Albert Rushton
Albert was captured on 21 March 1918 on first day of the German Spring Offensive and sent to a POW Camp at Mannheim.
On 29 September 1918, Albert wrote:
Dear Brother and Sister, just a line hoping you and all at home are in the pink. I was very glad to know that you and our kid had been to see Annie. I am in the pink and still sweating on those happy days to come. Wishing you, and Ma and Pa, and all at home the best of health and brotherly love. Yours sincerely, Albert.
A brief summary of his service exploits:
- enlisted on 1 September 1914, posted to 16th Manchesters
- 29 May 1915, neglect of duty for overstaying his pass from Reveille to 9pm, 5 days confined to barracks
- 15 October 1915, causing a disturbance in barrack room after lights out, 3 days confined to barracks
- promoted to Lance Corporal on 1 July 1916
- wounded in action, gunshot to left hand on 30 July 1916, Montauban alley (Masell Copse)
- sent to 3 General Hospital in Etaples
- rejoined battalion on 10 December 1916
- promoted to Corporal on 8 January 1917
- promoted to unpaid Lance-Sergeant 25 January 1917
- sent to 97 Field Ambulance with fever and suspected shell shock on 21 March 1917
- sent to 26 General Hospital on 7 April 1917
- rejoined battalion on 5 August 1917
- captured on 21 March 1918 and sent to Mannheim Prison
- discharged on 16 March 1919
- disability pay received for bronchitis 1919, given no mention on his previous record, it is likely he got this as a POW.