Albert Edward Garratt
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Edward was born in 1894 the son of Henry and Mary Garratt of Redhill Daybrook Nottingham. In 1911 he and his family were living at Redhill. At the time of enlistment his siblings were George William (31), Samuel (28), John (16), Mabel Extall (32), Florence (23) and Ethel (21). All were living with their parents at Lees Cottages apart from George who was at 93 Duke Street Arnold. Edward's personal effects were returned to his father; it seems these were sent to a former address as Henry advised the army in March 1917 that his address was 191 Mansfield Road Daybrook.
His service record shows that he enlisted at Mansfield on 10th November 1915 giving his age as 22 years and 221 days. He enlisted into 176 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. He embarked Southampton 25 September 1916, disembarking at Le Havre 26 September. He was admitted to hospital (sick) 5 February 1917 but returned to duty the following day. Edward was with his unit in the Ypres Salient, which, whilst not so active at this particular time, due to the very bad winter conditions, was far from a safe area and both sides continued the combat, usually strafing with artillery fire, on a daily basis. It was during one of these German 'Straffs' on the British lines that Edward was killed whilst manning his gun sited in the trenches near Vlamertinghe. He is buried at Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium
Death notice published 26th February 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “GARRATT. – Killed in action, February 8th, 1917, Gunner A. E. Garratt, R.G.A., the dearly beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Garratt, of Daybrook, aged 23. He sleeps not in his native land, but beneath some foreign sky; far from those who loved him best, in a hero's grave he lies.” In memoriam notice published 8th February 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post; - “GARRATT. – In loving memory of Gnr. A. E. Garrett, R.G.A., killed in action February 8th, 1917. A loving son, a brother kind, a beautiful memory left behind; he bravely answered his duty call, his life he gave for one and all. – Mother, father, sisters, and brothers.” Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Listed in the Nottinghamshire County Council register of employees who served ((Nottinghamshire Archives CC CL 2 /12/1/1)
