Albert Edward Smith; Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery.

Cap badge of the Royal Artillery

Albert was born on 14th September 1892, the youngest son of George and Elizabeth. In 1911, he was living at home with his parents at 12 Prospect Place and working as a nursery gardener.

On 1st November 1915, Albert enlisted and joined 10 Company, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA) in Great Yarmouth for training. He was then posted to Winchester with 36 Company RGA, who were manning the South Western Coastal Defences. In January 1917, Albert was mobilised to France, arriving in Le Havre on 6th February. He was then posted to join the North Riding Heavy Battery (Territorial Force) based in the Ypres area. Once the Armistice was called, on the 11th November 1918, Albert’s battery became part of the army of occupation in Germany. He was finally demobilised on 6th May 1919. For his war service, Albert received the British War and Victory Medals.

In the spring of 1920, Albert married Elizabeth King, sister of Edward, James and John of 15 Prospect Place, who also served in the war. In 1939, Albert and Elizabeth were living at 9 Prospect Place, Melton, and he was working as a bricklayer at St Audry’s Hospital.