Albert Edward Binch
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Albert Edward was the son of Thomas William and Mary Jane Binch (née Barsby). His father Thomas William was born in Mansfield in November 1849 (O/N/D Mansfield), the son of Thomas and Mary Binch; he was baptised on 25 November 1949 at Mansfield SS Peter and Paul. In 1871 Thomas William was living with his parents and two of his siblings on Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield. His mother Mary Jane Barsby was born in Lenton, Nottingham, on 21 March 1852 (A/M/J Radford) the daughter of John and Jane Barsby. In 1871 her famly was living in Rock Valley, Mansfield. Thomas Wiliam and Mary Jane were married at the Mansfield United Free Methodist Church in 1875 (A/M/J Mansfield) and they had four children one of whom died young: Albert Edward b. 8 September 1881 (J/A/S Mansfield), John Harold b. 20 May 1884 (A/M/J Mansfield) d. 10 December 1888 (J/A/S Mansfield), Herbert James Gurnell b. 20 July 1886 (J/A/S Mansfield) and Winifred Jane b. 18 April 1890 (A/M/J Mansfield). All the children were born in Mansfield. In 1881 Thomas (41), a cordwainer, and Mary (29) who was working for a cotton reeler manufacturer were living at 2 Woodhouse Road, Mansfield. Also in the home on the night of the census was Laura Barsby (4) whose relationship to Thomas and Mary was not given. They were still living on Woodhouse Road in 1891; Thomas and Mary had three children, Albert (9), Herbert (4) and Winifred (under 1 year). Also in the household was Mary's widowed mother, Jane Barsby (71) and a lodger, William Everitt (38) an instructor of yeoman cavalry. Thomas and Mary were recorded at 33 Woodhouse Road in 1901; all three children were in the home on the night of the census: Albert (19) a litho printer, Herbert (14) an apprentice and Winifred (10). Jane Barsby was still living with the family. Only Albert and Winifred were still living with their parents at 33 Woodhouse Road in 1911, their brother Harold having married in 1908. Their father Thomas (61) was now working as a bootmaker and repairer on his own account. Also in the household were two boarders, brothers Charles James Wilson (29) an engineers' pattern maker and Harold Boaler Wilson (27) a clerk for a tin plate printers. Charles and Albert had both attended Brunts School together. Charles continued to live with the Binch family until his death in France in 1915. Thomas William Binch died on 2 May 1919 (A/M/J Mansfield) aged 69 and his wife Mary Jane on 17 April 1936 (A/M/J Mansfield) aged 84. The probate record gives her address as 33 Woodhouse Road; administration was awarded to her surviving child, Herbert, a pianoforte tuner. Herbert James Gurnell married Elizabeth Place (b. 30 June 1885) in 1908 (J/F/M Mansfield) and they had at least one child, Albert Edward (b. 1 January 1909). In 1911 they were living at 5 Skerry Hill, Mansfield, with their two year old son Albert; Herbert was now working as a pianoforte tuner. In 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled Herbert and Elizabeth were living at 195 Nottingham Road, Mansfield, with their son Albert who was also a piano tuner. Elizabeth probably died in 1950 (A/M/J Mansfield). Herbert died on 31 January 1956; he was still living at 195 Nottingham Road. Administration of his estate was awarded to his son, Albert, a musician. Albert died in 1991 (A/M/J Mansfield). Winifred Jane married Jethro Gregory in 1911 (O/N/D Mansfield but died the following year on 10 February 1912 (J/F/M Mansfield) aged 21. Jethro remarried in 1937 and died on 29 February 1944; his wife Florence (née Cross) survived him.
Formerly 39125 Lincolnshire Regiment According to a newspaper report of his death, Albert was reported missing on 15 September 1916 and his body later found and identified by men of the RFA while out wiring. He was identified from a letter addressed to his parents which was on his body. The working party buried his body and marked the grave with a wooden cross but the grave was later lost and Albert is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Inscription on family headstone, Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery: 'In affectionate remembrance of Thomas William Binch Born Nov. 7th 1949 Died May 2nd 1919. Also Mary Jane wife of the above born March 21st 1852 died April 17th 1936. Also Pte Albert Edward son of the above born Sep 8th 1881 killed in action in the Battle of the Somme Sep 15th 1916. Also Winifred Jane (Winnie) daughter of the above born April 18th 1890 died Feb 10th 1912. Also John Harold son of the above born May 20th 1884 died Dec 10th 1888. Also Cpl Charles James Wilson killed in action June 12th 1915' Charles James Wilson, who had lived with the Binch family from at least 1911, served with the Sherwood Foresters (2165 Corporal) and was killed in action on 12 June 1915. (See record on this ROH.) Probate: Binch Albert Edward of 33 Woodhouse-road Mansfield Nottinghamshire private in HM army died 15 September 1916 in France or Belgium Administration (with Will) Nottingham 8 March to Mary Jane Binch (wife of Thomas William Binch). Effects £242 5s. 7d. Registers of Soldiers Effects: his mother Mary Jane sole legatee Mansfield Reporter, 20 October 1916: ‘Local Casualties. Mansfield Man Missing. Private Albert Binch, son of Mr W Binch, Woodhouse-road, is reported missing. He was in the Scottish Borderers, and had been in France only two days. Nothing has been heard of him since Sept. 15th.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Mansfield Reporter, 10 November 1916: ’Local Casualties. Killed. Private A Binch Mansfield. We announced recently that Pte. Albert Binch, of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, was missing, but news has now been received that his body has been found by men of the A Battery, 70th Brigade RFA whilst out wiring. They state in a letter to the deceased’s mother that, from his wounds, they judged that his death was instantaneous. In his pocket was a letter addressed to his parents, who reside on Woodhouse-road, Mansfield. The men of the RFA interred the body, and marked the spot with a wooden cross. Previous to enlistment, Private Binch, who was 33 years of age and single, was employed in the litho. Department at Messrs Barringer, Wallis and Manners’ works, where he was held in high esteem.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Mansfield Reporter 31 Aug 1917: ‘Local and District News. For Those Who Have Fallen. A special service was held in the Leeming Street Primitive Methodist church on Sunday evening in memory of those associated with the church who had fallen in the war. The service was conducted by the Rev. Chas. F. Gill (superintendent minister). The names mentioned were: Harold Blythe, Wm Andrews, George Ed. Fletcher, William Fletcher, Fred H Tudge, Albert E Binch, Archie Draycott, Sam Bowler and Frank Weighell. Mr Gill delivered a suitable address, on the words, ‘He healeth the broken in heart.’ He urged his hearers to commit their loved ones, and also their own lives, to the keeping of the God of infinite tenderness, and so find consolation in the hour of trial. The service was very impressive.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
