Birch, A
ALBERT BIRCH
Remembered with honour Le Touret Memorial: Panel 8.
He originally enlisted 13 December 1910 in Watford for Short Service (7 years with the Colours, 5 years with the Reserves), in the 11th Battalion Hussars of the Line, and joined at Dublin 17 December 1910: a general labourer aged 18, 5’5″ tall, C of E, next-of-kin his mother of Oxhey, Herts. Unfortunately, he went Absent Without Leave 14 July 1911 and was given eight days punishment. He then deserted 26 December 1911, but was apprehended 27 December 1911. Was tried by District Court Marshal and sentenced to 72 days detention 5 January 1912. All his former service was forfeited on conviction of desertion, and he was discharged for misconduct 19 January 1912. He re-enlisted in Grimsby, Lincs, was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914 Star medals, his qualifying date being 6 November 1914, and was killed in action.
There is an article about Albert in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 5 June 1915.
Son of George Bennett and Eliza (nee MOLE) BIRCH.
His parent’s married 16 June 1889 at Holy Trinity, Grays Inn Road, Holborn, London. George died 1902 in the Dartford, Kent, district aged 42.
Albert was born 1892 in Bushey, Herts.
On the 1901 Census, aged 8 he lived in New Bushey, with his parents and five siblings. On the 1911 Census, he is proving elusive.
Service number
9676Rank
PrivateUnit
2nd BattalionRegiment
Date of death
10/03/1915Age at death
23Place of death
Memorial(s)
- 1st S.W. Herts Scout Troop [in St Mary's Parish Church Watford] (4)
- Abbot's Langley Herts War Memorial (17)
- Aldbury Herts War Memorial (1)
- Aldenham Herts War Memorial (located in Letchmore Heath Herts) (8)
- All Saints Church Croxley Green Herts (12)
- All Saints Church Harrow Weald Middx (2)
- All Saints Church Hertford (1)
- All Saints Church King's Langley Herts (1)
- All Saints Church Leavesden Herts (31)
- All Saints Church Witham Essex (3)