Alfred Cumberlidge 1881-1941

Private 6322 2nd Battalion Leicesterhire Regiment

Alfred Cumberlidge was born on 7 July 1881 in Lutterworth in Leicestershire, England. He was the youngest child of Thomas Cumberlidge and his wife Ruth nee Everton.

Alfred was a bricklayer's labourer when he enlisted in the Army. He joined the 2nd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment on 27 January 1902. He was described as:

• Age: 21 years 6 months
• Height: 5 feet 8⅛ inches
• Weight: 135 lbs
• Chest Measurement: Minimum: 35 inches, Maximum: 36½ inches
• Complexion: Fresh
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Dark Brown
• Church of England: Yes
• Distinctive Marks: Mole outer edge left collar bone

After completing 12 years in the army, Alfred was discharged on 26 January 1914. His service included:

• Home from 27 Jan 1902 to 11 May 1902, 105 Days
• Egypt from 12 May 1902 to 14 Dec 1902, 217 Days
• Home from 15 Dec 1902 to 26 Jan 1914, 11 Years, 43 Days

Alfred re-enlisted on 25 July 1914 and was mobilised on 5th August 1914. He was described as:

• Age: 33 yrs (July 1914)
• Height: 5 ft 9
• Complexion: Fresh
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Dark Brown
• Trade: Labourer (Bricklayers)
• Married or Single; Single
• Address: 88 Harrington St, Leicester
• Chest: 37
• Waist: 33
• Size of Helmet: 9/⁴

Whilst service with the British Expeditionary Force in France he was twice wounded. He received shrapnel wounds to his head in December of 1914 and gunshot wounds to his legs and hip in May 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 19 May 1915 but was stripped of this rank due to misconduct on 11 March 1916. Alfred was discharged on 13 April 1916 due to his wounds and his service in the army totalled 13 years and 263 days which included 1 year and 263 days in WW1.

Alfred was entitled to the following medals:

• 1914 Star
• British War
• Victory
• Silver War Badge

Alfred was recalled to serve again during the Emergency of 1921. The emergency was the coal miners strike and this triggered the recall of army reserves. Alfred was recalled to serve from 11 April 1921 to 2 July 1921. Alfred joined the 4th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment as Private 125. He was described as:

• Age: 39 years 9 months
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Grey

I Hereby certify that I have inspected this man, and I consider hit FIT for military service at Home.

Date: 11 Apr 1921

Information supplied by the man

Religion: CE [Church of England]

Name and address of next-of-kin: Harriet Cumberlidge 39 Wolsey St Wife

Total Service towards Engagement to 2 July 1921 (date of discharge) 83 days

His statement of services included:

• Leicester DF 4th Battalion Posted Private 11 Apr 1921
• Leicester DF 4th Battalion, Appointed Acting Lance Corporal 11 Apr 1921
• Leicester DF 4th Battalion, Deprived of L[Lance]/stripe for misconduct, Private 30 May 1921
• Discharged KR 392 XVI Private 2 July 1921
• Total Service towards Engagement to 2 July 1921 (date of discharge) 83 days

Alfred Cumberlidge married Harriett Maria Sharpe nee Dilley in 1916 and they had two children:

• Alfred Cumberlidge 1917-2003
• John E Cumberlidge born 1920.

Army Service Record

SHORT SERVICE

ATTESTATION OF

No: 6322 Name: Alfred Cumberlidge Corps: Leicestershire Regiment

Name: Alfred Cumberlidge

Parish or Town of Birth: In the Parish of Lutterworth, near the Town of Lutterworth in the County of Leicester

British Subject; Yes

Age: 20 Years 6 Months

Trade: Labourer

Corps willing to be enlisted into: Leicestershire Regiment

Leicester 27 day of January 1902

Description of Alfred Cumberlidge

Age: 21 years 6 months

Height: 5 feet 8⅛ inches

Weight: 135 lbs

Chest Measurement: Minimum: 35 inches, Maximum: 36½ inches

Complexion: Fresh

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Dark Brown

Church of England: Yes

Distinctive Marks: Mole outer edge left collar bone

I consider him fit for the Army

Date: January 27^th 1902

Place: Leicester

 

Record Office, Lichfield, May 18^th 1921

I am directed to forward the accompanying British War and Victory Medal which has been awarded to you in respect of your services with the Leicester Regiment.

Please complete receipt and return this card. No stamp is required.

B139

I hereby acknowledge the receipt of the British War and Victory Medal

Regtl. N. 6322

Rank: Private

Signature: A Cumberlidge

Unit: Leicester Regt.

Date: May 22^nd 1921

DUTY CERTIFICATE

No. 125

Rank: Lance Corporal

Initials: A

Name: CUMBERLEDGE

Unit: 4^th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment (DF has served continuously in the emergency [an emergency was declared due to the coal miners’ strike] from 11 Apr 1921 to 2 Jul 1921 with unit 4^th Leicester Regt (DF in the rank of Private

He was sent home on Dischgd by Post from which date he will

*cease to be employed

*be re-transferred to the Army Reserve

*be discharged

*be discharged and re-enlisted in the Territorial Force

His home address is 37 Wolsey St, Leicester

Date: 2 July 1921

IDENTIFICATION

Age: 39 years 9 months

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Grey

I Hereby certify that I have inspected this man, and I consider hit FIT for military service at Home.

Date: 11 Apr 1921

Information supplied by the man

Religion: CE [Church of England]

Name and address of next-of-kin: Harriet Cumberlidge 39 Wolsey St

Corps: Leicestershire

Battalion or Depot: 41

Rank: Private

Dates: 11 Apr 1921

Service towards engagement reckons from 11 Apr 1921

Joined at Leicester on 11 Apr 1921

Posted Private 11 Apr 1921

Discharged KR 392 XVI Private 2 July 1921

Total Service towards Engagement to 2 July 1921 (date of discharge) 83 days

90 days’

EMERGENCY SERVICE

ATTESTATION OF

No. 4^th Leics 125 Christian Names: Alfred Surname Cumberlidge

Name: Alfred Cumberlidge

British Subject: Yes

Nationality of parents at their birth: Father: British Mother: British

Date of birth: 17 July 1881

Trade: Labourer

Married: Yes

Previous Service: 2^nd Leicestershire Regiment 6322, Private

Leicester 11^th April 1921

IDENTIFICATION

Age: 39 years 9 months

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Grey

I Hereby certify that I have inspected this man, and I consider hit FIT for military service at Home.

Date: 11 Apr 1921

Information supplied by the man

Religion: C of E [Church of England]

Name and address of next-of-kin: Harriet Cumberlidge 39 Wolsey St, Leicester; Relationship: Wife

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICES of 4/Leics 125 Name: Alfred Cumberlidge

Service towards engagement reckons from 11 Apr 1921

Joined at Leicester on 11 Apr 1921

Leicester DF 4^th Battalion Posted Private 11 Apr 1921

Leicester DF 4^th Battalion, Appointed Acting Lance Corporal 11 Apr 1921

Leicester DF 4^th Battalion, Deprived of L[Lance]/stripe for misconduct, Private 30 May 1921

Discharged KR 392 XVI Private 2 July 1921

Total Service towards Engagement to 2 July 1921 (date of discharge) 83 days

SECTION D OF ARMY RESERVE

Questions to be put to the Man before Enlistment into Section D of the Army Reserve

Name: Alfred Cumberlidge

Belong to armed forces now: No

Been discharged (a) within last six months… (b) Within last three years, “free”… (a) Yes, (b) Yes 81 Out 24/12/14

Character on discharge: Good

Willing to be attested for General Service: Yes

Leicester

25^th July 1914

Description of Alfred Cumberlidge

Age: 33 yrs (July 1914)

Height: 5 ft 9

Complexion: Fresh

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Dark Brown

Trade: Labourer (Bricklayers)

Married or Single; Single

Address: 88 Harrington St, Leicester

Chest: 37

Waist: 33

Size of Helmet: 9/⁴

MILITARY HISTORY SHEET

Service abroad: Expeditionary Force France

Wounded:

• Shrapnel (Wound Head) December 1914
• Gun Shot Wound Legs & Hip May 1915

Medals:

• War Badge No 205528 KC 7247
• 1914 Star
• British War Medal
• Victory Medal

Name and address of next-of-kin: Brothers

• (o) Jack Cumberlidge 88 Harrington St
• Frank, Dorset St, Leicester
• Edward, – R.h.
• Harry, – Not known
• George, 57 Dean St Derby

 

Attested, Private 25 Jul 1914

Mobilized at Leicester 5 Aug 1914

Posted 3^rd Battalion 5 Aug 1914

2^nd Battalion Posted 9 Nov 1914

Depot Posted, Private 10 Dec 1914

3^rd Battalion, Posted, Private, 17 Jan 1915

2^nd Battalion, Posted Private 26 Jan 1915

2^nd Battalion Appointed unpaid Lance Corporal 17 Mar 1915

Depot, Posted, Lance Corporal 19 May 1915

3^rd Battalion, Posted, Lance Corporal 23 Oct 1915

3^rd Battalion, Deprived of Lance stripe for misconduct, Private 11 Mar 1916

Character: good

Address: 88 Harrington St Leicester

Doct to Chelsea

Gun Shot Wound Left Leg

Total Service in Section D, Army Reserve allowed to reckon 1 year 263 days

Previous Army Service 12 years

Total service on discharge 13 years 263 days

 

Total Service towards engagement in Section D, Army Reserve to 13 Apr 1916 (date of discharge) 1 year 263 days

Discharged in consequence of being no longer physically fit for further War Service (para 392(XVI) KR)

Station: Patrington

Date: Apr 1916

 

ARMY FORM W3553

29 Jul 1918

INFANTRY RECORDS 3 Aug 1918

The accompanying King’s Certificate, on his discharge, (No. 7247), is forwarded herewith to A Cumberlidge in respect of his service as No. 6332 Rank; Private Name A Cumberlidge Corps: Leicesters
Receipt of the same should be acknowledged hereon.

Received with thanks

Signature Alfred Cumberlidge

Date: July 31^st 1918

Address 23 Spencer Street, Leicester

 

The accompanying War Badge and Certificate No 205528 are forwarded herewith to Alfred Cumberlidge in respect of your service as 6322 Leicestershire Regiment

The Badge will be worn on the right breast or on the right lapel of the jacket, but not in Naval or military uniform.

Duplicates of the Badge and Certificate cannot be issued under any circumstances.

Receipt of the same should be acknowledge hereon.

Received Sir, I have received Badge with thanks

Signature: Alfred Cumberlidge

Date: 4 Jul 1917

Address 40 Devonshire St Leicester

[STATEMENT OF SERVICES OF] No. 6322 Name: Alfred Cumberlidge

[Service] towards limited engagement reckons from 27 Jan 1902

[Joined] at Leicester on 28 Jan 1902

Depot, Posted, Private 28 Jan 1902

2^nd Battalion, Transferred 12 May 1902

Granted Messing Allowance 27 Jul 1902

Sec “B” Transferred, Private 27 Jan 1905

Sec B Discharged on termination of first period of engagement, Private 26 Jan 1914

D, Attested, Private 25 Jul 1914

Total Service towards Engagement to 26 Jan 1914 (date of discharge) 12 years / days

MILITARY HISTORY SHEET

 

Home from 27 Jan 1902 to 11 May 1902, 105 Days

Egypt from 12 May 1902 to 14 Dec 1902, 217 Days

Home from 15 Dec 1902 to 26 Jan 1914, 11 Years, 43 Days

 

Medals, decorations and annuities:

• 1914 Star
• British War Medal
• Victory medal

Name and Address of next of kin:

• Father Thomas Cumberledge, Baker Street, Lutterworth
• Mother Ruth Cumberledge, Baker Street, Lutterworth
• Brother (O) Edward Cumberledge
• Brother (O) John Cumberledge, 88 Harrington Street, Leicester
• Brother (O) Frank Cumberledge, Not Known
• Brother (O) James Cumberledge, Lutterworth
• Sister (O) Kate Lyon, Not Known
• Sister (O) Annie Ogborn, City Bar Broad Street Birmingham
• Sister (O) Emma Hasting, Not Known
• Sister (O) Ellen Cumberledge, Not Known

Medal Roll

LEICESTERSHIRE Regiment or Corps when Decoration was earned

ROLL of INDIVIDUALS entitled to the Decoration granted under Army Order 350 of 1917 [1914 Star]

19

Regtl. No.	Rank	Name	Date of Disembarkation	Remarks
6322	Private	CUMBERLIDGE Alfred	9 Nov 1914	Discharged Physically Unfit 13 Apr 1916

Lichfield, 17 Jul 1918

LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT

ROLL of INDIVIDUALS entitled to the Victory Medal and British War Medal under Army Orders 301 and 266 of 1919

139B

Regtl. No.	Rank	Name		Remarks
6322	Private	CUMBERLIDGE Alfred	6322 2/Leicestershire Regiment Private

LICHFIELD 23 March 1920

ROLL OF INDIVIDUALS entitled to the “WAR BADGE”

25 Jun 1917 F598 WAR OFFICE

Regtl No.	Rank	Name	Unit	No. of Badge	Enlistment	Discharge	Cause of Discharge	Whether served Overseas
6322	Private	Cumberlidge, Alfred	Leicestershire Regiment 935	205,528	25 Jul 1914	14 Apr 1916	Wounds, para 392 (XVI)	Yes

Lichfield, 23rd June 1917

Medal Index Card 

Campaign:                      BEF 1914				(A) Where decoration was earned.
				(B) Present situation.
Name	Corps	Rank	Reg. No.			Roll on which included (if any)
(A) CUMBERLIDGE	2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment	Private	6322			Medal	Roll	Page
(B) Alfred	—“—	—“—	—“—			Victory	F/102B/2	139
						British	do	do
						14 Star	C429	19
Action taken	F/2/2/19
Silver War Badge List F/598
Disembarkation Date.	9 Nov 1914
(6 34 46)   W234-HP5590 500,000   4/19 HWV(P240)   K608					(Over.
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