ALECOCK, Albert



No.14348, Corporal, Albert ALECOCK
Aged 32


9th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Died on Thursday, 4th May 1916


Albert Alecock was born in Euston on 31st October 1883 (Thetford Q4-1883 4B:387), son of John and Selina ALECOCK (née WRIGHT).

He entered Euston Free Voluntary School on 19th July 1887 and left school on 11th September 1897.

1891 census...Aged 7 he was at Thetford Road, Euston with his father John ALECOCK [30] a gardener's labourer; his mother Selina [39] born Rougham; sisters Emma [8] and Ruth [4]. All except his mother were born in Euston.

1901 census...Aged 17, a domestic footman, he was at The Rectory, Hawstead, with the Rev Leslie MERCER. His parents and sister Ruth were still in Euston.

His mother died in 1903.

1911 census...Aged 27, still single, he was a domestic footman at Leonardslee, Lower Beeding, Horsham, Sussex. His widower father was alone in Euston.

He married Laura Emily GILLINGS in 1914 (Williton, Somerset Q3-1914). Her parents were of Great Barton, nr Bury St.Edmunds. Probate has him dying at the Isolation Hospital in Chester and admin to William Gillings, a retired policeman (father in law).Laura was later at Lynch, Allerford, Somerset.

The pension card records he died from scarlet fever. His widow was at c/o Mrs Allan HUGHES, of Lynch, Alleford, Somerset

He had a half brother (by his father's 2nd marriage to Louisa BALAAM) Norman Jack ALECOCK, killed in the RAF in 1942. see here
His brother-in-law (commemorated on his gravestone) was Charles Gillings see here



Albert back left


Emma, Albert and Ruth standing behind parents Selina and John

photos courtesy Richard Alecock





He enlisted in Leominster, whilst resident in Allerford, Somerset.

The Bury Free Press of 13th May 1916 reporting the death of Albert and also Willie Page of Euston, stated:-
EUSTON - LOCAL SOLDIER'S MILITARY FUNERAL -

The death has occurred of Corporal Albert Alecock, son of Mr. John Alecock, a greatly respected young fellow. For six years Corpl. Alecock was in the service of Mr. Wood, of Hengrave Hall, and at the end of this period entered the service of Mr. Wood's sister at Leominster, Hert., as a butler. In September 1914 he joined the 7th King's Shropshire Light Infantry, and about twelve months later went to France and did his "bit" in the firing line. On one occasion when entering the trenches he slipped and broke the small bone of his left foot. This necessitated his removal to England, and he was for a long time a patient in Margate hospital. A subsequent medical examination showed him to be unfit for service abroad. At this time he held the rank of Sergeant, but through failing health gave up one of the stripes. The latter part of the time he was engaged in instructing recruits in musketry. He, however, contracted measles, which brought on heart failure and he passed away on Thursday week in a Chester hospital. The body was removed to Euston for interment, and at the funeral obsequies on Tuesday afternoon there was a large concourse of villagers and others..........





Albert's head stone, also commemorating his brother in law Charles GILLINGS
who was lost on the Somme 18th July 1916. photo by nic_2 via warmemorialsonline.org.uk




Albert Alecock is buried in Euston (St. Genevieve) Churchyard, south of the church

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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