Thank you to the Friends of St. Margaret for allowing us to reproduce their research. Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for additional research.
Albert Pierce was born in the 2nd quarter of 1896 in Blackstone, Sussex to carpenter and shopkeeper George and Alice Maude (nee Hayes).
Albert’s father George was born about 1868 in Hurstpierpoint, Sussex to carpenter George, born about 1829 in Clayton, Sussex and Barbara, born about 1835 in Shermanbury, Sussex. George snr was baptised on 1st March 1816 in Hurstpierpoint. Albert’s mother Alice was born about 1870 in Woodmancote, Sussex to fly proprietor Edward, born about 1846 and Jane, born about 1845, both in Hursley, Hampshire. Alice was baptised on 1st May 1870 in Hurstpierpoint. Prior to her marriage Alice had been working as a shop assistant. George married Alice on 19th September 1893 in Hurstpierpoint.
Albert had five siblings: George Edward born about 1895; Nellie born about; Barbara born about 1902; Alfred born about 1908 and Minnie born about 1908, all in Woodmancote.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 1 Blackstone Street, Blackstone. George was working as a carpenter and shopkeeper (licensed to sell beer & tobacco) and Alice was at home looking after their children: Albert and Nellie. The household further comprised of her sister May Emily.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Albert was a boarder of his uncle, wheelwright, Henry at Stane Street, Ockley. Albert was working as his assistant. The household further comprised of Henry’s wife May. The accommodation had five rooms.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Albert’s family were still at 1 Blackstone Street. George was working as a carpenter and Alice was a housewife. The household further comprised of their children: apprentice boat repairer George, Nellie, Barbara, Alfred and Minnie. Alice stated that she had given birth to six children of whom all were still alive. The accommodation had seven rooms.
Albert Pierce enlisted in Guildford into the Royal Engineers. He was a Driver with regimental number 42686. At the time of his enlistment he resided in Henfield, Sussex.
Driver Pierce disembarked on 15th July 1915 in France. At the time of his death he was the part of the 77th Field Battalion, the Royal Engineers.
Albert Pierce was wounded by a shell on December 19th 1915 while serving in the Ypres Salient, and died of wounds later the same day at No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station in Belgium. He is buried at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium. His cemetery reference number is: II.B.12A.The headstone bears the inscription: ‘A Brave Life Given For Others’. He is also commemorated on the St Margaret’s WW1 Memorial in Ockley.
He received the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.
Albert’s mother Alice received £5, 2s and 4d on 25th February 1916 and a further £5 on 12th July 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
| Born | Blackstone, Henfield, Sussex | |
| Lived | Ockley, Surrey | |
| Son of | George and Alice Pierce of 1, Blackstone Street, Blackstone, Henfield | |
| Regiment | 77th Field Company. Royal Engineers | |
| Number | 42686 | |
| Date of Death | 19th December 1915 | |
| Place of Death | Near Ypres, Belgium | |
| Cause of Death | Died of wounds | |
| Age | 19 | |
| Cemetery | Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium |
