Z-Marshall-Albert Edward

Albert Edward Marshall DCM 1896 – 1917

Family Details:

Albert Edward was born on 11th April 1896, the son of William Edward and Hannah Elizabeth Marshall (nee Bunting) and baptised at Holy Trinity Church 25th November 1896 of 20, Victoria Street, Batley Carr.

The couple had married in 1892 and the children were Ethel (1892), Sam (1894), Albert (1896), Doris (1899), Frank (1901), Leonora (1909) plus Edith (1897) and three who had died in infancy, Tom (1903-1904), Leonard (1905-July 1906) and Lilian (1907-Jan 1909).

In 1901 the family were living at 28, Victoria Street, Batley Carr but by 1911 they had moved to a four roomed house at 53, Fenton’s Buildings, Bradford Road, Batley.  William Edward was employed as a mechanic. Jack was born in 1911 followed by Stella in 1913, Fred 1916 and Mildred in 1919.

Service Details:

Albert Edward joined the  Heckmondwike Battery of Territorials in April 1913 and was sent to France in April 1915. He rose from the rank of driver to bombardier to Corporal and in April 1916 received his Sergeants stripes. His constant promotion to duty, his painstaking work and general smartness and intelligence gained him these promotions. He was in the German gas attack of December 1915 and from June to September 1916 was on the Somme.

The following for a Citation for award of D.C.M. appeared in the London Gazette on 20 October 1916:-

“1155 Sgt. A.E. Marshal  Royal Field Artillery

For conspicuous gallantry during operations. When the battery was heavily shelled he ran from the gun-pit dragging the wounded to safety and assisting the Medical Officer. He twice ran straight across the open under very heavy shell fire in order to fetch stretchers as quickly as possible”.

At the time Major E.W. Pickering wrote:-

“I hope you have the good fortune to keep a whole skin and that your parents may have the opportunity of seeing you in the near future.” 

Major Pickering also wrote in October 1916:-

“I can just picture your chest swelling an inch or two when you next walk down Halifax Road”

On 21st April 1917 he came home for 10 days leave and spent the happy days visiting friends being given an especially warm welcome by the church people of Batley Carr attending Divine Service and social functions with his chums in the school room. Up to that time he had not even received a scratch whilst he had been in France.

On the 30th April he left to rejoin his Battery. His brother, Sam, had been with him since the outbreak of war.

Albert was killed in action on 2nd October and on the same day his brother wrote to his parents:-

My Dear Parents—-It is my painful duty to have to tell you that our Albert met his death this morning. You must not expect a long letter from me because it is a very difficult subject to write about, and I really do not know what to say because I can hardly realise it myself yet. I got to know in quite a sudden and unexpected manner. I met a gunner coming from  the position near where our Albert had been stationed and I learned he had been killed. He died doing his duty.  They brought his body to the wagon lines this afternoon, and I saw him. He must have been killed instantaneously because he looked quite calm and peaceful. I know it must be almost heartbreaking for you as it is for me, but you must try to bear up .”

Bombardier Rudge, who was also from the original Heckmondwike Battery and lived at Halifax Road, Carr Top, was the first soldier to come home on leave and brought his belongings and told his parents further details.

At the time of his death the family lived at 34, Pyrah Street, Carlton Road, Dewsbury.

Albert was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the 1914 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

He is remembered with Honour at Holy Trinity and Dewsbury War Memorial.

Researched by
Members of Batley History Group