In Memory of

Private Albert Kenwright

2502
1st/5th Bn., South Lancashire Regiment
Killed In Action 26th May 1915

Other than SDGW stating that Albert was born in Earlestown and enlisted in Widnes, it has not been possible to find very much about this casualty. No newspaper obituary has been found. His name is on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper.

Albert was killed at the end of the Second Battle of Ypres, noted for the first use of poison gas by the Germans. Whalley-Kelly gave a detailed account of the Battalion's part in this battle, concluding with:

"The [5th] Battalion remained in the line until 1st June [1915], but after 25th May the Germans made no serious attempt to break its front; there were minor affrays with small groups who endeavoured to work forward into more favourable positions, but all localities were maintained intact. In fact, both sides were exhausted - the Germans no less than the heroic British infantry which, for thirty three days and nights, had withstood attack by overwhelming numbers without breaking. The 5th Battalion - and the Regiment - may well be proud that it took such a distinguished part in this "soldiers' battle," now famous as the Second Battle of Ypres."