Main CPGW Record
Surname: BENSON
Forename(s): Albert Christopher
Place of Birth: Cowling, Yorkshire
Service No: 13631
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 'A' Coy 10th (Service) Battalion
Division: 23rd Division
Age: 25
Date of Death: 1918-09-11
Awards: M.M.
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Plot 1. Row E. Grave 2.
CWGC Cemetery: MAGNABOSCHI BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: COWLING, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: ICKORNSHAW, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Albert Christopher Benson was the son of John and Annie Benson, née Rawson. Both parents were born at Cowling, Yorkshire.
1901 Cowling, Yorkshire Census: Middleton - Albert C. Benson, aged 8 years, born Cowling, son of Annie Benson, widow.
1911 Cowling, Yorkshire Census: 10, Walton Street - Albert Christopher Benson, aged 17 years, born Cowling, son of Annie Benson, widow. [Annie married Thomas Snowden, 18 March 1916.]
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Albert C. Benson, M.M., 13631, W. Rid. R. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 26.8.15. K. in A. 11.9.18. Correspondence: Mrs. A. Benson applies for the Military Medal due to her late son Pte A.C. Benson. Address: 2, Green Street, Cowling, Nr Keighley.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Albert Christopher Benson, 13631, 10th W. Rid. R. K. in A. 11.9.18.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Albert Christopher Benson, 13631, 10th Bn W. Riding. Date and Place of Death: 11.9.18. Italy. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother - Mrs Annie Snowden. £4 17s. 1d. Brother - James W. £4 17s. 1d. Sister - Sarah E. £4 17s. 0d. War Gratuity: Mother - Annie Snowden. £18 10s. 0d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Albert. Name(s) on card(s): Dependant: Mrs Annie Snowden. Relationship: Mother. Address: 2, Green Street, Cowling, Nr Keighley.
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
BENSON, Signaller Albert C., Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, 2, Green Street, [Cowling], killed Sept. 11, 1918.
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Private Albert Christopher BENSON
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 23rd Division
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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records
Unknown platoon of 'A' Company, 10th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), Aldershot, 1914
Photograph sent home to his parents at Bolton by Bowland by Pte Henry (Harry) Valance Killeen (13738). Henry is standing, with his hands behind his back, 11th from right. His brother, Pte Reginald Victor Whiteley Killeen (q.v.), was killed in action on the 25 January 1916
Courtesy of Paula Ann Payne (née Bailey), Barnoldswick
'A' Company, 10th (Service) Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), Bramshott, August, 1915
Courtesy of Bernard Ideson
Names of identified officers and other ranks on above photograph
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
26 October 1917
HONOUR FOR COWLING SIGNALLER
Signaller Albert Benson, Duke of Wellington's, has won the Military Medal for bravery. The event, which gained him this distinction, is described as follows:- "Several of his pals were badly wounded and buried by a bursting shell, while engaged at an advanced post. With great coolness and courage whilst under shellfire, Signaller Benson dug them out and got the stretcher bearers up to them."
His Officer afterwards recommended him for the distinction, which has now been given him.
Private Benson enlisted on September 21st 1914, and went out to France on August 24th 1915. At the time he enlisted he was employed as a weaver by Messrs. John Binns and Sons Ltd., Croft Mills, Cowling.
27 September 1918
COWLING
The sad news is to hand that Signaller Albert C. Benson, M.M., of the Duke of Wellington's, and No. 2 Green Street, Cowling, was instantaneously killed by shell fire on September 11th whilst laying telephone wires on the Italian front. Signaller Benson had greatly endeared himself to his comrades by his cheerful and willing service under most trying conditions. He was buried with military honours in the British Cemetery. He joined the Forces four years ago in September 1914, went out to France in August 1915, and was transferred to Italy in November of last year. In September 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in face of the enemy. Under heavy fire he dug out four comrades who had been buried as a result of shellfire. Previous to joining the Colours he was employed by Messrs. John Binns and Sons Ltd. at Croft Mills as a weaver.
04 October 1918
COWLING
A Memorial Service was held on Sunday morning at the Cowling Parish Church, conducted by the Vicar, to the memory of the late Signaller A.C. Benson and Corporal James Binns, both of whom have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
26 October 1917
COWLING
MILITARY MEDALLIST - Signaller Albert C. Benson, of 'A' Company, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, has won the Military Medal for bravery. The event which gained him his distinction is described as follows:- "Several of his pals were badly wounded and buried by a bursting shell while engaged at an advanced post. With great coolness and courage whilst under shell fire, Signaller Benson dug them out and got the stretcher-bearers up to them. His officer afterwards recommended him for the distinction which has now been given him." Private Benson enlisted on Sept. 21st, 1914, and went out to France on Aug. 24th, 1915. At the time he enlisted he was employed as a weaver by Messrs. John Binns and Sons, Ltd., Croft Mills. Cowling.
27 September 1918
Cowling Lads Killed in Action
The sad news is to hand that Signaller Albert C. Benson. M.M., of the 10th Duke of Wellington's, whose home was at 2, Green Street, Cowling, was instantaneously killed by shell fire on Sept. 11th, whilst laying telephone wire on the Italian front. Signaller Benson had greatly endeared himself to his comrades by his cheerful and willing service under most trying conditions. He was buried with military honours in the British cemetery. He joined the forces four years ago in September, 1914, went out to France in August, 1915, and was transferred to Italy in November of last year. In September, 1917, he was, awarded the military medal for bravery in face of the enemy; under heavy fire he dug out four comrades who had been buried as a result of shell fire. Previous to joining the colours he was employed by Messrs. John Binns and Sons, Ltd., at Croft Mills, as a weaver.
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