This evening (June 15) MK residents are invited to gather at the MK Rose at 6.15pm to mark the life of Rifleman Albert French.
One of Milton Keynes’ local heroes, he is commemorated on a pillar at the Rose in Campbell Park.
Wolverton lad Albert enlisted in 1915 without his family’s knowledge, to serve in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps during the First World War. He was only 16 years old.
His letters home were kept by his sister May and vividly describe trench life, everyday events at home and the effect of international conflict on his young mind.
They have a direct emotional appeal to us today, speaking across the generations.
Albert died from machine-gun fire on 15 June 1916, a week before his 17th birthday -in order to serve abroad, Albert had given his age as 19.
Only eight months separate his joining up and his death.
At tonight's event, there will be performances from The Living Archive Band, Wolverton Town Band and Milton Keynes Music Makers choir, plus readings by students from MK Academy.
It will last approximately 30 minutes, and afterwards people may like to bring a picnic and continue to enjoy the evening.
