Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Mary, and the late Alfred Ernest Reeves of 82, Haddenham Road, Leicester. His enlistment documents record that he gave his father, Alfred Ernest Reeves of 82, Haddenham Road, Leicester, England as his next of kin. He gave his trade or calling as Farmer and stated that he was unmarried. Information taken from his medical examination shows that he was 5 foot 8 ½ inches in height, weighed 144 pounds and had a chest measurement of 30 to 34 ½ inches. His complexion was described as fresh with blue eyes and dark brown hair. It was noted that he had a vaccination scar on his right arm, a mole on his right breast and also on the left of his neck, and a scar on the left buttock, and on his left shin. He had tattoos on both arms, a lady and heart on the right and a snake on the left. He gave his religion as Church of England. His record of service gives the following information. 10th Depot Battalion, “A” Company, Ascot Vale 5th August 1915 to 1st October 1915. Recorded as Deserter, Ascot Vale 25th November 1915 to 15th December 1915. Deserter struck off strength 15th December 1915. Admitted to 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital suffering from “V.D.G.”, Abbassia, Egypt 23rd February 1916. Discharged to duty 14th April 1916. Proceeded to join the B.E.F. from Alexandria, Egypt aboard H.M.T. “Scotia” 10th May 1916. Disembarked Marseilles, France 18th May 1916. Taken on strength of 24th Battalion 31st July 1916. Evacuated to hospital wounded in action, shrapnel wounds to chest and buttocks 25th August 1916. Admitted 2nd/1st South Midland Casualty Clearing Station, France, died of wounds received in action 25th August 1916. A letter written by Alfred whilst undergoing his training at Ascot Vale and given as his last will and testament, dated 13th August 1915 reads:- Dear Mother just a few lines to let you know that I am alright and happy hoping this letter will find you the same, you will see by the address where I am, and I am under training, I am getting on alright, and I am very glad I got in, I have been in a fortnight and I have had a good bit of training, I have signed papers that in the event of my being killed all my wages go to you and if I get wounded it will go to you just the same, when you writing your letter write this, A. Reeves. 2 Section, 4th Platoons, and then I will get them alright, I am sending you some photos of me and I hope in three weeks I will send some more you see, I have not go (sic) no pay, we only get paid 1 a month and I will have to go another 14 days before I get any money I am (sic) not had a letter from Ada for about 18 weeks, but I don’t care if she doont (sic) want to write she need not bother, I am very sorry hear such a lot have been killed from Home but we will win. I shall probably be gone to the War by the time you get this letter. Well Dearie Au re voir. Ever your loving son. Alfie. Remember me to al (sic) xxxxxxxxxxxxx This letter has the additional official footnote as follows:- Certified to be a true copy of the holograph Will of 3342 Pte A. Reeves, 24th Battalion. A parcel of the personal effects was forwarded to his father, this contained Letters, Wallet, Cigarette Cards. His mother Mary Reeves was awarded a War Pension in the sum of two pounds per fortnight to commence on the 25th October 1916.