Alfred Watson Huke

A Private with Middlesex Regiment posted to the 1/19th Battalion London Regiment, Alfred died on 1st of September 1918 at the age of 39.

Alfred was born at Lambeth in 1879, a son of Thomas and Eliza Huke. In 1881 his family lived at 13 Carlin Street, Bermondsey. By 1891 Alfred was living with his aunt, Jane Cook, at 12 Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 Alfred was still living with his aunt Jane, and now they lived at Fir Lane, Oulton, and Alfred worked as a printer compositor. By 1911 Alfred's parents were living at 13 Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft. Alfred's father was a letterpress printer. 

On 16 May 1907 Alfred married Lilian Anna Walpole at Mutford. By 1911 they were living at Cooks Cottages, fir Lane, and later they lived at 3 Russell Terrace, Fir Lane, Oulton Lowestoft.

Alfred was working as a printer when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 11 December 1915. He was found to be fit for overseas service subject to dental work. He was called up on 26 October 1916 and joined the Essex Regiment, number 400438, being posted to the 17th Battalion. Alfred embarked at Folkestone on 19 September 1917 and arrived in France on 20 September 1917 and joined the 51st Infantry Base Depot. He was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment and posted to the 12th Battalion, number 41626, joining them in the field on 25 September 1917. 

Alfred became unwell and was admitted to 136 Field Ambulance on 20 December 1917. He was discharged to duty on 10 January 1918 but found to be unfit and kept at an Infantry Base Depot. He was admitted to 35 General Hospital, Calais, on 2 April 1918, to be treated for otitis media. Alfred recovered and, on 25 August 1918, he was transferred to the Middlesex Regiment, number G/63278. On 28 August 1918 he was posted to serve with the 1/19th Battalion London Regiment and was one of a draft of 120 men sent to reinforce the 1/19th Battalion that day. 

On 1 September 1918 the 1/19th Battalion were in positions east of Hill 150. At 5.30 a.m. they attacked under the cover of an artillery barrage and their objective was the edge of Pierre St. Vaast Wood. Many prisoners were taken and the attack was judged to be a success.

Alfred was reported missing in action on 1 September 1918 and later it was concluded that he had either died of wounds or been killed in action on that date.