Albert William Odell

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