1. Albert Stanley Hillier
Born: October,
1893
As told by:
Francis Hillier
(Albert’s son)
A Century’s Memories
- Albert enlisted in the 2nd 4th Battalion of the Somerset Light
Infantry when he was 21 years old.
- After being gassed in the war, Albert died at the young age of 43 leaving behind 3 children. Albert’s wife washed other people’s clothes for money enabling the family to survive.
- As well as being a Platoon Sergeant, Albert was a PT sergeant and a qualified instructor in bayonet fighting!
- Infantry Training read: "The rifle and the bayonet are the principal weapons of the individual infantry soldier. The first requirement of the infantry soldier is confidence in these weapons, based on his skill in their use.”
Albert was very fit and was a very talented football player (above).
Albert was awarded two medals, which for fun are named Squeak and Wilfred (left).
Above: Shrapnel collected by Francis from a WW1 battlefield.
Albert became very well travelled during the war visiting India, the Andaman Islands, Egypt, Palestine, France, Belgium, Marseille and Germany (left).

2. Albert Stanley Hillier
Born: October,
1893
As told by:
Francis Hillier
(Albert’s son)
A Century’s Memories
A discharge certificate indicating Albert was discharged on 10th November 1918: he had served for duration of the war (far right, top).
The ’terrible’ family cottage (far right, bottom).
- Francis’ recalls his grandfather received a document from the War Office saying that his son, Albert, had been wounded in Egypt on 13th November 1917, and had been admitted to hospital. The document gave no details of the injury, whether large or small. As Francis comments, ‘It could have been a cut finger or his head blown off.’