Alfred Frederick Andrews was born in 1896 at New Cross, Deptford, only son of William (Builders General Labourer) and Sylvia Ann Andrews. 1901: With his parents at 23 Darfield Road, Lewisham, his father was then a house painter. 1911: A Butchers Errand Boy with his parents and older sister Sylvia Ann at 118 Rolt Street, Woodpecker Road, Deptford. There were no other children.
At the time of his death The Woodford Times reported that his father was dead and Alfred had been living with his widowed mother at Inmans Row Woodford Green.
12 Royal Sussex, which had landed at Le Havre in March 1916, fought with 116 Brigade 39 Division, being present at the Battle of Ancre Heights on the Somme in October 1916. On 16th October 1916, 116 Brigade were ordered out of their positions on the north bank of the Ancre to take over the recently captured Schwaben Redoubt. This was shelled by the Germans throughout 17th October 1916. As both Cousins were reported to have been killed by shellfire that day, it is likely that this is where they lost their lives.
Alfred’s sister Sylvia Ann Andrews died aged 40 in the West Ham District during 1927. His mother also died in that District in 1938 at the age of 80.
It is thought that Alfred is the A. Andrews who is commemorated on the Wanstead War Memorial, along with his cousin Clement.
In 1916 the Woodford Times reported the deaths of two cousins, Alfred and Clement Andrews. Together they enlisted in the Royal Sussex Regiment in 1915, taking consecutive service numbers, served together and ultimately died on the same day. Neither has a known grave.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Principal Sources:
Ancestry.com
FindMyPast.co.uk
Woodford Times