16518 Lance Corporal Albert Kershaw
9th(Service)Battalion
Devonshire Regiment
1st July 1916
Born in Littleborough Lancashire in 1889.
His father is unknown but his mother was
Ellen Kershaw(1859-1899).
Albert had a sister Elsie and also had a brother,though I have been unable to find his name,he did serve in WW1.
Throughout his life Albert lived with his grand-parents and in the 1891 census they could be found living at
1 Box Street Littleborough Lancashire. His grandfather,Thomas Kershaw(1835-1925) was a mechanic in a cotton mill.
By the time of the 1901 census,Thomas was still a mechanic in a cotton mill,but they had moved to
1 Smith Street, Littleborough.
In the 1911 census, the family had moved once again,this time to 5 Bare Hill Street, Littleborough. Thomas was still a mechanic,but now Albert was also working as a weaver in a cotton mill.
He enlisted in Rochdale and his date of disembarkation into France was on 17/08/1915. He was killed in action on 01/07/1916.
He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star,the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
Rochdale Observer - Wednesday 26 July 1916 -"Official intimation has been received by his grand-parents, who reside at 5 Bare Hill Street, Littleborough, that Lance-Corporal Albert Kershaw of the Devons was killed on July 1st. He was 26 years of age and enlisted over twelve months ago. previously working for Messrs. Fothergill and Harvey, Littleborough." www.fothergillgroup.com
Rochdale Observer - Saturday 29 July 1916
"Kershaw--- In sweet remembrance of my dear brother, Lance-Corporal Albert Kershaw (Devon Regiment) killed in action July 1st.
I had a brother both true and kind,
No friend on earth like him I find;
When others return I shall miss him more,
The realisation will make my heart sore.
From his loving sister Elsie.
102 Church Street , Littleborough."
Rochdale Observer - Saturday 30 June 1917
" Kershaw - In loving memory of our dear grand-son. Lance -Corporal Albert Kershaw, 3rd Devons. killed in action July 1st 1916.
Days of sadness still come o'er us,
Tears of sorrow often flow;
Memory keeps our loved ones near us,
Though he dies one year ago.
From Grandfather and Grandmother.
He gave his all for his country and those he loved.
Mr and Mrs Butterworth and family"
Rochdale Observer - Saturday 07 July 1917
"Kershaw - In ever loving memory of my dear brother, Lance-Corporal Albert Kershaw of the 9th Devons, who was killed in action July 1st 1916.
Never a day doth pass. dear brother
But my thoughts to you will stray;
His heart was good. his spirit brave,
His resting place a soldier's grave.
From his loving sister, Elsie C. Kershaw
102 Church Street Littleborough."