Name
Albert Victor Catlin
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
02/07/1916
22
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
15674
Bedfordshire Regiment
7th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
DIVE COPSE BRITISH CEMETERY, SAILLY-LE-SEC
II. C. 19.
France
UK & Other Memorials
Hunsdon War Memorial
Memorial Plaque St Dunstan’s Church, Hunsdon
Pre War
Born in1894, in Hunsdon and in 1901 lived with his parents William and Mary along with brothers William and Frederick and sisters Maude and Pretoria, at Filletts Farm Cottage, Hunsdon. They had moved to Acorn Street in Hunsdon in the 1911 census and he had gained another sister Mary. His father was horse keeper on a farm and Albert was a farm labourer.
Wartime Service
Joined the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regt, who left for France in July 1915. On 1st July 1916 they took part in the opening battle of the Somme campaign at 0730. When, as part of the 54th Brigade, they attacked German front line trenches. Their objectives were Pommiers, Emden and Bund Trenches plus the Pommiers Redoubt. They managed to take all their objectives and by 0930 they were all in British hands. Some elements of the Bedfordshires managed to advance a further 500 yards behind the captured trenches. This was one of the few successes on the opening day of the battle. It was during this attack that Albert was wounded, he died of wounds the following day.
Additional Information
At the time of his death his father was living at White Hall Cottage, Hunsdon.
Acknowledgments
Terry & Glenis Collins
