Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Alfred Carter was born on 5 May 1896 in Derby to William Alfred Carter and Catherine Emily (Grey) from Newcastle-on-Tyne. His father William was a china dealer from Staffordshire.

In 1911, Alfred was living with his parents and sister, Kate Victoria, at 24 Burr Lane, Ilkeston, Derbyshire. He also had a half-sister, Francis Grey.

Alfred enlisted on 30 December 1914, as a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery and served in the 391st Battery. His only war record located is the Silver War Badge Roll which indicates that Alfred was discharged from 342nd Brigade due to sickness  on 8 February 1918.  He served overseas and was awarded the British War and Allied Victory medals, 1914/15 Star and Silver War Badge.

Gunner Carter was based at Loddon, Norfolk when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 28 January 1917 and wrote in the visitors’ book:

“How nice it is on a
Summers Morn
With thy Sweetheart to Roam
And think of the bygone Pleasures
And speak of the future Home”

“Also many thanks for comfortable Rest”

Alfred married Minnie Parkes in 1919 in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and they had eleven children.

We have traced Alfred and Minnie in the 1939 Register and they were living at 22 Greenwood Avenue, Ilkeston, Derbyshire and Alfred is working as an iron foundry labourer.  Also living with them is their daughter Mona J, born 9 September 1919, who is working as a single vertical operator with a housing manufacturer.

Alfred died in Ilkeston, Derbyshire on 6 April 1961.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Alfred and his family.