Hull Pals Memorial Post. PRIVATE ALFRED ERNEST MESSENGER 10/1253. Born 1895, the sixth of eight children, to Robert Messenger (1855-1938) and Elizabeth Thirsk (1858-1930), of 11 Brazil Street, Hull. One of the original Pals, and a member of “A” Company, Alfred worked in a Sawmill before.
He enlisted in September 1914. Mobilized on 31/03/1915. Served in the 10th East Yorkshire regiment. He fought the Turks in Egypt and braved the trenches of the Somme on 13/11/1916. He had survived the fighting at Oppy Wood, before being killed in action on 7th May 1917, aged 22.
He is buried at Douai Communal Cemetery. He was 22 years old. Described as 5 foot, 3.5 inches tall, 34-36 inch chest, 121 lbs weight. He had served in the army for 1 year and 38 days.
