Name
Albert Victor French (*1)
Circa 1897
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
06/04/1918
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Corporal
13629
Bedfordshire Regiment
6th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
POZIERES MEMORIAL
Panel 28-29
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hitchin Town Memorial, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Hitchin
Pre War
Albert was born around 1897 in Hitchin and he was baptised in St Mary’s Church there on 28 November 1897. His parents were Arthur and Maria (née Brown) who married on 30 July 1898.
In 1901 the family were living at 3 Biggin Lane, Hitchin. Present were both parents: Arthur (24) and Maria (22), with Arthur and working as a flesher in a fallmonger’s yard (someone who removes flesh from animal hide). Their only child listed at this time was Herbert (1). Curiously Albert, who would have been about 4 has not been found elsewhere,
Son
In 1911 the family were still living at 3 Biggin Lane, Hitchin. Present were both parents, Arthur now working as a labourer for Hitchin Urban District Council. The census recorded they had been married for 12 years with 7 children all living. The children present were Albert, now 14 and working as an errand boy for a fish shop, Herbert, Hilda (9), Florrie (7), Lizzie (5), George (3) and Harry just 3 months old. In is belived that when Alberts was killes Maria was a widow.
Officially Albert was recorded as born, living and enlisting in Hitchin, Herts.
Wartime Service
Albert, enlisted in September 1914, as 13629 in the Bedford Regiment. He was posted to the 6th Battalion and was killed in action in France.
The news was sent to his mother from a sergeant who wrote: “he was shot through the heart by a German sniper when going up to an advanced post. He was the best corporal I had.” This was before the news was official.
The Battalion had taken over a line of trenches in the Rossignol Wood sector with three Companies in the front line and one in support on the 1st April 1918 and remained there until the 9th April. The casualties during the period were 32 other ranks killed, 70 wounded, 35 gassed and 4 died of wounds although no major engagement was in progress.
He has no known grave, but is remembered on Panels 28 & 29 of the Memorial to the Missing in France.
Additional Information
After his death £11 8s 4d was authorised to go to his mother, Maria, on 22 July 1918. Later, a war gratuity of £17 10s was authorised to be paid to her on 24 November 1919.
His pension cards record, his mother, as his dependant, living at 4 Biggin Lane, Hitchin. She was awarded a pension of 5s 6d a week from 29 October 1918.
Most records found do not include ‘Victor), however his christening records confirm this to be correct.
His younger brother Herbert also served.
Acknowledgments
Adrian Dunne, David C Baines, Jonty Wild
