Private Albert Henry Hands
| Date of Birth | c. 1888 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 30 |
| Date of Death | 18 October 1918 |
| Service Number | G/19167 |
| Military Service | 9th Battalion East Surrey Regiment |
| Merton Address | 61 Carlton Park Avenue, Raynes Park |
| Local Memorial |
Additional Information
Albert was born in Wandsworth registration district in the last part of 1888. His father James was a cab driver and later lived at 61, Carlton Park Avenue in Raynes Park. When war broke out, Albert enlisted as a private in the 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. This unit was formed in Kingston-on-Thames as part of the Third New Army (K3). It later transferred to Shoreham, joining the 72nd Brigade of the 24th Division.
Albert and his comrades were mobilised for war in September 1915, landing at Boulogne and engaging in various actions on the Western Front, including the battle of Loos in 1915, the German gas attack at Wulverghem, the battle of Delville Wood and the battle of Guillemont in 1916.
During a period of home leave Albert married Lydia Ethel Greer at St. Saviours church in Raynes Park on July 2nd 1916. He later returned to active service but tragically died of sickness in October 1918, just one month before the war ended. He was buried in Schoonselhof Cemetery near Antwerp in Belgium. This cemetery contains 101 Commonwealth burials from the First World War, many of which were transferred from other temporary burial sites following the armistice.
Albert is commemorated on a memorial at St.Saviour’s Church, Raynes Park. His widow later remarried, becoming Lydia Ethel Walters and lived in 78, Vauxhall Bridge Road.