Albert Edward's Story.
Born in October 1893 to parents Edmund and Kate Florence Pye and living at 28 Paradise Street, Northwich. Baptised 27 September 1894 in Witton-cum-Twambrooks, Northwich, Cheshire. Albert would become the eldest of 6 siblings. Albert gained employment as an Alkali Labourer at Brunner Mond and Co. Northwich.
Albert joined the Cheshire territorials and became a member of ‘D’ Company, 1/5th battalion, The Cheshire Regiment, based in Northwich, rising to Lance Corporal by the outbreak of war with Regimental number 1434.
The battalion left for France on the 14th of February 1915 and became part of the 13th Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division BEF. The battalion gained front line experience in areas like Neuve Eglise, Kemmel and Ypres.
On February the 2nd 1916 the battalion were transferred to the new army 56th London Division and became the Pioneer battalion for this unit.
By June 1916 Albert had been promoted to Sergeant and the battalion were heavily involved in preparations for the ‘Diversionary attack’ at Gommecourt, as part of the forthcoming battle of the Somme.
Unfortunately Albert was killed in action, at age 23, along with his good friend Corporal Ernest Wharton, on the 27th June 1916. It is believed they were together in a dugout which received a direct hit from an enemy shell.
Albert was buried at Hebuterne Military Cemetery, II.C.5.
Albert is commemorated at both the Brunner Mond & Co. Memorial, Winnington, and also at the Northwich War Memorial at St Helens church Northwich.
Researched by Mike Pye, great nephew of Albert.
Researched by Mike Pye, great nephew of Albert.