PRIVATE, ALBERT DALE WOOMBLE, 12/1103. Born IN Hull, 1896, Albert was the eldest son of James Woomble (1872-1949) and Meady Thompson (1876-1945), of 11 Lockwood Street, Hull. Son of a Blacksmith striker, he had five brothers and three sisters.
Albert was a Hull brewery labourer, who enlisted in the Hull Pals, on 6th November 1914. His army records describe him as 5 foot, 6 unches tall, 34-36 inch chest, 126 lbs weight, fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, Wesleyan religion. he was 19 years old and 5 months when he joined the 12th East Yorkshire Regiment. he served in Egypt and went to France, on 8th March 1916. he died of wounds, on 28th May 1916, aged 20, having served in the army for 1 year and 205 days.
His father also served in the East Yorkshire Regiment and was stationed at High Horton. James joined the 12th Battalion, ‘The Sportsmen’, 3rd Hull Pals. Perhaps his story is best told by one of his officers whose letter back home to his father was published in the Hull Times:
“You will no doubt have already heard of the death of your son, Pte AD Woomble of this battalion. Please accept my deepest sympathy with you and yours at this time. I was deeply shocked when I heard that he had died in hospital. His wounds were caused by the bursting of an enemy shell in the trench where he was standing. He was conveyed to the dressing station as quickly as possible, during which passage he showed wonderful courage and pluck, never once complaining. I can assure you that, with your sons death, my Lewis Gun Detachment has lost one of its best and most cheerful members. From the first he has tried hard, and taken keen interest in his work, and I have always considered him one of the most reliable men in my command.”
Albert died on 28th May 1916 and is buried in Beauval Communal Cemetery; he was 20 years old.
His death was reported in the Hull Daily Mail on the 19th July 1916. His death was reported again in the Hull daily Mail, on 22/07/1916, with his photograph. *
His brother, James Woomble, served as a Pioneer, in the Royal Engineers and was wounded (Silver Badge No: 128648). His other brothers were too young to serve.
