Name
Claude Astley Saker
7 Feb 1887
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
17/09/1917
30
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Corporal
184237
Canadian Infantry
10 Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
AIX-NOULETTE COMMUNAL CEMETERY
I. T. 3.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Harpenden Town Memorial, Church of St Nicholas Memorial, Harpenden
Pre War
Claude Astley was born 7 Feb 1887 in Croydon to Richard Webb Saker, solicitors’ clerk and Hannah Chamberlin (nee Glover). They were living at Kent Lodge Campbell Road, Croydon, Surrey.
On the 1891 Census the family were living at Hatchlands Road, Reigate, Surrey. By the 1901 Census the family had moved to Harpenden and resided on Station Road. Claude attended St Albans Grammar School. On the 1911 Census the Family were living at Croft Cottage, Station Road and Claude listed his occupation as Canadian Farmer, as he had migrated to Canada in May 1905.
Wartime Service
Claude attested as Private 184237 on 29 Mar 1916 in Red Deer, Alberta. He stated he had served 2 years with 2nd Beds Regiment and was posted to 89 Battalion.
This unit sailed from Canada on 31 May 1916 and arrived in UK on 8 Jun 1916. He went to France in Aug 1916 to join 10th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force.
He was wounded in the ankle in Oct 1916 and was treated for Shell Shock and Concussion in May 1917, returning to duty in July 1917. He was killed in fighting near Lens on 17 Sep 1917, having been promoted to Lance Corporal for just a month. His captain wrote: "I can speak in the highest terms of the soldierly and manly qualities of your son."
Additional Information
Elder brother Charles served in Royal Army Medical Corps as Captain and Quartermaster at 46 Casualty Clearing Station and was also Mentioned in Despatches. He survived the war.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild
