No.14244, Private, Albert Edward TIMMINS
Aged 25
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Albert Timmins was born in Llanhamlach, Brecon (Brecknock Q3-1890 11B:93), baptised on 21st September 1890 in Llanhamlach. He was the son of Edward and
Martha Elizabeth TIMMINS (née DAVIES)
1891 census...Aged 9 months, he was at The Coachman's House, Llanhamlach with his father Edward TIMMINS [31] a coachman, born Barrow, Shropshire and his mother Martha Elizabeth [29] born Llanwyddellan, Montgomeryshire. 1901 census... Aged 10, he was in Llanhamlach with his parents and sister Florence E D [ 15] born Shrewsbury Trinity, and brothers John F [8] and Ivor S [6] both born in Llanhamlach. 1911 census... Aged 20 he was in barracks at St Margaret & St John, London a private in the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. His parents had moved to School Cottages, Kennett with his grandmother Elizabeth DAVIES born Llanwyddellan, Montgomeryshire |
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The Bury Free Press of 5th May 1917 reported:- DUTY WELL DONE - KENNETT BROTHERS' PATRIOTIC RECORD
Our photo is of the three gallant soldier sons of Mr.and Mrs.Timmins of Kennett, each of whom have rendered or are rendering signal service to their country. One, alas, is no more, Prvt A.E. Timmins having made the supreme sacrifice. He died a hero's death whilst taking part in the battle of Loos on October 8th 1915. His regiment, the Grenadier Guards, being one of the foremost attacking parties. When war broke out Prvt A.E.Timmins was called up as a reserve, and from that date, up to the time of his death, he saw much active service. He was a baker by trade, and his age was 27. Gunner FJ.F.Timmins, who is also a baker by trade, enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery in February 1915. During his military career he has seen much sever fighting of it, for he was twice wounded on the Somme. We are pleased to say, however, he has fully recovered from the casualties mentioned and is back on duty. Sergt.I.S.Timmins, the remaining brother, is a proud possessor of the D.C.M. He distinguished himself greatly while serving in the Royal; Irish Fusiliers.The official record state that the medal was presented to him for constant devotion to duty and marked ability to command. After all his seniors had become casualties, Sergt Timmins re-organised his company after a check and led them forward. This fearless young soldier, who is only 20 years of age, was, prior to the war, in the service of Sir John Ainsworth M.P. as a butler. He volunteered his service when the war was five months old. We congratulate the young Sergeant upon his gallant achievement of winning such a coveted souvenir of war, and also the parents upon their three sons' noble and self sacrificing record. He enlisted in Bury St. Edmunds. On the morning of the 8th October the French in the Hill 70 sector saw that holes had been cut through the German wire — a sure sign that an attack was imminent. At mid-day the German guns opened up along the entire front between Lens and the La Bassée Canal, that lasted until 4 pm. An attempt was made by the Germans to recapture the final portions of their old front line still held by the British: Quarry and Big Willie Trenches. Fortunately the Guards had just been supplied with nine thousand Mills grenades; the importance of an adequate supply of these weapons in trench warfare having been recognised. The Germans tried to bomb their way along the communications trenches running into the southern end of Quarry Trench but were thrown back by the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. The 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards in Big Willie Trench had a much harder time of things, being attacked from three sides. Those who were not killed were forced back down towards Dump Trench where a party from the 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards under L/Sgt Oliver Brooks threw the invaders back up the trench. At the end of the action the Grenadiers were back to their former position and Sgt Brooks had been awarded the Victoria Cross. 27 men of the 3rd Grenadier Guards were killed on that day, only three having an identified grave. |
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