Alfred Roberts Ledger

Alfred Roberts Ledger married Lilian Jenkinson in Worksop, Notts in1909 and took residence at 46 Devonshire Street. He had been born in Worksop in 1885, the eldest child of Joseph and Emily Ledger, nee Gibson and lived at 63 Netherton Road. Alfred’s father, Joseph, was a tailor by trade after 1901 moved to 5 Potter Street where he practised his trade having a shop and took on employees. Alfred also had 5 siblings who were all born in Worksop, Bertie born in 1887, Minnie in 1890, Elsie 1894, Fred 1898 and Cecil in 1910. When Alfred reached the age of 16 he was working as a telegraph messenger which no doubt assisted him in 1903 to be appointed as postman. Alfred also fathered 3 children before going to war, Alfred Leonard in 1909, Stanley in 1910 and Reginald in 1912.

Pte A R Ledger Worksop Guardian 4 October 1918 It is our painful duty to, this week state that Pte A R Ledger, Bedfordshire Regt., who we reported wounded in our last issue, has succumbed to his injuries. These were of a serious nature, he being wounded in the abdomen. He passed away in Taplow Hospital on Tuesday morning in the presence of his father, Mr * Ledger, Central Avenue, who had been sent for. The deceased soldier leaves a wife and three children, who resides in Devonshire Street, to mourn his loss. He had only been in France a short time, but during recent operations he had seen much severe fighting. As a lad, he was six years a member of Priory Church Choir and his musical abilities led to his services being in urgent demand in the happy times of peace. He was a clever *antist, and in this capacity was a valued member of the old minstrel troupe band and he also played in the orchestra at every performance of the Worksop Operatic society. He was for many years employed on the Post Office staff at Worksop, and was greatly respected in the town. The news of his death will be received with great regret and the deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, parents and other relatives. The funeral will take place with full military honours at the New Cemetery this afternoon. Pte Alfred R Ledger Worksop Guardian 11 October 1918 The interment took place on Friday afternoon at the New Cemetery, Worksop, with full military honours of the late Pte Alfred R Ledger, Bedfordshire Regiment, whose lamented death from wounds received in action (as reported in our last issue), took place in hospital at Taplow, on the previous Tuesday in the presence of his wife and her sister (Miss Jenkinson, Clowne) and father and Miss Minnie Ledger (sister). The body was bought was bought from Taplow on the previous day and conveyed to the deceased soldier’s home, in Devonshire Street, from whence the cortege started. The coffin, covered with a Union Jack, was reverently borne into St Anne’s Church, where the first portion of the service was taken, the opening sentences and prayers being said by the Rev. H Gray, Vicar, the Rev. Heriz Smith, C.F. reading the lesson. Preceded with a firing party, with arms reversed, and buglers from Welbeck Camp, the procession headed by the Chaplain, who was robed, marched to the New Cemetery, the procession being watched by a large number of people, to many of whom the deceased was well known. At the graveside the committal prayers were impressively said by the Heriz Smith, C.F. At the conclusion, three volleys were fired and the “Last Post” sounded, in honour of a soldier who had laid down his life foe his country.

Formerly 100705, Leicestershire. Regiment. CWG additional information:- Son of Joseph and Emily Ledger; husband of Lilian Ledger, of 2, Devonshire St., Worksop. He is buried in Worksop (Retford Road) Cemetery. Research by Colin Dannatt