Pte
Albert Edward Varker

Informatie over geboorte

Geboortedatum:
31/07/1898
Geboorteplaats:
Walworth, Surrey, Engeland, Verenigd Koninkrijk

Informatie legerdienst

Land:
Engeland, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Strijdmacht:
British Expeditionary Force
Rang:
Private
Service nummer:
40908
Dienstneming plaats:
Whitehall, Middlesex, Engeland, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Eenheden:
 —  Lancashire Fusiliers, 20th Bn. (4th Salford)  (Laatst gekende eenheid)

Informatie over overlijden

Datum van overlijden:
23/10/1917
Plaats van overlijden:
Houthulst Forest, Belgiƫ
Doodsoorzaak:
Killed in action (K.I.A.)
Leeftijd:
19

Gedenkplaats

Tyne Cot Memorial
Paneel: 59

Onderscheidingen en medailles 2

British War Medal
Medaille
Victory Medal
Medaille

Points of interest 3

#1 Geboorteplaats
#2 Dienstneming plaats
#3 Plaats van overlijden (bij benadering)

Mijn verhaal

Private Albert Edward Varker served in the Lancashire Fusiliers, 20th (Service) Battalion (4th Salford), part of the 104th Brigade, of the 35th Division.
On the 23rd of October 1917, the Battalion was located near les 5 Chemins just south of the Houthulst Forest. They occupied these positions on the previous day. On the 23rd the Battalion was ordered to raid a couple of huts (at coordinate V.1.a.) in the Houthulst Forest. Three men were tasked to go forward as scouts. They surprised a German machine gun post and bayonetted the machine gunner. When they returned to the rest of the Battalion, the patrol brought back the machine gun and four unwounded prisoners of the Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 119. However, as they went back, the German line sent up SOS signals and opened up heavy artillery fire. Machine guns were firing from both flanks and from the huts. As a result, considerable casualties were made.
Private Albert Edward Varker was killed in action on the 23th of October 1917, at Houthulst Forest. It is highly likely that he fell during the raid, while returning to the British line. His remains were never identified. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

Bestanden 1

Bronnen 1

20 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers , (The National Archives, KEW (TNA), WO 95/2484/3).
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14303
Verdere verwijzing

Meer informatie 3