BLUNT, Albert

Albert Blunt was the son of William and Sarah Ann Blunt and was born in Dudley. His family lived in Birmingham but he had a strong link with Blackheath since he worked in the town at T.W.Lench Ltd, maker of nuts and bolts. He volunteered in 1914, probably at 16, for the Worcesters and was posted to the 3rd Battalion in the Ypres sector. The first of the Spring battles was planned for Neuve Chapelle and the Worcesters' task was to lead a diversionary attack at nearby Spanbroek Mill. Albert Blunt arrived at the front line on the 7th March, less than a week before the coming battle. His training would not have been effective and certainly his front line experience would have been very limited. The battalion was to attack at dawn but heavy mist delayed the start. German counter-attacks and heavy shelling led to serious casualties, among them Albert Blunt. His wounds were so severe that he was sent back to Britain. He died on the 29th April and is buried in the graveyard of St. Paul's, Blackheath. An elaborate headstone was 'erected by his fellow workmen as a token of esteem' and this remains instead of a Commonwealth War Graves Commission head-stone. He was 17 years of age and is commemorated on the Blackheath, Halesowen and T.W. Lench Ltd Memorials.