Rushden Research Group: York A 1916 NM

Pioneer Alfred York

116354 'A' Coy. 5th Labour Battalion Royal Engineers


The seated man in the photograph is thought to be Alfred York; the other soldier is possibly his younger brother. (copied for a display at Rushden Heritage Centre in 1998)

Son of Mr George & Mrs Harriett York
Husband of Hannah

Aged 41 years

Died 4th April 1916

Commemorated at Brandhoek Military Cemetery
Grave I. H.2.

Born at Irchester, enlisted at Westminster, resided at Thrapston.

From the Burnt Records

Alfred York enlisted on 19th August 1915 in London, and said he was aged 40 years, a labourer and unmarried. He was examined and found to be 5' 11½" tall, weight 147lbs, 37½" chest (4" expansion), with very deficient eyesight "but well able to do navvy work", and with bad teeth but "they do not interfere with his eating". He named his brother Charles as his next of kin. After his death his wife Hannah had to send her marriage certificate and the birth certificate for their child. She signed a receipt for his effects as his wife Mrs. Hannah Wood (formerly York) of 2 New Road, Thrapston.

The Rushden Echo, 28th April 1916, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Soldier Killed
Pioneer A. York, of the Labour Battalion, R.E.

We regret to report that official news has been received of the death in action on April 4, of 116354 Pioneer A. York, of the – Labour Battalion, Royal Engineers, brother-in-law of Mrs. Charles York, of College-street, Rushden. The communication from the War Office is accompanied by the customary letter of sympathy from the King and Queen.

The late Pioneer York, who was well-known in the district, was familiarly known amongst his comrades as “Flit.”

Although a general labourer he specialised as a builder’s labourer, being especially skilful in the erection of scaffolding. Mr. W. G. Wilmott, for whom he worked on numerous occasions prior to his enlistment, informs us that the late Pioneer York was a most reliable and trustworthy workman.

His brother, Pioneer Chas York, is also in France with another Labour Battalion of the Royal Engineers.

Rushden Echo, May 12 1916, transcribed by Clive Wood

Tribute to fallen Rushden Pioneer
Pioneer C York of R.E. Labour Battalion in France, has received the following message of sympathy in the bereavement he has sustained by the death of his brother, who as we recently reported, was killed at the front : "I very much regret to have to tell you that your brother Pioneer A York, 116354 'A' Coy. Labour Battalion, R.E. was killed, in action on the 4th April. His death is much regretted by his officer comrades. He was always willing and cheerful, and set a good example to others, and was the most popular man in his company. He died almost at once, and did not suffer any pain. In offering you the sympathy of his officers and comrades, I can only say that he died at his post, doing his duty for his King and Country."

J N Prior, Captain, R.E.

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