Typescript letter from the former employer of Private Albert Haughton, Eugen Baedeker Limited, Birmingham, 29 November 1915

This letter was sent from the offices of Albert's former employers after he has become a soldier and headed off for basic training. Clearly he has a good relationship with the office staff too, as they have added a personal, unofficial note to the end of the letter.

The legal age for men to join the British Army was 18, with 19 years of age being the minimum requirement for overseas service. Some soldiers were younger than this. No birth certificates were required to be produced when signing up.

Haughton enlisted with 23rd Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) in November 1915. He was killed in his battalion's first major action on 15 September 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Monument to the Missing of the Battle of the Somme.

From a collection of papers relating to Albert H Haughton.