Gunner Albert George Holden.
185631 Royal Garrison Artillery.
Died of Wounds 13th May 1918, aged 34.
Albert George Holden was born 20 April 1884, Burnley the son of Albert Holden and Mary Jane McIlroy. In the 1891 census the family lived at 38 Whittam St, Burnley. Albert 36, widower born in Blackburn, Francis 16, weaver, Gertrude 11, Agnes 9, Albert 6, Beatrice 4, Mary Fielding 57 his widowed mother and David his brother 20.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 24 Canning St, Burnley. Melina 51, widow, Gertrude 21, Agnes 19, Albert 16, Beatrice 14 all weavers and all born in Burnley.
Albert George Holden (28) married Maggie Pollard (23) on the 30th April 1912 in Burnley. St Peter’s Church. Albert George Holden, aged 28 bachelor, weaver, of 61 Reed Street, son of Albert Holden, overlooker (deceased) married Maggie Pollard aged 23 spinster ,weaver, of 16 Aqueduct Street daughter of Matthew Pollard, weaver. Witnesses were Albert Williams and Gertrude Williams.
He enlisted in Burnley and served as Gunner 185631 in the 166th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. He died of wounds aged 34 on Monday 13th May 1918.
From Burnley Express dated June 26 1918: ARTILLERYMAN’S DEATH
In Saturday’s roll of honour appeared the name of Gunner 85361 Albert George Holden of the R.G.A. as having been killed in action on May 13th. His home was at 16 Aqueduct Street. Mrs Holden had previously received an intimation that he had been wounded, but she received no further news until the official announcement of his death. Aged 34 and a weaver at Messrs. Collinge’s Burnley Wood Mill. Gunner Holden enlisted in August 1916 and went to France the following July. He was a member of St Mary’s R.C. Church.”
From the Burnley News dated Saturday June 22nd 1918: BURNLEY ARTILLERYMAN. OFFICIAL INTIMATION OF DEATH FROM WOUNDS.
Mrs Holden who resides at 16, Aqueduct Street, Burnley on Thursday morning received an official notification from the Record Office, Dover, of the deat5h from wounds of her husband, Gunner Albert George Holden Royal Garrison Artillery, 155th Siege Battery. Mrs Holden had been previously informed of her husband having been wounded, but there was no intimation in that message as to the hospital to which he had been removed. Thursday’s letter informed her that Gunner Holden died in “Hospital D’Evacuation, D’Haringho, France” on May 13th.
Gunner Holden was 34 years of age and had been in the army two years. He went out to France in July last, since when he had not been home on leave. He had been expected to be allowed home shortly before he sustained the wounds which unfortunately proved fatal. Prior to joining up he was a weaver at Messrs. Collinge’s Mill, Parliament Street, where Mrs Holden is also employed. Gunner Holden formerly attended St Mary’s Church; and was well known in the district, and held in very high esteem by a large circle of friends.”
From Burnley Express dated 26th June 1918: Holden: killed in action, Gunner Albert George Holden 185631, RGA, 13th May 1918, aged 34 years.
As through this weary world I wander,
My thoughts will ever be with you.
In memory I shall see you ever,
I loved you better than you knew.
From from his sorrowing wife.
Hearts that have loved him can never forget.
From sister Agnes, Arthur and brother (in France).
God takes our loved ones from our homes, but never from our hearts.
From sister Gerty Fielding and children.
Duty calledd and he was there, to do his bit and take his share.
His heart was good his spirit brave,
His resting place a soldier's grave.
From sister Beatie, children and Harry (in France).
He was a good lad so true and kind,
He proved to all in heart and mind,
And while on earth with us did stay,
He earrned the Crown he wears today.
From sister and brother-in-law Rachel and Jim.
His country called, he answered,.............
Lived at 16 Aquaduct Street.
Albert left his effects to his widow Maggie.
Albert was buried at Haringhe (Bandaghem) Mil.Cem. Poperinghe, Belgium: Grave Ref; V.A.34. Husband of Maggie Holden of 63 Albert St, South Shore, Blackpool. His family had the inscription “Memories” placed on his grave stone.
From De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour 1914-1919, Vol 4: Holden Albert George, Gunner number 185631, 155th siege battery Royal Garrison Artillery, son of Albert Holden of King Street Burnley by his wife Mary Jane daughter of McIlroy; Burnley 20th of April 1884; educated St Mary's Roman Catholic School Burnley; was a weaver; enlisted 28th of August 1916; serve with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 19th of July 1917 and died in hospital 13th of May 1918, from wounds received in action the same day. He married at St. Peter's Church Burnley 30th of April 1912 Maggie of 16 aqueduct Street Burnley daughter of Matthew and Emma Pollard.