Corporal Albert Woonton
7th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
16/08/1917

1914-15 Star

Elder son of Mrs Clara Anne Woonton, of 24 Providence Street, St. Helier, Jersey. Brother pf Private William Woonton. Worked at the Victoria Club before vounteering for the Jersey Company in 1914. Originally reported as missing and later confirmed as killed on the 16th August.

Killed in action, aged 23 years

NEWS ITEM in the Jersey Evening Post of Wednesday 10 July 1918

Jersey Mother's Tragic Loss - Two Sons Killed. During the past few days a Jersey mother, Mrs Woonton of 24 Providence Street, has received the tragic news that both her sons have made the supreme sacrifice. The elder son, Albert, was formerly employed at the Victoria Club and was one of the gallant lads who joined the Jersey Company and left the Island to join the Royal Irish Rifles; he was wounded but again returned to France and in the fighting on 16 August 1917 was reported missing. Captain C A Ogier, writing at the time, stated that the soldier was most useful to him and hoped that favourable news would be received, but unfortunately the mother has now received official intimation that the Army Council are regretfully constrained to conclude that the soldier's death took place on the date mentioned above. Within a few hours of receiving the above communication Mrs Woonton was handed another letter stating that her younger son, Private William Woonton of the Dorset Regiment, had been instantaneously killed on 15 June last whilst in the Front Line. The lad was formerly employed at Dr Crallan's and the officer of his Company states "His loss is keenly felt both by myself and his comrades. He was one of my best men, always bright and willing even under adverse circumstances". This soldier was in his 20th year whilst the elder brother was 23. We tender the mother who has thus been bereft of her only sons our heartfelt sympathy.