66315, Private, Albert Percy NEAL
Aged 19
Royal Fusiliers, 12th Battalion
Formerly 45945, 3rd Bn. Northampton Regiment
Killed in Action on Tuesday 31st July 1917
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Born in Sedge Fen, Lakenheath (Mildenhall Q3-1898 4A:851 (as NEALE)
1901 census... Aged 2, he was living at Sedge Fen, lakenheath with his father- Daniel NEAL [27] farm labourer, born Lakenheath; mother- Elizabeth [29] (née FULLER) born Mildenhall and brother Archer [1] born Lakenheath 1911 census... Aged 12 he was living at Sedge Fen,Lakenheath with his father (stock feeder, mother and brother- Reginald [6]; brother Daniel [3]. All of them now recorded as born at Sedge Fen,Lakenheath. 2 children had died. |
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Enlisted in Newmarket. At the Battle of Pilkem Ridge the 17th brigade, of which the 1st and 12th battalions Royal Fusiliers were part, were on the right of the 24th Division, attacking from the region of Hill 60. the 1st Royal Fusiliers reached their 1st objective shortly after zero hour and joined 73 brigade on their left in attacking Lower Star Post. The 12th Royal Fusiliers then passed through the 1st Battalion to the Black Line where they were subjected to fire from Tower Hamlets, being stopped 300 yards short of Blue line, where the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade helped them consolidate. On this day the 1st battalion had 85 killed and Albert's 12th battalion lost 92. The vast majority have no known grave. The Bury Free Press of 2nd March 1918 reported:- SEDGE FEN LAD MISSING Mrs. D. Neal, of Sedge Fen, Lakenheath, is very anxious about her son, PrvtA.P.Neal, N.66315, No 1 Coy, 12th Batt., Royal Fusiliers, France, who was reported missing on the 1st August 1917, and concerning whom nothing has been heard since. If any of his comrades know anything about him would they kindly communicate with his parents at the above address. The Bury Free Press of 13th July 1918 reported MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR A LAKENHEATH YOUNG SOLDIER We regretfully record the death of another young Lakenheath soldier who has made the great sacrifice for his country, namely Prvt Albert Percy Neal, so on Mr. andMrs. DanielNeal, Sedge Fen. The parents were notified that he was missing from his regiment, and they are now officially informed that it is believed he died on or about July 31st 1917. Sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents, and general regret that such a genial and popular lad should not return home. He was 20 years of age. A well attended memorial service was held at Sedge Fen on Sunday evening, when Dr. A.J.Pickworth officiated and made reference to the sad event.Appropriate hymns ere sung. |
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