ALBERT AITKEN

Private 1396, 4th Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

Died 17th September 1915 aged 21

Buried  Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France

Son of James and Sarah Ann Aitken

Lived 67, Brighton Street, Heckmondwike


Albert was born at Heckmondwike in 1897; he was the son of James and Sarah Ann Aitken.  His mother Sarah had died in 1909 and Albert’s sister Beatrice ran the house.  Before enlisting he worked at the Orchard Dyeworks in Heckmondwike.  Albert’s older brother, Harry born in 1890, is in the Heckmondwike Memorial Book so must also have served his country.  Albert is included on the St James' Parish Church and St Saviour's Memorials.

The 4th Battalion KOYLI proceeded to France from Folkestone landing at Boulogne on the 12th April 1915 and within three weeks was in the thick of the fighting at Hooge.  On 15th May the formation was renamed 148th Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division.  Their first action was in the Battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915; following this the Battalion spent long periods in the line.  On July 17th 1915 Albert Aitken received a gunshot wound to the head.  He was transferred to the hospital in Boulogne but died there two months later on September 17th.{PL-002}

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