Born in Rushden on 14 July 1894. Employed as a shoe hand and joined the navy on 13 September 1915 for the period of hostilities. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall with brown hair, grey eyes and a sallow complexion. He served on the Vivid I as a junior RA from 13 September 1915 until 24 September 1915 and was then in Plymouth Hospital on 25 September 1915 and from 24 April 1916 until 4 September 1916. He was then a Senior RA. He then served on the Victory I from 5 September 1916 until 27 November 1917. He served as an SBR on H.M. Hospital Ship Karapara from 28 November 1917 until 10 January 1918. Over this time his character was described as very good and satisfactory. He was then invalided out of the navy with 'new growth malignant (abdominal)'. It seems that a war gratuity was granted. His death is recorded in the district of Wellingborough in the quarter June to September 1918.

Mr A Skeeles

Rushden Seaman's Illness - Mr Albert Skeeles In a Serious Condition

We are sorry to learn that Mr Albert Skeeles, SBR, youngest son of Mr and Mrs FA Skeeles, of Moor road, Rushden, is very seriously ill, having contracted a painful internal complaint whilst on duty on board ship, during his voyages to Greece, Africa, etc. Mr Skeeles underwent an operation some months ago, but as no improvement had taken place, he has this week entered a nursing home in London, with a view to radium treatment.

When he sailed last July, Mr Skeeles was looking the picture of health, and the news of the rapid development of the disease will come as a shock to his wide circle of friends who will join us in the hope that something may be done to relieve him of the pain he is suffering and to establish a cure. Mr Skeeles, before joining the SBR, was a member of the Rushden St John Ambulance Corps, and of the Rushden Company, 2nd Battalion Northants Volunteers. He has 2½ years' service to his credit.

Rushden Family Bereaved - Death of Mr F. A. Skeeles

It is with the deepest regret that we report the death, which took place on Monday morning, at the age of 23 years, of Mr Fredk. Albert Skeeles, youngest son of Mr F. Skeeles, boot manufacturer, Rushden, and of “The Grange,” Bozeat.  The deceased, who was discharged from the Naval Sick Berth Reserve last December, succumbed to a disease contracted whilst on service in the Mediterranean on H.M. Hospital Ship “Karapara.”

Formerly a member of the Rushden Corps St. John Ambulance Association, he joined the Sick Berth Reserve in August, 1915, and after nearly twelve months’ training in hospital he was transferred to the hospital ship above mentioned.  In September last year he underwent an operation whilst on board ship, but the skill of the surgeons proved unavailing and radium treatment was resorted to at various times, but without success, and the sufferer was discharged from the Colours in December last, since which time he has been seriously ill.  Up to the time of entering his country’s service the late Mr Fredk. Albert Skeeles was a member of the firm of Messrs. Skeeles and Co., boot manufacturers, Rushden.  He was an old Wellingburian and was one of the first members of the Rushden Volunteer Company, and he was also a member of the Rushden Park-road Wesleyan church and of the Bible class and gymnasium class in connection with that place of worship.  Much sympathy is felt with the bereaved parents and family.

The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at the cemetery in the presence of many sympathisers, the first portion of the burial service being conducted at 59, Moor-road, the residence of the deceased’s brother.  The obsequies were conducted by the Revs. H. Shaw and C. J. Keeler.  The coffin, which was of polished elm, with brass fittings, bore the inscription :–

Frederick Albert Skeeles.
Died July 8th, 1918.
Aged 23 years.

The coffin, which was covered by the Union Jack, was borne to the grave by four of the deceased’s former comrades of the Rushden Corps of the St. John Ambulance Association, 1st Class Sergt. Prigmore, Corpl. H. Page, and Ptes. Timpson, and O’Connor.

The mourners were as follows: Mr and Mrs Skeeles (father and mother); Mr F. Skeeles (brother) and Miss Elsie Swindall (fiancee), Mrs Skeeles (sister-in-law) and Miss Skeeles (aunt), Mr and Mrs Chris. J. Day (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs F. Mundin (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs Charles Mackness (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs A. Pettit (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs A. Stock (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs George Mackness (uncle and aunt), Mrs Banks (cousin) and Miss F. Knight (brother’s fiancee), Mr and Mrs Hewitt, Mr Pestor, Mr Bond, and Mr F. Ingram (friends of the family).  A profusion of beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave.  Mr T. Swindall was the undertaker.

Mr and Mrs Skeeles and family, together with Miss Swindall, desire to thank the many friends for their kindness and sympathy extended to them in their bereavement - Rushden, July 18th, 1918.