A 1914 star with bar to 10197 Pte A. Hartley, 2nd Leicestershire regiment

1914 Star with 5^th August – 22^nd November 1914 bar

10197 Pte A. Hartley Leicestershire Regiment (2^nd battalion)

Alfred Ambrose Hartley was born in Great Cornard, Suffolk in 1890. His parents were Harry and Ellen Priscilla Hartley. The 1891 census shows the family to be living in Newton road, Alfred’s mother was a home maker while his father worked in a cocoa matting factory as a binder.

Alfred’s medal index card indicates that he arrived in France on the 9^th November 1914, he was obviously under fire as he was awarded the 5^th August to 22^nd November bar.

Alfred possibly transferred over to the Cheshire Regiment (10^th Battalion) with service number 292122 later serving with the Labour Corps with service number 696694.

Alfred’s service records no longer survive for his time with the Leicester’s unfortunately. Records do still survive however from when he joined the Labour corps, the papers also detail his service with the Cheshire Regiment. The papers are badly burned and the hand writing is faint and difficult to read. I have tried my best to piece together the following information.

I say possibly transferred over to the Cheshire Regiment, as when he joined the Cheshire Regiment on the 21.8.1916 there is no mention of previous service. (I am taking this information from his labour corps papers). Possibly missed out due to an admin error, or left out on purpose as he could have been discharged from the Leicestershire Regiment due to being no longer fit. However his Star is named to the Leicestershire Regiment, so probably an admin error.

Alfred served in France with the Cheshire regiment from the 19^th June 1916 to 22^nd of November 1917.

He was discharged from the Cheshire Regiment on the 29^th January 1918, due to being no longer being physically fit.

On joining the Labour Corps he was 30 years and 300 days old. Alfred was 5feet 9 inches and weighed 175lbs he had a fresh complexion grey eyes and brown hair. Also noted is the Scar on his right groin! Joining up on the 31^st May1919, being discharged on the 19^th August 1920. He had a rough last few days during his military service as on the 1^st August 1920 he was given 14 days punishment for drunkenness and being improperly dress (missing his belt). Noted though is his good character. Stamped on the page detailing his service history with the Labour Corps is ‘Being surplus to military requirements, not having suffered impairment since entering service.

Alfred died on the 21^st May 1921, possibly from wounds received during his service. He is listed on CWGC and shown to be buried in Sudbury cemetery.

An interesting star to a man who was discharged at least once due to wounds but felt the need to keep serving his country.

 Star is NEF to EF