Name
Alfred Victor Farr
1894
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
09/10/1917
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
10977
Coldstream Guards
2nd Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARTILLERY WOOD CEMETERY
XI. C. 3.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
None
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
Alfred (later known as Victor, was born in 1894 in Hitchin and christened on 13 Oct 1894 in Holy Savior Church, Hitchin. His parents were Henry and Emma Farr (née).
In 1901 the family were living at 175 Conduit Street, Leicester – an address referred in many records. Present were both parents: Henry (40) and Emma (43), with Henry working as a fishmonger in his own business. Their children were: William (15), Reginald (12) and Victor (6).
In April 1910 Victor was in trouble along with a Frederick Baxter. Bothe men were summoned for committing a breach of the peace by shouting and behaving in a disorderly manner on April 12th. PC Simpson gave evidence, and both pleaded guilty and had to pay 3s 6d in costs.
in 1911 the family were at the same address. Present were both parents, but Henry was now working as a dairyman. The census recorded they had been married for 32 years with 7 children, of whom 1 had died. Of the children Victor (16) was still present and also working as a dairyman. A William Farr 60 and a cousin was also present.
Victor enlisted as Gunner 298 into the Leicestershire Royal Horse Artillery, possibly a Territorial unit, on 15 March 1912 when he 18 years and 7 month old and living at 175 Upper Conduit Street, Leicester. He had been working for Messrs Johnson & Brown Ltd. Hin mother was named as living at the above address, plus brother William, living at 32 Frederick Road, Leicester, Harry and Arthur who was in the Royal Navy.
He went on annual training in 1912. He was with them until 26 May 1913 when he was given a free discharge.
The Soldiers Died in the Great War (SDITGW) records that he was recorded as born in Hitchin and he enlisted in Leicester.
Wartime Service
He attested 12 August 1914 aged 15 days short of his 20th birthday in Leicester and joined the Coldstream Guards. It is recorded that he served at ‘Home’ until 10 November 1914 and the day after landed in France. This would have been early, even if he had remained a Territorial, but as a Coldstream Guards, too early, unless he had already served in the regulars. Perhaps when he was discharged previously from the Territorials it was to join the Regular Army.
He was killed in action near Houthulst
Additional Information
After his death there was pay owing was authorised as Emma, his mother, £1 9s 0d, brother Henry £3 10s 0d, brother William £3 9s 11d – all authorised on 11 April 1918. Then another £3 9s 11d to his mother at brother Reginald’s request on 26 October 1918. Later, a war gratuity of £18 was authorised to be paid to his mother on 10 January 1920.
His pension cards record Emma Farr as his mother and dependant, living at 175 Upper Conduit Street, Leicester. It also records their children as (b ) and (b ).She was awarded a pension of 3s 6d a week from 30 April 1918, which was increased to 8s from 22 April 1918.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild
