Alfred was born on the 5th April 1893 in Shoulder of Mutton Green, East Wickham. He was the eldest son of Alfred and Elizabeth (nee Cripps). Alfred was born in Gosfield, Essex about 1874 and it states on Alfred’s birth certificate that he was a General Labourer. Elizabeth was born in East Wickham about 1872. They were married during the 2nd quarter (April/May/June) of 1893. The couple had 8 children but two of them died, Ellen and Frank. The surviving siblings were William (born 1894), Ethel (born abt 1898), Frederick (1900), George (1905) and Ivy Rose (1907).
Alfred attended Foster’s School but it looks as though his Father initially tried to enrol him too early in October 1896 but he was finally admitted on the 2nd March 1897. The address given is High Street, Welling.
At the time when the 1901 census was taken, Alfred was living (it does not state on the census return that he was visiting) with his Grandmother Sophia Cripps (a widow) at 11 Caroline Cottages, East Wickham. Also at this address were his Uncles William (1866) a Labourer in the brickfields, David (1868) a Bricklayers Labourer, George (1882) a Labourer at Woolwich Arsenal and Aunt Alice (1873) who was a Field Hand.
Alfred’s family are now living at 4, Gibson Cottages, Wickham Street, Welling and his father Alfred is employed as a Carter/Waggoner on a farm.
In 1911 we find that Alfred is living (again it does not state on the census return that he is visiting) with his Aunt and Uncle, Alice and George Winterton at 19 Edison Road, Wickham Street. Alice is the sister of Alfred’s mother Elizabeth. Alice and George had four children, George J (1902), William (1905), Rose (1907) and Ernest (1910). Also living at this address was Alfred’s Uncle George (Alice’s brother) who is now employed as a Carman in the florist trade. Alfred now aged 17 years is working as a Grocer’s Assistant.
Alfred’s family are still residing at 4, Gibson Cottages and his father is still employed as a Farm Carter/Waggoner.
It has not been possible to confirm when Alfred joined up but he enlisted at Woolwich and was recruited into the 12th Battalion of the Kings Royal Rifle Corp (KRRC). As he was not awarded the 1914/15 Star Medal I think that it is safe to assume that it was sometime during late1916 or early 1917.
The KRRC raised 22 battalions in total during the course of World War 1 and saw action on the Western Front, Macedonia and Italy, winning 60 battle honours including 7 Victoria crosses. The Regiment lost 12,840 men who were killed during the course of the war.
The 12th Battalion was formed in Winchester as part of Kitchener’s Second New Army (K2) then moved to Cowshot, Bisley to join the 60th brigade of the 20th Division. They went to France in July 1915, landing at Boulogne. They moved to the Fleurbaix area for trench familiarisation. In 1916 they were in action at The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Flers-Courcette, The Battle of Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy. In 1917 they were in action during The German Retreat to the Hildenburg Line, The Battle of Langemarck, The Battle of Menin Road Ridge, The Battle of Polygon Wood and The Cambrai Operations. In 1918 they fought in The Battle of St Quentin, the actions of the Somme crossings and The Battle of Rosiers engaging in heavy fighting in each battle. On the 20th April they were withdrawn to receive many new drafts of men during the summer when they were subsequently returned to the front. At Armitice the Division was in the area of Bavay and Maubeuge but were later moved to the Marieux area. Demobilisation began in January 1919 and was completed by the end of May.
Alfred could well have seen action at Langemarck – 13th August 1917 with the 12th Battalion succeeding in capturing all objectives.
The Battle of Langemarck was the second Allied attack of the Third Battle of Ypres. The battle took place near Ypres in Belgian Flanders. Both sides were hampered by rain, which had a greater effect on the British who occupied low lying areas and advanced onto ground which had been frequently and severely bombarded.
He may also have been at Eagles Trench – 23rd September 1917.
Eagles Trench was close to Langemarck. It was a large, deep trench occupied by the Germans. This bastion was taken on the 23rd by the 10th Battalion, assisted by one company of the 10th Rifle Brigade. Some of the 12th Battalion were also engaged on this day.
Alfred was killed in action on the 20th November 1917 and it is highly probable that it happened at Cambrai.
The attack at Cambrai started at 6:20 on the 20th November 1917. Four hundred and seventy four tanks were used in this operation and no artillery bombardment preceded the attack. Tanks smashed the wire for the infantry and crossed great trenches by means of fascines (bundles of sticks) borne on the tanks and released from inside. All troops taking part rehearsed the new tactics required and yet secrecy was maintained. The Germans were surprised by such an intense artillery attack directly on the Hindenburg Line. A large force of cavalry was in reserve ready to exploit the break-through. The 12th Battalion were in the front line and captured their objective. The bulk of the initial attack went well but not everything went according to plan. The 2nd Cavalry Division had a problem crossing the St Quentin Canal when a tank went over its main bridge and broke its back, the same bridge that the cavalry were suppose to use to advance to Cambrai. Elsewhere British units also got bogged down in their attack. By 30th November the Germans were ready to counter-attack and defend Cambrai. This was so effective that Haig gave the order for the units still near to Cambrai to withdraw “with the least possible delay”. Whilst losses did not equate to the Somme or Verdun, the British lost over 44,000 men during the battle, while the Germans lost about 45,000 men.
There is no known grave for Alfred but he is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial (panel 9).
Alfred made out a Will on the 1st August 1917, prior to him leaving for France. In this he says that in the event of his death he leaves the whole of his money and belongings to Mr & Mrs Newman of 7, Wickham Street, Welling.
Alfred’s brother William was attached to the London Regiment (Post Office Rifles). He was killed in action on the 20th September 1917.
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This story has been researched by volunteers. We have taken every effort to ensure its accuracy. If you are related to Alfred Ernest Newman, or if you have any further information, please do get in touch.