Private Alfred Herbert Todd

Alfred Herbert Todd and twin brother Hugh Lewis were born in Kent in July 1892 to parents Benjamin and Ellen (nee Lewis). Their parents had married on 10th December 1891 in Rushden and at that time Benjamin’s occupation was listed as a fishmonger.

In January 1900, the couple had another child named Arthur and when he was baptised, Benjamin had changed his occupation and was listed as a Carpet Planner /Upholsterer. At this time the family were living in Tooting at number 13 Himley Road. The following year the family had moved to number 57 Himley Road where they remained for the next forty years.

The census of 1911 show Benjamin aged 50 still working as a carpet planner/upholsterer, and his wife Ellen aged 51 living in Himley Road, a property with six rooms. They had been married for 19 years and had three children. Alfred aged 18 was working as a dispatch clerk whilst his twin brother Hugh was working as a clerk at a paper manufacturer. Younger brother Arthur was aged 11.

It is not known when Alfred enlisted, but he joined The London Rifle Brigade as a Private with the service number 3077. During his service he was also issued with the service number 302001.

Alfred was killed in action at Les Boeufs in Northern France on 9th October 1916 whilst serving with 5th Battalion City of London Rifle Brigade. He is buried / remembered at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Longueval in France.

Alfred’s name, along with his brother Hugh who died in 1918 and three others appear on the right of the altar at Christ Church, Colliers Wood. A carved oak lectern is inscribed “They shall walk in white for they are worthy”

Hugh and Alfred’s parents and younger brother Arthur were still at 57 Himley Road in 1939.