No.8200, Bombardier Saddler, Alfred STITTLE
Aged 31
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Alfred M. Stittle was born in Soham on 30th December 1884 (Newmarket Q1-1885 3B:588), baptised on 20th February 1885, son of Alfred and Ann Elizabeth STITTLE
(née ISAACSON) of Hall Street, Soham.
1891 census...Aged 6, he was at Hall Street, Soham with his father, Alfred STITTLE [41] a saddler; his mother Ann Elizabeth [39], sisters Sarah [11], Ellen [4] and Eliza [3]; brothers Fred [10], John M.[8] and Henry [1]. All were born in Soham. 1901 census...Aged 16, an apprentice saddler, he was at Hall Street, Soham with his parents; sisters Alice [23], Ellen and Eliza ; brothers Fred (saddler), Harry and Ernest B. [8] born Soham. 1911 census...Aged 26, a saddler, he was still at Hall; Street, Soham with his father; brother Henry (saddler) and Ernest Bertram (Post Office assistant); sister Ellen (now Mrs HOWE) and her daughter Ellen Stittle HOWE.(Herbert Howe was visiting his parents in Hall Street, Soham) His mother was visiting his brother John Mold STITTLE and his family in Willesden. His youngest brother Ernest, serving in the Royal Engineers, died as a prisoner of war in France in 1918. see here |
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He enlisted in Newmarket. His documents have him as "died in action" and "died of his wounds", the entry below confirms "wounded". CWGC have his wife as Ann Elizabeth but there is no evidence of him marrying. Ann Elizabeth Stittle was his mother.
The cemetery was used mainly by No.1 Casualty Clearing Station at Chocques at the time. There is no indication as to when or where he was wounded, but at the start of June 1915 the battery was operating in the Vermelles-Cuinchy area and being shelled in return. The local press report:- FALLEN IN THE FIGHT. SOHAM SOLDIER KILLED The sad news of the death of Bombardier A. Stittle, son of Mr.and Mrs Alfred Stittle. of Hall Street, Soham, was received on Tuesday morning. The deceased had many friends in Soham and district, among whom he was very popular. He was of a particularly cheerful and amiable nature and his kindly smile will be greatly missed by many. The late Bombardier Stittle, who was in his 31st year, enlisted very shortly after the outbreak of war as a gunner and soon afterwards was given a bombardier's stripe. Subsequently he followed his calling as a saddler, earning the title of Bombardier Saddler. He visited his home about December and in January was drafted with a company of fitters and others to France, since which time he has taken part in many of the hottest engagements of the war. The sad news was conveyed to the bereaved parents by the Army Chaplain in the following letter: "I am extremely sorry to tell you that your son, Saddler Bombardier Stittle, R.F.A., died of wounds yesterday at No.1 Casualty Clearing Station. He had been wounded by shrapnel in the head and body and asked me to let you know about him. He did not seem to be very bad when I saw him yesterday morning and I had written a letter to tell you of his wounds, but now I am sorry to say that he has gone. His end was quite peaceful and I do not think he suffered much at the end.Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. The wives and mother of England, I fear, are suffering heavily."
photo: Rodney Gibson photo:Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details
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