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Pte. Albert Ishmael "Abby" Grocock
British Army 1st/5th Btn. Durham Light Infantry
from:Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire
(d.9th Apr 1918)
My great uncle, Pte Albert Ishmael Grocock (Formerly 14069, East Yorks Regt.), was killed on the 9th April at the Battle of Estaires which was fought between the 9th and 11th April as one of the Battles of the Lys. Like so many, his body was never recovered and his bones lay scattered beneath the fields in Flanders. The story goes that he was blown up by a shell whilst trying to capture a bridge in the French town of Estairs. He was aged just 20.
Does anyone know who the soldier is having his hair cut by Albert?
We have pictures of Albert (or `Abbey' as he was known), as an army barber, cutting one of his mate's hair. Another picture shows him having fun, engaging in a mock battle, for the sake of the photograph, capturing one of his mates. All a stark contrast to what lay ahead. If any one can identify any of the other people in the photographs, it would be greatly appreciated.
Albert (left) finding time with his mates to perform for the camera a mock capturing of the enemy!
Albert sitting for the camera in uniform. A young man, who's life, like so many of those who will have sat in that very chair, was tragically cut short so soon after this photograph was taken.
Rest in peace Albert. We have helped ensure that you will never be forgotten. Thank you to the creator of this website.
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