of between 31½ and 33½ inches, his physical development was described as normal, his vision was described as R.E.-V=normal. L.E.-V=normal. Enlisted at Loughborough on the 1st September 1914. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 12565.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 22 years 9 months, height 5-feet 7 inches weight 131 lbs, chest measurement of between 31½ and 33½ inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had blue, normal eyes and his hair colour was brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, nil. He gave his religion as Wesleyan.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 1st September 1914. Place Loughborough.
He gave his next of kin as his wife Elsie Wright, Castledine Street, Quorn, father, Henry James Wright, 20, New Street, Melton Mowbray, ½ brother Stanley Wright, Alma Terrace, Quorn.
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. 2/9/14.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 5/9/14.
Posted. To 7th (Service) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Aldershot. Pte. 5/9/14.
Disembarked. 29/7/15.
Reported missing in action. In the Field. 14/7/16.
Regarded for official purposes as having died on or since. 14/7/16.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 2/9/14 – 28/7/15. 330 days.
France. 29/7/15 – 14/7/16. 351 days.
Total Service. 1 year 316 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: 14 Jul-16 - MAMETZ WOOD. ATTACK ON BAZENTIN LE PETIT WOOD and village by the 110th Brigade. The Battalion was drawn up for the assault in four lines. The first three lines were in front of MAMETZ WOOD and were to move forward in succession at ZERO, the first line to take, clear and hold the German first line, the remainder to push on to capture and consolidate the FOREST TRENCH (enemy support line). The fourth line were drawn up behind the north edge of MAMETZ WOOD to move forward half an hour after ZERO, and push forward through FOREST TRENCH ready to assault the German third line. By 2.55 am all dispositions were made, each platoon being on its correct adjustment. A number of casualties were suffered during this operation, one platoon of “C” Company losing almost half its number. The men behaved admirably under trying conditions. At ZERO 3.25 am when the barrage lifted our first line trench was hardly close enough to it to rush the first line before the enemy could man it, as a result the advance was rather ragged. The right (“A”) Company in conjunction with the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT had little difficulty in entering the trench. The left (“D”) Company were momentarily held up by machine gun fire but managed to keep up close to the parapet and rush the line. The two centre (“B” and “C”) Companies were held up for about 20 minutes by machine guns. The pressure was relieved by parties from the right working down a flank. The centre Companies were then able to rush the trench. The second and third lines coming on, swept the remainder of the first line then, and made for the second line (FOREST TRENCH). By this time of the officers of “B” Company only 2nd Lieutenant EVANS was left, in “C” Company only 2nd Lieutenant REED, while in “D” Company all the officers were out of action. The enemy in the first line trench at first made some resistance but many were caught in their dug outs, and the rest seeing that they could not stop our rush retreated into the WOOD and made no resistance in the FOREST TRENCH. By 4.00 am our whole line was in occupation of FOREST TRENCH and the work of consolidation was begun. Captain A. A. CLARKE taking command. 2nd Lieutenant EVANS then sent back Company Sergeant Major GEARY to ensure that the German first line was cleared of the enemy. This N.C.O. with his party found a number of the enemy who had been passed over in the rush. In the meantime, the left Company (“D”) after pushing on too eagerly under our barrage and being forced to retire, turned towards the flank and established connection with the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT At 4.25 am Captain A. A. CLARKE, leaving 2nd Lieutenant EVANS in charge of the first trench, went forward in charge of the party to capture the third objective. No resistance was met with on the right, but on the left considerable trouble was caused by a machine gun and by snipers and close by the observation post in the tree both Captain CLARKE and Lieutenant WAKEFORD were hit. This left the assaulting line without an officer, but Sergeant WALKER (“A” Company) and Lance Sergeant SHERLOCK (“C” Company) rallied their men and made good this line. There was no German trench in this position and in some cases the men again pressed forward and came under fire from our own barrage. Meanwhile the left (“D” Company) being checked by the machine gun on the crest of the wood and being unable to make headway were rallied by Lance Corporal BUSH, and an attempt was made to get round the position on the right, with the result that this party lost direction in the wood and finally found itself among the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT Lance Corporal BUSH then placed himself under the orders of an officer of that Battalion. Almost before the barrage lifted, the party under Sergeant WALKER rushed the German trench on the north side of the wood. The enemy made no resistance here and being caught between the barrage of shell fire and our advancing line gave themselves up. By 6.45 am we were established in the line on North edge of the wood. Subsequently officers of the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT bringing up supports took over command of this sector. About 7.15 am Captain GWYTHER was commanding the Battalion, ordered 2nd Lieutenant EVANS to push forward from FOREST TRENCH in support of the front line, on reaching the position selected for the strong point on the RAILWAY, this party came under machine gun fire from the north west corner of the wood, 2nd Lieutenant EVANS took up the line covering the strong point and prepared for reconnaissance. The position therefore at 8.00 am was: - Northern edge of the wood held by us. Possession of the North West corner doubtful. Line of RAILWAY and strong point secured by us. Throughout the morning the enemy kept up an intermittent bombardment with 150mm Howitzers and a few 77mm’s, which grew in intensity about midday and during the afternoon. About 1.00 pm it was believed that the Germans were still holding the entire edge of the wood at the North Western corner and an assaulting party of the 7th and 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT was organised to clear them out. The bushes and trees were very thick round this point which necessarily made progress slow, the enemy evacuating and manning a trench about 30 yards from the wood, before our men could get through, we suffered several casualties from a machine gun in the above-mentioned trench. An attempt was made about 9 o clock to reorganise the Battalion, as they were considerably mixed up, most of the officers becoming casualties. Lieutenant Colonel DRYSDALE was wounded whilst the Battalion was marching to its position in front of MAMETZ WOOD, Captain and Adjutant A. A. ALDWORTH taking command. Captain’s WRIGHT, GIFFORD, Lieutenant’s. BURNETT, HOLLIS, ABBOTT and 2nd Lieutenant’s NEWTON, GUTTERIDGE and BAIN being all killed before our troops reached the first line. 2nd Lieutenant PICKERING-CLARKE, SIMPSON and REID also Lieutenant WAKEFORD were killed in the wood. The wounded officers were Captain A. A. CLARKE, Lieutenant HOUGHTON and 2nd Lieutenant’s THOMPSON, WEBB and ORRIT-NICHOL. Our total casualties were 18 officers and 535 men killed and wounded. Our men along with the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT manned the trenches at the edge of the wood and remained there until next morning. The night was quick.
On the 19th March 1917, Albert’s widow Elsie, of Castledine Street, Quorn, Leicestershire, was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension for herself and two children of twenty-two shillings and eleven pence, commensurate on the 26th March 1917. The family later moved to 4, Thomas Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire.
[recognitum XI-III-MMXXIV]