Albert Farron

Private. 5674. King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.

Born 1883 in Christchurch, Ashton Under Lyne.

Son of James and Mary.

Brother of Sarah, Percy, James H. and Ellen.

Married Beatrice Mary Gledhill in 1912.

Address: West End, Golcar.

Occupation: Weaver at J.E. Crowther's, Bank Bottom Mills, Marsden. Killed in action 20th October 1914. Aged 31. Commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial Panel 2.

Albert enlisted in the army aged 16 and served in India and went through the whole of the South Africa Campaign (Boer War.) He re-enlisted at the outbreak of the war. His wife received the following letter from him telling her that they had landed at Boulogne on 23rd August.

'We got stuck into the Germans somewhere in the Mons district on the 26th August and a ripping do it was too I can tell you. We had to retire early to Paris, the Germans were about 3 to our 1, at least so the papers say and, judging by all the iron that came over I should say so too. So never worry I dodged them that day and I am dodging them yet. The General has complimented our regiment, and two Privates of our Company have been mentioned in despatches for bringing in a wounded comrade out of the firing line. They deserved it too. I suppose you will think I am telling you old news but we are only allowed to tell you what happened a month back. I have written this to tell you that I am in France alright. Fine country too, grand farms, tons of fruit and the people, well they would give you anything nearly. We sleep mostly in barns amongst the straw. We are in a barn now and there is about two tons of tobacco leaf behind our heads. Just at present we have lots of smoking stuff but don't forget the writing paper I told you about. I don't know how long the war will last but I think that shortage of money will beat Germany in the end. The fighting in South Africa was soft up to this lot but South Africa could beat it hollow for hardships. Outposts, grub and weather were all worst in South Africa but the scrapping here is mustard. We shall have a Merry Christmas this time you see if we don't.'

Albert was reported missing presumed killed on 20th October 1914 and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing in Hainaut, Belgium along with 11,372 others.

He is also listed on the Roll of Honour in St. John's Church, Golcar.