Sjt
Albert Edward Lake

Information about birth

Date of birth:
13/03/1881
Place of birth:
Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

General information

Profession:
Master builder

Army information

Country:
New Zealand
Force:
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Rank:
Serjeant
Service number:
33135
Enlistment date:
22/08/1916
Enlistment place:
Trentham, Wellington, New Zealand
Units:
 —  Canterbury Regiment, 1st Bn.  (Last known unit)

Information about death

Date of death:
24/12/1917
Place of death:
Jubilee Croft, Beselare, Belgium
Cause of death:
Killed in action (K.I.A.)
Age:
36

Cemetery

Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood
Plot: XXI
Row: C
Grave: 7

Distinctions and medals 2

Points of interest 3

#1 Place of birth
#2 Enlistment place
#3 Place of death (approximate)

My story

Serjeant Albert Edward Lake was born on 13th of March 1881 in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty (New Zealand). He was married to Sarah Ann Bernard, which whom he had one daughter called Ruby Evelyn. Before he enlisted in the army, he worked as a master builder. When he enlisted on 22nd August 1916 he joined the 1st Battalion Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Division.

After the Third Battle of Ypres, the New Zealand Division was stationed in the line in and around the Polygon Wood area. In the beginning of December, an attempt was made to capture the Polderhoek Chateau to improve their positions and take the high points of the area from the enemy. They made some small gains, but suffered very heavy casualties. They were able (during the attack) to move the line slightly forward and to avoid further losses it was decided that they would hold and consolidate that new front line.

On the night of 22nd/23rd December the 1st Bn. Canterbury Regiment relieved the 3rd Bn. Canterbury Regiment, where they were in close support to the frontline. Serjeant Lake was killed in action on the 24th December while holding the line. He was originally buried near Jubilee Croft (J.11.a.40.80). After the war he was reburied at Buttes New British Cemetery.

Files 1