 |
|
|
updated: Jan 29, 2003
CATERPILLER VALLEY WWI BRITISH CEMETERY
Albert was born in Lymington, Hampshire in 1885. His father James was born in Scotland c. 1849. His mother Abigail Annie Montgomery was born in 1854 at West Wittering, Sussex. The two of them married on 23rd December 1876 at St Paul's Church, West Wittering, when James was a Coastguardsman. Albert gave his trade as a gardener in 1911. He
Had previously served for 7 years with the 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment where he last served in Curragh. He was transferred to the First Class Army Reserve on 1st March 1911.
He joined the West Sussex Constabulary on 16th January 1911 aged 26 years with the warrant number 133. At the time of joining he was described as being single, 5' 10 1/2" tall, with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and of proportionate build. He was tattooed on his right forearm with Flowers, Bird, Girl & King and on his left with Faith, Hope, Charity & Rose. His service records show that he had the following postings, 4th February 1911 to Horsham, 17th February 1911 to Shoreham and 19th January 1914 to Henfield. On 18th January 1913 he was placed in the 2nd Class. He was called up for Military Service on 4th August 1914 and enlisted at Lymington. He was not the only one of his family to do so for an article, including a photograph of Abigail and her sons, appeared in a 1916 copy of The Daily Sketch under the heading 'A Southsea Mothers Brave Record' 
Corporal L/7814
2nd Bn., Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in Action on Saturday 9th September 1916
Son of Mrs A. A. McGregor of 22, Hudson Road, Southsea, Portsmouth
Buried at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueal, Somme, France
Grave reference IX. D. 21