Private Albert Frederick Flute

Reg. No. 100470 (49^th Div. Canadian Infantry)

Killed In Action: 9 October 1916

Commemorated: Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

 

Thomas Arthur Flute (1862 - 1927)

Thomas was born in Bolnhurst in 1862. Like the majority of people living in rural areas at the time, he is listed in all census documents as being an Agricultural Labourer. He married Sarah Anne Emery (1865 - 1935) on 18 March 1883 at St Peter's Church, she having been born in Huntingdon. They settled in Keysoe Road where they appear to have resided for all their married life.

They had four children in total: John William (b 1885), Ellen Louise (b 1888), Albert Frederick (b 1891) and Amy Elizabeth (b 1898).

The War Graves Commission documentation notes that, at the time of Albert's death, his father had died. However, records show that Albert didn't die until 15 January 1927, when his estate of £97 10s was granted to Sarah Ann.

Albert Frederick Flute (1891 - 1916)

Albert was probably born in March 1891, although his birth wasn't registered until April. The 1891 census, which was taken on Sunday 5 April, shows him as being one month old.

Whilst serving within the Canadian Infantry, he was killed in action on 9^th October 1916, possibly as part of the ongoing Battle of the Somme, which had begun on 1^st July 1916.

Albert is remembered at the Vimy Memorial in France. After the war, the highest point of the ridge was chosen as the site of the great memorial to all Canadians who served their country in battle during the First World War, and particularly to the 60,000 who gave their lives in France. It also bears the names of 11,000 Canadian servicemen who died in France - many of them in the fight for Vimy Ridge - who have no known grave.

Albert was neither Canadian nor involved at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which was fought in April 1917, but he clearly signed up for the Canadian Infantry, which is where he is honoured.