Albert Saunders
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Albert was born on 18th June 1893 at Huthwaite and was the son of Josiah and Sarah Saunders who were natives of Fyfield ,Buckinghamshire. He was one of a family of five children having three brothers, Ernest , Fredereick and Charles and one sister, Elizabeth. They lived on Pit Lane Huthwaite before moving to Morley Street, Sutton in Ashfield. In 1911 they lived on Morley Street Sutton in Ashfield. He married Annie Blythe at St Thomas Church, Kirkby-in-Ashfield on 11th April 1914 and they had one daughter Doris. Following his death his widow Annie married Frederick Shaw who had also served during the war .
Albert enlisted in April 1916. After completing his training at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire he was sent to France in December 1916. He died on the night of 17th April 1917 when he was working close to the front line. An enemy shell bursting quite close which killed him instantly. He is buried in Maroc British Cemetery , Grenay, Pas De Calais, France, grave reference I G 30 Albert was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
Notts Free Press – 4th. May, 1917. KILLED BY SHELL FIRE - PRIVATE A. SAUNDERS, SUTTON Private Saunders Formerly engaged as an assurance agent, Private Albert Saunders, of 62, Priestsic road, Sutton, joined the colours in April, 1916. In December he was sent to France, where he met his death on April 17th. He was 23 years of age, and leaves a wife and one child. From the officer of the deceased Mrs. Saunders has received the following letter:- "It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your husband, who was killed in action late last night, the 17th April. He was working close to the first line when a shell bursting quite closely killed him instantly. Your husband proved himself an excellent soldier, and one of the many who went to make the 'New Armies' of which we are all so proud. He made many comrades in his Company, and they share my sorrow in his loss which his death has brought. His personal effects have been forwarded and will reach you in due course. Regulations forbid my saying where he is buried, but a cross has been erected, and the Graves Registration Unit will forward particulars in the near future. Assuring you of my sincere sympathy.- Richard B. Godfrey, 2nd. Lieutenant." Additional information courtesy of Lynne Weston
