Albert Kinsey

Albert’s connection with Oxford is unclear. He was born in Dublin, and later lived in Bristol. He was only 19 when he died near Ypres, leading his men.

Son of a Telegraph Engineer

Albert Thornley Kinsey was born in Dublin, in early 1898. His father was a Superintending Telegraph Engineer. By 1911 the family had moved to Bristol, and Albert had four brothers. He probably joined up when he turned 18, in 1916. He did not study at Oxford University, and it is unclear what connection he had with Wesley Memorial.

Quickly promoted

The records show that Albert joined the Gloucestershire Regiment as a Private but transferred quickly to the Somerset Light Infantry and took a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion. He arrived in France in March 1917, and by this time his battalion had fought at Loos and at the Somme.

Shadowed German retreat

Albert’s first taste of action would have been shadowing the German Army as they retreated to the Hindenburg Line in March/April 1917. Then on 16 August 1917 he was among the British who attacked at Langemarck, near Ypres. As an officer, he would have been leading his men: he was one of the many who died, for little gain. He was aged 19. His body was recovered and he is buried at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery.