Remembering a 16-year-old hero of WWI in Milton Keynes

A special service to mark the Albert French 100th Commemoration will be held on Sunday at the MK Rose.
Albert FrenchAlbert French
Albert French

Albert French lived in Wolverton and in 1915 joined up to do his bit for King and country. He was killed in action on the June 15 1916 a week before his 17th birthday 100 years ago.

Albert’s story is similar to many thousands of young people who have given their lives in two world wars and other conflicts.

Debbie Brock, chairman of the Milton Keynes Cenotaph trust said: “Albert was one of many who gave their lives for their country. His story is all the more poignantbecause he was so young.

“While Albert was one person, his sacrifice is used to remember all the people who have been killed in wars.

Debbie added: “The communities of Wolverton and Ploegsteert in Belgium, where Albert is buried, meet every year. This year representatives from Wolverton will go to Belgium to take part in the centenary remembrance there the following weekend.”

The weekend will also see many communities having street parties to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Albert’s centenary commemoration will be followed by a picnic lunch to mark Her Majesty’s birthday. All are welcome to either or bothevents with people asked to bring along a picnic.

Albert French will be remmembered at the MK Rose in Campbell Park on Sunday, June 12, at 11am.

> For more details on the MK Cenotaph Trust visit www.trustmk.com

MK Rose: www.mkrose.co.uk

Living Archive MK: www.livingarchive.org.uk

Milton Keynes Council: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk

The Parks Trust: www.theparkstrust.com

The Western Front

Association:

Wolverton & Greenleys

Town Council

www.westernfrontassociation.com

www.wolvertonandgreenleystowncouncil.gov.u

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