Charles Alford

Charles was born in Nottingham in 1879 and was the son of Edward, a licensee of the Ten Bells Public House, Red Lion Street, Nottingham, and Emma Alford née Bingham. His father Edward was born in 1850 in Ledbury, his mother Emma Bingham was born in 1850 in Birmingham. They were married in Nottingham in 1876; they went on to have 13 children, however sadly six of the children were to die in infancy or early childhood prior to 1911. Their surviving children, all born in Nottingham, were: Edward b1877, Charles b1880, William b1882, Jenny b1883, May b1885, Ernest b1887 and Walter b1890. In the 1911 census the family are living at 20 Promenade, Robin Hood Street, Nottingham, and are shown as Edward 61 yrs a retired publican. He is living with his wife Emma 60 yrs and their children Jenny 27 yrs a shop keeper and Walter 20 yrs a mason's labourer and two grandchildren, Charles 11 yrs and Richard 8 yrs. In 1898 Charles marries his wife Edith Paling in Nottingham and they go on to have a son Charles William born in 1900 in Nottingham. Probate was proved in Nottingham on 14th March 1919 and shows him as Charles Alford of 80 Red Lion Street, Nottingham, Sapper HM Army died 6th April 1918 at Salonica, effects £97 7 shillings and 7 pence. Administration was awarded to Edward Alford (the younger), grocer. Emma Alford died on 24 February 1915 at the age of 65 and Edward on 28 April 1921 at the age of 70. Their daughter Jenny died on 5 October 1961 aged 77.

Sapper Charles Alford, served with the 39th Motor Air Line Section Royal Engineers. He died following an accident at Salonika on 6th April 1918. He is buried in Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.

His younger brother Walter also served during the Great War. He served in the 1/6th battalion Sherwood Foresters and died on 8th May 1918; he is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. Obituary published on 14th April 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post : - “ALFORD. – Sapper C. Alford, R.E., died in hospital April 6th, through accidental injuries. No loved ones stood beside him to hear his last farewell, not a word of comfort could he have from those who love him well. – From his loving children, sisters, and brother with the colours, Emma, and friend Mary.” Obituary published on 6th April 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post : - “ALFORD. – In loving memory of our dear father and brother, Spr. E. [sic] Alford, died in hospital through accidental injuries at Salonica on April 6th, 1918. One year has passed, and still to memories dear, we breathe his name and shed a silent tear. - From his loving children, sisters Jenny and May, brother Ted, and brother and sister-in-law Emma and Will Thorpe, and friend Mary.” Above obituaries are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Inscription on family gravestone, Nottingham General Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of our dear mother Emma Alford who died February 24, 1915, aged 65 years. Rest in Peace. Also of Edward Alford who died April 28, 1921, aged 70 years. Also of Charles Alford died of wounds in Salonika April 6th 1918, aged 39 years. Also of Walter Alford, died of wounds in France, May 8th 1918, aged 28 years. Also of Jenny beloved daughter of Emma and Edward, died October 5th 1981 aged 77 years.’