Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Alfred Hibbitt, a hawker, born 1859 in Exton, Rutland and his wife Eliza Hibbitt (nee Townsend, married in the 4th quarter of 1884 in the Oakham, Rutland district), born 1861 in Exton. Alfred was born on the 7th February 1896 in Hambleton, Rutland, his siblings were, Amos, born 1889 and Alice, born 1892, the latter two siblings were both born in Exton, Frank, born 1894 in Edith Weston, Rutland, Louisa, born 1899 and Elsie, born 1901, the latter two siblings were both born in Hambleton, in March 1901 the family home was at Hambleton. In April 1911 Alfred was employed as a wood dealer and was residing in the family home at Hambleton, together with his father a wood dealer and carter, his mother and siblings, Amos, a house painter, Frank, a wood dealer and carter, Louisa, a schoolgirl and Elsie, a schoolgirl. Prior to enlistment Alfred had been employed as a railway porter, embarking for France in July 1916 he took part in the Battle of the Somme, where during an operation at Delville Wood, he was posted as missing in action on the 15th September 1916, he was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 15 Sep-16 – MEAULTE. The Grenades drawn last night were detonated by the bombers after about two hours work and were distributed. In addition to those carried by bombers, each man had two Mills Bombs in his possession.
10.00pm. “Y” and “Z” Companies with Battalion Headquarters left to take up position allotted to us, Lieutenant PRITCHARD being left behind with a small party to bring on our rations. We advanced in single file around the Eastern edge of DELVILLE WOOD. On coming to the ridge North West of the wood we ran into the enemy’s barrage which inflicted a few casualties. The ground all the way was being reached by the enemy’s artillery. 2nd Lieutenant PEARN was wounded on the way up. Our progress was very slow as we were continually delayed by other regiments in front.
On Friday December 15th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS.” - The following casualties amongst local men are officially reported. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown. The town shown against each soldier’s name is the home of his next-of-kin. From Wednesday’s list:- KILLED. (Previously reported missing). KING’S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY. Hibbitt, 27261 A. (Oakham).