Soldier Record
Albert Louis Hales
Contributed by: Carol Moore, on 2008-11-06
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| First Name | Albert Louis |
| Surname | Hales |
| Year of Birth | 1900 |
| Year of Death | 1918 |
| Regiment | Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment |
| Place of Wartime Residence | Buckhurst Hill, Essex |
Albert Louis's Story
Albert joined up underage as so many did and was first enlisted into the Middlesex regiment, but was later drafted to the Royal West Kents. He was killed on 27 August 1918, just 18 years old. He is buried at Bernafay Wood Cemetary, near the village of Montauban in France. Bernafay Wood was recaptured by the 18th Division on 27th August 1918 and I can only assume Albert died in this battle.
My Great Uncle Albert
It was a long time before my Great-grandparents new that he was dead and not just missing and my Great-grandfather wrote a letter to the local paper appealing to anyone who may have information about Albert. The letter was written on 22 January 1919.
'Dear Sir - My son Pte A L Hales No 31470 7th Roayl West Kent, was posted as missing in France on 27/7/18. Before he left England he told me he was going with two lads from Leyton. I do not know their names. Information would be gladly welcomed from wither of these lads by the missing man's parents - Yours faithfuly G. Hales'
Albert was one of nine children. My Great-grandmother was heartbroken and never recovered from his death.
No additional memories have been submitted