Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Albert Edward Dunn passed through Peterborough East Station on 13 July 1916.  A service record for Albert has been located and although the regimental number he gave in the visitors’ book does not match, his signatures in both documents are very similar.  It is thought that he is correctly identified – unless you are able to help?

Albert mentions the London Street School, Edinburgh in his visitors’ book entry and his unit, the 31^st (Reserve) Battalion) were in Edinburgh in July 1916.  It is possible he was travelling to or from Edinburgh when he visited the tea room on Peterborough East Station.

Albert was born on 15 December 1891, in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire to Frederick and Hannah (nee Hill).  In 1911, the family were living at Staunton House, Newport, Lincoln.  Albert’s father was a boot and shoe dealer and Albert had six siblings.  In 1911, Albert was lodging with the New family at St Ives, Huntingdonshire and is recorded as a bank clerk with the Capital and Counties Bank.

Albert attested at Bury St Edmunds on 9 December 1915, at the age of 23 years and 11 months.  He gave his address as 15 Lisburn Road, Newmarket.  It is noted in his medical report that his heart was transposed to the right hand side.  He was mobilised on 8 February 1916, and served in the Mediterranean.  On 28 April 1917, he transferred to 342 Labour Corps.  At the beginning of 1919, Albert was promoted to Sergeant and was finally demobilised on 10 March 1919.  His address at discharge was Bevys House, St Mary’s Square, Newmarket.  Although his medal card has not been found it is thought he would have been awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals for his service overseas.

Albert married Lilian Simpson in Newmarket in the December quarter of 1918.  In 1939, they were living at 12 Market Hill, Blyth, Suffolk and Albert was a bank official with Lloyds Bank.  No children have been identified.  Albert died in 1983 in the Ipswich Registration District.

The 31st (Reserve) Battalion formed at Colchester in September 1915 moving to Leamington to join the 24th Reserve Brigade in November 1915. In 1916, they moved to Abingdon and then Edinburgh.  In September 1916, they became the 107th Training Reserve Battalion in the 24th Reserve Brigade.    http://bit.ly/2o4lAU9

Can you help us confirm that this is our soldier? Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Albert.