Albert Sadler

Albert was the son of Robert Sadler and his first wife, Alice Matilda nee Kirk. Robert Sadler was born in Nottingham in 1865 (O/N/D Nottingham) and Alice Matilda Kirk in 1869 (J/A/S Nottingham). They were married in 1889 (A/M/J Nottingham) and had at least two children, William b. 1889 (J/A/S Nottingham) who died aged four in 1893 (O/N/D Nottingham), and Albert b. 1895 (J/A/S Basford). In 1891 Robert (25), a machine fitter, and Alice (21) were living at 26 Lincoln Street, Nottingham, with their son William (1). Albert was born four years later in 1895 by which time it is probable that the family had moved to Beeston. Alice Matilda died in 1900 (J/A/S Basford) aged 30 and in 1901 the widowed Robert was living at 8 William Street, Beeston, with his surviving son Albert (5). Also in the household was his widowed father, Thomas Sadler (74). Robert married Frances Phoebe Wilson in 1902 (J/F/M Nottingham). His wife was born in about 1881 (birth registered 1881 J/F/M Nottingham). Robert and Frances had six children of whom only five survived to 1911: Gladys (birth registered 1904 J/F/M Nottingham), George William b. 8 January 1906 (1906 J/F/M Nottingham), John b. 1907 (A/M/J Nottingham), Claude b. 27 October 1908 (O/N/D Nottingham) and Frances Phoebe b. 11 October 1910 (O/N/D Nottingham). By 1911 Robert (46), now an insurance agent, and Frances (30) were living at 12 Martin Street. Also in the home on the night of the census were Albert (15), a painter's improver, and his half-siblings, Gladys (7), George William (5), John (3), Claude (2) and Frances (5 months). The family was still living at the same address when Albert was killed in 1915. His father died at the age of 75 in 1940 (Dec, Nottingham) and his stepmother on 21 May 1960 aged 79. Of his half-brothers and sisters: Gladys married Ernest Spooner in 1927 (O/N/D Nottingham) and died on 16 January 1965 aged 61. George William married Hilda Coupe in 1933 (J/F/M Nottingham) and died at the age of 87 in 1993 (Nov, Nottingham). Claude died at the age of 85 in 1993 (Dec, Nottingham). He may have married twice: (1) Hilda V Stephens in 1940 (Reading Berkshire) who died in 1968 (March, Reading), and (2) Susannah GW Sadler (sic) in 1971 (J/A/S Nottingham). Frances Phoebe married Allen Clegg in 1932 (O/N/D Nottingham) and died in 1983 (Jun, Nottingham) aged 72. The third brother, John, has not yet been traced after 1911.

He was a member of 6th Bn (St Ann’s) Boys Brigade. In 1911 he was a printer's improver.

12 Martin Street, St Ann's, Nottingham

Albert attested on 6 April 1914 at the age of 19 years and 8 months. He served at home from 6 April 1914 to 27 February 1915 and then served in France with the BEF from 28 February. He was treated at No. 42 Ambulance Station for shell concussion on 25 July 1915, rejoining his battalion on 24 August. Albert was killed in action on 13 October 1914; he had served in the army for 228 days. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. He qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 18 November 1915: ‘Sadler. Killed in action, October 13th, Private Albert Sadler, 1/7th Robin Hoods, the beloved son of Robert and the late Alice Matilda Kirk, of 12, Martin-street. Jesus hath called him to heaven’s perfect peace. He nobly did his duty. From sorrowing father, step-mother, brothers, and sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 November 1915: ‘Sadler. Killed in action, October 13th, Private Albert Sadler, 1/7th Robin Hoods. He died a hero’s death. From his sorrowing sweetheart, May.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, 13 December 1915, photograph and caption: 'Pte. A. Sadler, 1/7th Robin Hoods. 2, Martin Street, Nottingham, killed in action Oct. 13th, aged 20 (sic).' Note: CWGC record gives age as 19. Nottingham St Mary parish register (probably compiled between 1903/1904 and 1917/1918), p530, entry undated: '12 Martin Street. Albert Sadler (K), Richard Walter (K)' (Nottinghamshire Archives, ref. PR,6786) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His father was his sole legatee. His few possessions - a razor, writing pad and correspondence - were returned to his father in 1916.