Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council run a Blue Plaque scheme within the Borough, that commemorates the link between notable figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived or worked.
Sergeant Albert Wilbur 1893 -1959 was born in Bassett's Yard, Upper Bond Street, which is where our premises sits today.
On Saturday 12th November we were delighted to host the unveiling on the side of the Well Lane Bakery Building in honour of his bravery and devotion to duty during WWI.
The unveiling was attended by the family of Sergeant Albert Wilbur and the children of the family particularly loved Kevin's jeep Audrey.
Please read below for more information about Sergeant Albert Wilbur DCM & Bar: Belgian Decoration Militaire: WWI
1914 Albert enlisted, joining the Leicestershire Regiment T.F and served with the Signals Section of the 1st & 5th Battaln, entering the Theatre of War during February 1915 in France.
1918 and now Sergeant Wilbur, saw Albert in charge of his Battalions Signals Section. During September & October 1918 his section played their part in the many battles that eventually broke through the Hindenburge Line at the Saint-Quentin Canal, this whole campaign was instrumental in ending WWI. During these months many thousands of shells were fired daily by the British & Allied Forces alone.
Albert was one of seven siblings his parents were Thomas and Elizabeth. Sadly his two eldest brothers Samuel & Arthur were both killed during WWI. Samuel is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium. Arthur has no known grave, with his memorial at the British Cemetery Pozieres in France. In 1922 Albert went back to France & Belgium taking his wife May with him to pay their respects to his brothers.
Albert & May had only one child, Samuel Arthur born in 1923. Albert has 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.
Albert's Citations
- Distinguished Conduct Medal - London Gazette 12th March 1919
- Second award Bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal - London Gazette 3rd September 1919
- Belgian Decoration Militaire - London Gazette 5th April 1919
Albert Wilbur 1893 - 1959
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