Albert enlisted on 4th May 1903. He was 18 years and 5 months old, and was a Labourer by trade. He entered the war in France on 16th August 1914 with the 4th Field Ambulance. His name appears on a list of R.A.M.C. personnel who were taken captive up to & including 31st December 1914. His address was given as 54 Round Street, Bow, London, E - (kindly provided by Steve Mattocks). In the early hours of 26th August, the 4th Field Ambulance were ordered to go to Landrecies to treat and evacuate the wounded. A couple of hours after entering the town the Germans arrived, and Albert became one of 219 of the rank and file of the R.A.M.C. to be held captive there. He was taken to Germany entering Sennelager POW camp on 4th September 1914. He returned to the UK in June 1915. On 21st July 1915 he embarked for Egypt, disembarking there on 4th August 1915. He was attached to Base Details who posted him to serve with No 19 Stationary Hospital. From July 1915 to January 1916 he served in the Dardanelles, then he returned to Egypt until March 1916 when he was posted to East Africa. During this time, from 1st to 14th November 1915 he was appointed the rank of acting Serjeant. He also served under that rank in 1917 and 1918. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for devotion to duty whilst serving with the East Africa Force in the King's birthday honours on 2nd June 1918. On 25th May 1918 he was promoted to the rank of Serjeant, then was appointed acting Quartermaster Serjeant on 14th September 1918. He began his journey to England, being struck off the strength of the East African Force and transferred to Home Establishment on 21st January 1919. He was transferred to Class "Z" Reserved on 12th April 1919.