Lance Corporal Albert Edward Dodson
| Date of Birth | 02/09/1897 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 19 |
| Date of Death | 14/10/1916 |
| Service Number | G/8894 |
| Military Service | 9th Battalion East Surrey |
| Merton Address | 68 South Park Road |
| Local Memorial | Holy Trinity Church, Wimbledon |
Additional Information
Albert was born on 2 September 1897 and baptised on 10 October that year in St Mark’s Church, Battersea.
He had a younger sister, Eva, and they grew up in Battersea with the family moving from Forest Hill to Balham by 1911. Their father, George, was a Porter, and their mother was Annie Louisa Caroline (Nee Ayres).
Albert enlisted in March 1915 and by then the family had moved to South Park Road in Wimbledon. He was only 17½ years old but gave his age as 19. He was tall for his age, standing at 5ft 10½ins so could probably easily pass for older than he was.
He was joined the East Surrey Regiment as a Private and was sent to France where he had several hospital admissions with “French Feet”. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 7 October 1916 and was killed in action just a week later.
Albert is buried in Villiers Station Cemetery and has “Called into his eternal glory” on his headstone. He is also commemorated in St Mark’s Church, Wimbledon.