Photograph of Albert in Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre. Reference: Acc5112
(L to R) 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; 1939-45 Defence Medal; 1939-45 War Medal
We don't know anything about Albert's early life or childhood.
He served in the Army during the Second World War. Originally Albert either enlisted or was conscripted into the Royal Engineers. They gave him his service number: 2183525. He later transferred to the Manchester Regiment. We believe he also spent some time with the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire).
Albert's entry in the Manchester Regiment Enlistment Book tells us that he 'attested' on the 16th May 1940. We don't know whether this was the date he joined the Army, or the Manchester Regiment.
Just over 2 years after this, Albert moved again. He was transferred to the Royal Ulster Rifles (RUR) on the 4th September 1942. Neither battalion of the RUR fought during the Italian Campaign, but the Regiment also included 2 battalions of the London Irish Rifles. These units both fought in Italy from 1943 onwards.
Albert survived the war, but the rest of his life remains a mystery. His medals were donated to the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in September 2009.
