Albert Archer

A Private with 1st Bn., Albert died on 8th of May 1915 at the age of 35. 

Albert was born at Lowestoft on 17 March 1880, a son of Robert and Harriet Archer. In 1881 his family lived at 3 Factory Court, Factory Lane, Lowestoft. Albert attended Arnold Street School and, from 24 August 1886 attended Saint Margaret's School. In 1891 his family lived at 18 Albert Street. Albert left school on 22 September 1893 to work as a shop boy. By 1911 his family were living at 18 Park Road, Lowestoft, and Albert worked as a labourer.

Albert volunteered and joined the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 21 April 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. He served with D Company. 

Before dawn on 8 May, the men of the 1st Battalion were warned of an imminent attack, and added that the CO expected the Battalion to yield no ground, and to stand to the last. The German assault began at 10 am with a ferocious artillery attack: poison gas was also used against the British troops. All communication lines were cut, and the only routes for reinforcements were through Ypres which was in flames.

In the 1st Battalion the Commanding Officer, Battalion Adjutant, and Regimental Sergeant Major all became casualties, and the battalion headquarters was destroyed. The Battalion held their ground, but, by noon, the Battalion had been completely overwhelmed. The total number of casualties on 8 May amounted to over 400. Only one officer and 29 men returned from the battle. The Battalion had sustained near 1,000 casualties in the six weeks since the start of the Battle of Ypres. 

Albert reported missing. By July 1916 it was concluded that he was 'presumed killed' on 8 May 1915.