Private Albert Cartwright, 4th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment

 On this day, (March 21st) 110 years ago, Albert Cartwright died of his wounds.

Albert was born in Stafford in 1896 to James and Lydia Cartwright, one of 6 children born to the couple. In 1901 the family were living in Field Place, Stafford, by 1911 the family had moved to Leicester and were living at 4 Crown Street in the city.

Shortly after the outbreak of war on August 4th 1914, Albert saw fit to volunteer for service, so on August 29th 1914 at the age of 18 and a half he enlisted into the 4th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. The 4th were a territorial battalion who had their headquarters in Oxford Road in the centre of Leicester, they formed part of the Lincoln and Leicester Infantry Brigade of the North Midland Division.

The division, embarked for France in February 1915 becoming the first territorial battalion to arrive on the Western Front.

Alberts service records show that he arrived in France on March 2nd 1915.

4th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment

Credit - IWM

Albert was involved in heavy fighting receiving a gunshot would to the face which neccessitated him 

being admitted to a field hospital in near Rouen on 10th October 1915, he recovered sufficiently to be sent back to the line on the 27th of that month.

He was injured once again in March 1916 and sadly died of his wounds on 21st March 1916, he was laid to rest in Ecoiveres Military Cemetery, situated around 8km north west of the town of Arras.

Whilst looking through Alberts service records, a letter from his mother was found, it reads;

Dear Sir,

Very many thanks, twas a great relief, I feel most grateful to you. I firstly had your communication noting the despatch when the following morning the package arrived, the personal effects of my dear departed son (no. 2380 Private A Cartwright, 4th Batt, Leic Regt).

The effects in question were as follows;

1 Gold reefer ring (broken)

1 set of false teeth (broken)

Photos and correspondence

Miniature crucifix and other religious matter

1 French knife

Such were the articles, rest assured that as far as possible I shall ever cherish the same in my possession, now again expressing my gratitude, further quoting my warm thanks for your kindness

Your respectfully

L. Cartwright

And further I shall like to ask if you could kindly let me know the number of my sons grave and whereabouts he is buried.

yours his ??? mother

Mrs Cartwright

For his service and for paying the ultimate sacrifice, Albert was awarded the world war one medal trio and a bronze memorial plaque.

The Leicester Mercury newspaper of March 31st 1916 had the following article;

Pte, Albert Cartwright, whose parents reside at 4 Crown Street, Leicester (his father being the caretaker of Crown Street Primitive Methodist Church ) is reported to have been killed in action. He joined the colours last year, leaving his work at St. Marys Mills to enlist.