My great uncle Albert Thomas was born on 15 March 1897 in Deptford, London. On 24th February 1915, a butcher’s apprentice aged 17 he enlists in the Army joining the Royal Kings Rifles 11th Battalion. He lies about his age stating that he is 19. On 23rd June 1915, he embarks for Rouen, France. On 24th May 1916, he received gunshot wounds to the face but returned to active service at the Front. On 24th August 1916, he received further serious gun shot wounds to his face and abdomen. Four days later, he is repatriated to the UK arriving on 3rd September 1916, sent to Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot, and admitted with gun shot wounds and is severely ill with pneumonia. On 7th September 1916, his family are informed, and told to expect the worst. Miraculously on 1st December 1916, he is discharged from hospital, passed fit and on 13th January 1917 is discharged back to France and rejoins his battalion on 13th February 1917. On 2nd March 1917, he receives further gun shot wounds, dying from complications on 17th March 1917 just two days after his 20th birthday.

Lesley Perry