Albert was on board the Hired Transport "Transylvania", when it was proceeding to Egypt with reinforcements, and was sunk by a torpedo by the German U-boat U-63 off Cape Vado, a few kilometres south of Savona. His entry in 'Soldiers Died' have him recorded as being born at Eccleshall, Staffordshire, however the Eccleshall Great War Project, Staffordshire believe he was born in Yorkshire, stating "The 1901 census shows him living and born in Ecclesall, area of Sheffield. The 1911 census also says the same when along with his mother and brother he was living with his grandparents after the death of his father. His effects went to mother Alice in Rotherham. Although some army documents say his birth was Eccleshall Staffs, the Staffordshire BMD does not contain his birth." Albert was the son of Albert Ernest and Alice Hartley of 57 Holm Flatt Street, Parkgate, Rotherham.