430005 Cpl Albert Winstanley M.M 57th Div RE

[Mark Abbott]

Albert Winstanley was born in September 1894, the son of Samuel and Annie Winstanley.

He joined the West Lancashire Royal Engineers on the 5th May 1910 as a boy soldier. He attended the annual training camps prior to World War One and indeed was away with his unit when war was declared. He was immediately embodied for service and confirmed that he was willing to serve abroad.

Albert went to France with his unit on the 16 March 1917 and served there and in Belgium until 20 January 1919. For an as yet unknown act of bravery, he received the Military Medal which was presented to him by the Mayor of St Helens on the 9th August 1918.

He lived variously at 150 Thatto Heath Road, 6 Beaconsfield Road and 147 Westfield Street, St Helens.

His siblings were Annie, John, Emma and Frederick.

Albert was discharged from the army on 21 February 1919. He also served with the Special Constabulary and received the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal.

His full entitlement being:-

Military Medal, British War and Victory Medals, Territorial Force War Medal, Territorial Efficiency Medal and Special Constabulary Long Service Medal.

As yet, I have been unable to find a photo and would be most interested to know if anyone has one.

Mark