Private David Adlington

David was born in Bermondsey in 1894 and was the eldest son of David and Emily Adlington. He came from a large family, and according to the 1901 census, his siblings included Emily aged 11, Ellen 9, Peter 4, Sarah 2 and William aged 3 months – David was 6 years old. David Snr was a Tin Plate Worker, and the family were living at 291 Tabard Street, Southwark.

By 1911, the family had moved to 17 Wick Road, Teddington and David Jnr was employed as a Fur Nailer. In 1913, David Snr. was still employed as a Tin plate Worker with premises on the High Street in Colliers Wood, and the family was living at 396 Church Road, Mitcham.

David attested at St. Paul’s Churchyard on 24 August 1918, with the Reserve Regiment of Cavalry. He was aged 20, and was described as 5ft 7ins in height, weighing in at 125 lbs. David served in three units during his service. He transferred to the 12th Hussars, Service Number 6836, and then joined the Machine Gun Corps Cavalry. He spent the early years serving at home and then was sent on Active Service in France on 19 January 1916.

David’s squadron would have taken part in the Somme Battle of St. Quentin (21 – 23 March 1918) as David died of his wounds on 31 March 1918. He is buried at Boves West Communal Cemetery, Somme, and is commemorated locally on the Mitcham War Memorial.

His father, who was then living at 1 Abbey Terrace, Christchurch Road, Mitcham, received his son’s last pay of £14.17.6. Due to the number of years of service, David was also entitled to a War Gratuity of £17.00.