Name
Albert William Odell
4 Aug 1896
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
23/09/1917
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
G/15582
Royal Sussex Regiment
12th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
AEROPLANE CEMETERY
VII. C. 41.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US I.JOHN IV.19
UK & Other Memorials
Wheathampstead Village Memorial, Folly Methodist Chapel Window, Wheathampstead
Pre War
Albert William was born on 4 Aug 1896 in Wheathampstead to William Odell, a bricklayer, and Cicely (nee Sheppard).
On the 1901 Census Albert and his younger brother Edwin (born 1900) were living with his parents in the Folly, Wheathampstead. On the 1911 Census Albert was living with his Aunt Sheppard in the Folly. His parents were living in the Folly with Edwin and Cicely, a daughter born 1905. At some time he worked at the Amalgamated Rubber Company in Harpenden.
Wartime Service
Albert volunteered in Dec 1914 as private 4250 Hertfordshire Regiment, Following training Albert went to France on 16 Aug 1916 and probably soon after arrival he was transferred to 12th (Service) Battalion (2nd South Down) Royal Sussex Regiment, a unit in the same brigade (118 Brigade) as the Herts regiment. As part of 39th Division he would take part in the later Somme Battles of Thiepval and the Ancre. In 1917 Albert with his unit transferred to the Ypres sector to take part in the Battles of Passchendaele, notably Pilckem Ridge on 31st July 1917, Langemarck (16 – 18 Aug 1917) and Menin Road (20 – 25 Sep 1917). It was during the latter action that Albert was killed on 23 Sep 1917.
His Commanding Officer wrote: “He was a good and keen soldier and his loss is regretted by all his comrades. I hope it may lessen his Mother’s sorrow to know that his death was instantaneous. I join with all his comrades in sending you an expression of deep condolence.”
Additional Information
War gratuity £13 and arrears of £5 8s 2d was paid to his mother. She was living at, The Folly, Wheathampstead, Herts. when she ordered his headstone inscription: "WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US I.JOHN IV.19".
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild
