109556 Pte. Albert Henry Rackliff was born in London in 1879.


Having joined the Royal Navy in 1894, he served in Africa and was awarded the Ashantee Medal with Benin 1897 Clasp. He was subsequently discharged in 1899.


Married in 1903 to Florence Maud Davis, they had 3 children and thereafter, in 1910, emigrated to Toronto.


When war broke out Albert joined the Canadian Naval Service, in August 1914, and served on the Niobe.


When he realised he was not going to Europe, in February 1915 he obtained a discharge and joined the 4th CMR two weeks later, on February 19th, 1915.


From postcards received, he was in Shorncliffe, Kent, by October, and in France at Christmas.


Alas, caught up in the 4th CMR' darkest day, Albert was subsequently killed at Zillebeke, in the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel', on June 2nd, 1916.


Albert Henry Rackliff is buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm) 2km south-east of Ieper.





Image and biography with thanks to Rick Rackliff.