No.10173, Private, Alfred William FIELD
Aged 24
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Alfred William DOCKING was born in Brandon in (Thetford Q3-1890 4B:347), Emily Eliza DOCKING. 1891...Aged 8 months, he was at George Street, Brandon with his mother Emily DOCKING [23] born Weeting; his brother Percy [2] born Brandon and a lodger Ambrose FIELD [29] flint maker born Brandon. His mother married Ambrose FIELD in Q1-1892. 1901 census...Aged 10, he was at George Street, Brandon with his step-father Ambrose FIELD [37] flint maker; his mother Emily FIELD [33]; brothers Percy [12] and Ambrose [8]; sisters Alice [3] and Hilda [1]. All were born in Brandon. 1911 census...Aged 20, a labourer, he was at 5 Oddfellow Terrace, Bury Road, Brandon with his widowed mother; brothers Percy Victor(railway labourer) and Edward [5]; sisters Alice, Elsie May (Hilda?) Ivy Constance [9] and Eva [6], and aunt ? Ellen DOCKING. The new siblings were born in Brandon. Ambrose FIELD had died in 1908. In 1912 he married Alice Maud DINES on 30th March 1912,(Thetford Q1-1912 4B:555). She was living at 2 Woodside Cottages, Waverley Road, Weybridge on 22nd December 1915 and at 65 Cranbrook Road, Chiswick on 22nd September 1919.
According to the pension card there was an adopted child, Alice Edith Ryan Dines (b.31-12-1905)
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click here to go to the Brandon at War website for more information
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds on 12th January 1909 for 6 years in Special Reserves, Leicestershire Regiment. He gave his age as 17 years 11 months, a farm labourer, born
and living in Brandon. Baptist/Congregationalist, he was 5 feet 6.25 inches (166 cm) tall, weighed 106 lbs (48.2 kg), chest 30" to 33" (76.2 to 83.8 cm), hazel eyes, brown hair. Next of kine were
mother Emily and elder brother Henry living at Town Street, Brandon. On his documents were notes that he was of poor development but would improve. On 5th June 1911 he was made Lance Corporal and on 29th July 1912 he was promoted to Corporal. On 7th December 1914 he embarked at Southampton for the BEF in France/Flanders. On 22nd January 1915 he was demoted to private after a Courts Martial for "neglect of duty whilst on guard". He was wounded in action on 11th February and died later that day. His personal effects returned to this widow was one civilian suit. The 2nd Battalion Leicestershires was raised in 1858 and they were in India when war broke out. They returned to Europe and to France on 12th October 1914, part of the Garwhal Brigade of the 7th Indian Division. In February they were not involved in any great action, that was to come in March at Neuve Chappelle. Whether Alfred was hit by a sniper or fell victim to a shell is not known. In the afternoon and evening of the 11th February the 2nd Leicesters were relieved by the 1st Manchesters. CWGC records 4 killed.
photo: Rodney Gibson photo: Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
