27-year-old Driver Albert Neville Reeve lost his life on active service on 2nd October 1917, serving with the 3rd Division, Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. He was the eldest of seven children and was born in Wollaston, Stourbridge in 1890. The family moved around, including Hartlebury, Wolverley, Sparkhill and Shirley, before settling in Golden End, Knowle sometime between 1906-1911.
One of the siblings – Franklyn Edward Reeve – died as an infant in 1901, but the others all survived to adulthood. It’s not known if any of them served during the war: Beatrice Emily (born 1892); Frederick William (1894-1989); George Noel (1896-1974); Evelyn Annie (born 1897) and Leopold Alfred (1905-1984).
By 1911, 19-year-old Albert had joined the Army and was at Bulford Camp, Salisbury with the 61st Battery, Royal Field Artillery. He was mobilised quickly on the outbreak of war, and first entered a Theatre of War on 19th August 1914.
He died of wounds on 2nd October 1917 and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. He is also commemorated locally in the Soldiers’ Chapel, Knowle.
If you have any further information, please let us know.
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
tel,: 0121 704 6977
email: heritage@solihull.gov.uk
Solihull Life 
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