Private Alfred Sharpe service no. 202406 2/4th Bn The Hampshire Regiment, died 28 July 1918 aged 33.
He was the second son of Robert and Emma Sharp of 2 Granville Place, Winchester, born in 1886. According to the census of 1901 and 1911, he was living with his mother and siblings at 2 Granville Place. They also tell us that he was a general Labourer and gardener. Alfred enlisted in March 1916 at Winchester and served in India, Egypt, and France. He was wounded once and Killed in Action, on July 28, 1918.
Alfred is commemorated at the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France, and a memorial at St Peter Chesil (All Saints). He is also commemorated on his brother William and mother Anne’s grave in St Giles Hill graveyard.
The inscription says ” In loving memory of William Robert Sharpe who passed away January 31st, 1919 aged 43 years also of Alfred Sharpe brother of the above killed in action in France July 28th, 1918 aged 33, also In loving memory of our dear mother Anne Shrape who passed peacefully away July 26th, 1924 aged 74″.
Alfred had 4 siblings. His Two brothers also served during World War 1. Younger brother Frederick served in France as a Gunner in The Royal Garrison Artillery and was wounded on March 22nd, 1918. Older brother William served on the Home Front as a Private in The Labour Corps for the last month of the War. Both survived but William appears to have died soon after (see gravestone inscription).
Alfred’s war:
After enlisting, Alfred joined the 2nd/4th Hampshire Battalion, which was in Pakistan (then India). He would have stayed there until 29 April 1917 when the 2nd/4tth sailed for Egypt, landing at Suez. They were transferred to the 233rd Brigade of the 75th Division and were engaged in various actions in Palestine.
The 2nd/4th Hampshire Regiment leaving El Arish for the front – courtesy of Imperial War Museum
At some point after the beginning of 1917, he was wounded. During 1917 the 2nd/4th were involved in the Third Battle of Gaza, The Capture of Junction Station, and the Battle of Nabi Samweil. Presumably, he remained in Palestine and could have been involved in further actions in 1918 including the Battle of Tell’Asur and the Battle of Berukin.
In May 1918 the 2nd/4th Hampshire left the 75th division for France arriving at Marseilles on the 1st of June 1918.
On the 5th June1918 they Joined the 186th brigade of the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division and engaged in various actions on the Western Front. Alfred was killed in action on the 28th of July 1918. During the period of Alfred’s death, his unit was engaged in the Battle of the Tardenois, (2nd battle of the Marne) that was fought between 20th and 30th July 1918. Tardenois was the site of intense fighting. The Italian 2nd Corps, supported by two British divisions (including the 186th brigade of the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division) launched an offensive that drove the Germans back behind Fère-en-Tardenois.
The 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division at Tardenois
The 62nd (2nd west Riding) Division lost 118 officers and 3,865 other ranks.
References: The book, “Debt of Hour (Winchester City’s First World Dead)” by Jen Best.
Please note the discrepancy in spelling Sharp vs Sharpe.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dave Stewart Email dave@stgileshill.org.uk if you have any questions, corrections, or additional information that could be added to this page.