King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.

Private Albert Holt

Sergeant Albert Holt, number 2112 and later 240509, enlisted in September 1914, and went overseas on 3rd May 1915.  He was disembodied on 17th July 1919. It is possible that Albert went overseas with the 1st/4th Battalion and remained with them for some time. His postcards, in 1915, appear to have been censored by a John Fisher, who was with the 4th Battalion.  It would appear that he did serve with the 1st/5th Battalion of the King's Own at some stage during the First World War.

Private Albert Holt, 2112, 5th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, at Didcot, circa Sep 1914.
“If I had not promised to send you a photo today I should not have sent this. I don’t like it, but it is not the photographer’s fault. There was such a blazing sun and my expression is rotton. I will send another when I get taken again. AH.”
Sergeant Albert Holt, number 240509, enlisted in Sep 1914, overseas 3 May 1915. Disembodied 17 Jul 1919. It is possible that Albert went overseas with the 1st/4th Battalion and remained with them for some time. His postcards, in 1915, appear to have been censored by a John Fisher, who was with the 4th Battalion.
Accession Number: KO3054/001

Group of 19 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, of the 5th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, at Didcot Railway Station, circa Sep 1914.
Photograph numbered ‘93’
Accession Number: KO3054/002

Soldiers of the 5th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment training at Didcot, circa Sep 1914.
Photograph numbered ‘99’
Accession Number: KO3054/003

Soldiers of the 5th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment training at Didcot, circa Sep 1914.
Photograph numbered ‘99’
Accession Number: KO3054/004

Cook house staff and others of the 5th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment with the ovens, outside the old Corn Exchange Building, Didcot, circa Sep 1914.
Photograph numbered ‘91’
Accession Number: KO3054/005

Sergeant Albert Holt, number 2112, of the 5th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, standing and the Drum Major, photographed at Sevenoaks, in Dec 1914.
Photograph by Johnson of Lancaster and numbered ‘216’
Accession Number: KO3054/006

Officers of the 5th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, Sevenoaks, Dec 1914.
Photograph by Johnson of Lancaster and numbered ‘352’
Accession Number: KO3054/007

Mobile Canteen Number 2 of the 55th West Lancashire Division, with Sergeant Albert Holt standing on the left. Mar 1919, Belgium.
Accession Number: KO3054/008

Mobile Canteen Number 2 of the 55th West Lancashire Division, with Sergeant Albert Holt standing on the left. Mar 1919, Belgium. With horse.
Accession Number: KO3054/009

Group of soldiers including one of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, France or Belgium, circa 1917-1919.
Accession Number: KO3054/010

Group of four people, including a lady, an unidentified sergeant of the 55th West Lancashire Division, Sergeant Albert Holt and an unidentified man. Dated Apr 1919 by Albert Holt. Probably two Belgium citizens.
Accession Number: KO3054/011

Group of soldiers, including Sergeant Albert Holt, others with cap badges of the division and a man dressed in civilian clothes with an apron. Belgium, 1919
Accession Number: KO3054/012

Three unidentified soldiers, two of the South Lancashire Regiment and the one in the centre of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. Circa 1918 or 1919.
Accession Number: KO3054/013

Unidentified soldier of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. First World War.
Photograph by James Blakey, Art Studio, possibly in Leeds.
Accession Number: KO3054/014

Unidentified soldier of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. First World War.
Photograph by James Blakey, Art Studio, possibly in Leeds.
Accession Number: KO3054/015

Unidentified pair of men one of whom appears in photo ko3054/14.
Photograph by James Blakey, Art Studio, possibly in Leeds.
Accession Number: KO3054/016

Poppy Poperinge, dated Jun 1917 and signed “To Albert with love from Poppy, 1917”
Poppy Poperinge was a entertainer with the 55th Division Theatre.
Accession Number: KO3054/017

Group of entertainers, a Pierrot Troupe joined by Poppy Poperinge, dated 1917.
Accession Number: KO3054/018

Group of entertainers, a Pierrot Troupe, First World War.
Accession Number: KO3054/019

Group of entertainers, First World War. Group including three ladies and eight men, including two sailors.
Accession Number: KO3054/020

The Seven Oaks, Sevenoaks, postcard by Judges.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 8 Beechfield Terrace, Lancaster.
Dated 5 Mar 1915 and Postmarked Sevenoaks, 5 Mar 1915
“Dear Meggie,
Just received your letter. Will write tomorrow. Here are the 7 Oaks from which this place takes its name.
Yours etc Albert.”
Accession Number: KO3054/021

Deer in Knole Park, Sevenoaks
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 8 Beechfield Terrace, Lancaster.
Dated 12 Mar 1915 and Postmarked Sevenoaks, 12 Mar 1915
“Dear Meggie,
This is one part of Knole Park. The trees are very fine. Am looking forward to your letter. We are having nice weather.
With love, Albert.”
Accession Number: KO3054/022

Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, Commander of British Fleets.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 8 Beechfield Terrace, Lancaster. Postmarked Sevenoaks, 27 Mar 1915.
“Letter received. Write Sunday. Albert”
Accession Number: KO3054/023

Church in Belgium, with the details removed by censor.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 1 Ashfield Avenue, Lancaster.
Field post mark 3 Jun 1915. Censored by John Fisher.
‘Monday
Dear Maggie,
This Church is in ruins, only 1 wall of the tower remains, the other all blown to bits.
I have a comfortable billet just now.
With Love, Albert.”
Accession Number: KO3054/024

Building in Beligum, with the details removed by censor.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 1 Ashfield Avenue, Lancaster.
Field post mark 28 Jun 1915. Censored by John Fisher.
‘Monday
Dear Maggie
For your album. I will tell you about it later. It is a long time since I received a letter from you.
Albert.”
Accession Number: KO3054/025

Laventie, Belgium, with the details removed by censor.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 1 Ashfield Avenue, Lancaster.
Field post mark 30 Jun 1915.
“Wednesday
Dear Maggie
This is an interesting postcard. I will tell you about it when I return. Showery weather here. Albert”
Accession Number: KO3054/026

Interior of church, Albert (Somme)
“Interior after Destruction. It is now worse than photo 4 Aug 1915
Albert xxx”
Accession Number: KO3054/027

Church, Albert (Somme)
“Church before destruction. 4 Aug 1915.
Albert xxx”
Accession Number: KO3054/028

Church, interior, Albert (Somme) with the details removed by censor.
“Dear Maggie
This is all ruined. I have walked all over the bricks and pews. Wish you could see what an awful destruction it is. It has just been put “Out of Bounds” as our chaps are mad on souvenirs, and any walls might easily collapse.
Albert, 6 Aug 1915”
Accession Number: KO3054/029

Albert Church, Somme, with the details removed by censor.
“Dear Maggie
This figure is still on top of the church in a slanting position as you will see in the next photo. I understand the Church is about 10 years old.
Albert 6 Aug 1915
Accession Number: KO3054/030

Albert Church, Somme, showing bomb damage.
“Dear Maggie
This is another view of Church. I am told that a spy was hid in the top of the steeple giving information to the enemy and his daughter was caught taking him food. They were both shot. Before being caught he was successful in telling Germans that the game was up. The very next day the church was knocked to bits and tower is now like photo. I managed to get nearly half way up the tower.
You said you would write “often” !!!
With Love
Albert 6 Aug 1915
Accession Number: KO3054/031

Small bridge, location removed by censor.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 1 Ashfield Avenue, Lancaster.
Field post mark 12 Aug 1915.
“Hearty congratulations. Albert Holt. 12 Aug 1915”
Accession Number: KO3054/032

Interior of church, details removed by censor.
Dated 8 Sep 1915.
Accession Number: KO3054/033

View of village, details removed by censor.
Dated 8 Sep 1915.
Accession Number: KO3054/034

Interior of church, details removed by censor.
Dated 8 Sep 1915.
Accession Number: KO3054/035

Café in village, details removed by censor.
“We are in this village. AH” 8 Sep 1915
Accession Number: KO3054/036

Damaged church, details removed by censor.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 1 Ashfield Avenue, Lancaster.
Field post mark 19 Sep 1915.
18 Sep 1915
“Dear Maggie,
Another view of interior of church for your album. I have not heard from H Dawson for some time. Is he coming out? Nice weather here. Leave is still off. With Love.
Albert”
Accession Number: KO3054/037

Town centre view, details removed by censor.
Addressed to Miss M E Gradwell, 1 Ashfield Avenue, Lancaster.
‘Saturday
Dear Maggie
We are now in a fresh billet for a short time. Very wet this morning but beautiful tonight. Yours Albert.”
Censored by John Fisher.
Accession Number: KO3054/038

Town Hall, Arras, showing damage.
“with Love Albert.” 20 Apr 1916
Accession Number: KO3054/039

Bethune, Co-operative Bank
“Albert Holt, 1918”
Accession Number: KO3054/040

Paddle Steamer ‘Au Revior’ at Boulogne Sur Mer
“Aug 1918”
Accession Number: KO3054/041

Bethune, Place de la Republique, Cheateau Baillancourt
“Albert Holt, 1918”
Accession Number: KO3054/042

Bethune, Place Saint Eloi
“Albert Holt, 1918”
Accession Number: KO3054/043

Bethune, The Canal
“Albert Holt, 1918”
Accession Number: KO3054/044

Cambrai Town Hall, Feb 1919.
Accession Number: KO3054/045

Unidentified soldier of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. A faint marking in the bottom right of the photograph appears to show a date of 4 Feb 1915.
This soldier looks similar to John Turner Price, 3274 and later commissioned.
Accession Number: KO3054/046

Unidentified lady wearing the uniform of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.
Photograph by Bradshaw, Artists, China Street, Lancaster
Accession Number: KO3054/047

Theatre with First World War tank on which is written “The Tank Boys Are Here!”
Accession Number: KO3054/048

Private Harry Holt, number 38531, 4th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment.
Address shown as 38531 A Coy 4th North Staffordshire Regiment, Upstreet Camp, Near Canterbury, Kent.
“Dear Albert
How goes it. You will notice my fresh address, we have been transferred from the 3rd to the 4th Batt. There were about 300 of us came down in a special train. This camp is 4 1/2 miles from the nearest town. So you can guess we are in for a very quiet time. Are you still in the same place. Best wishes Harry.
Accession Number: KO3054/049

Private Arthur Lennox, number 3550/201443, South Lancashire Regiment. Dated 16 Apr 1916.
Accession Number: KO3054/050

Believed to be Private Arthur Lennox, number 3550/201443, South Lancashire Regiment. Wearing the badge of the 55th West Lancashire Division.
Accession Number: KO3054/051

Menu for Dinner, 8 Jul 1916, 55th West Lancashire Division.
Accession Number: KO3054/052

55th Division Varieties and Cinema. Programme for “Cheer-Oh!” A Revue in IV Scenes Invented and Produced by the 55 Divisional Theatre
Printed by David Allen & Sons Ltd
Accession Number: KO3054/053

55th Division Varieties and Cinema. Programme for The 55th Divisional Theatre Coy. Present Their Third Revue Entitled “Thumbs” in Three Scenes.
Printed by David Allen & Sons Ltd
Accession Number: KO3054/054

The British Army Crest Album, containing Crest, Badges, Devices, Honors and Nicknames in the Army. Published by Gale & Polden Ltd, 2 Amen Corner, Paternoster Row, London and Wellington Works, Aldershot.
“The Most Successful Army Album Ever Published”
Names to A Holt on the first page.
Accession Number: KO3054/055

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Ath
Accession Number: KO3054/056

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Souvenir de Bruges
Accession Number: KO3054/057

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Bruxelles
Accession Number: KO3054/058

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Calais
Accession Number: KO3054/059

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Liege
Accession Number: KO3054/060

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Louvain
Accession Number: KO3054/061

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Louvain
Accession Number: KO3054/062

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Saint Omer
Accession Number: KO3054/063

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Ostende
Dated 3 May 1919 in pencil
Accession Number: KO3054/064

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Souvenir de Waterloo
Dated May 1919 in pencil
Accession Number: KO3054/065

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Waterloo
Dated May 1919 in pencil
Accession Number: KO3054/066

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Zeebrugge
Dated May 1919 and ‘AH’
Accession Number: KO3054/067

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: The Ruins of Zeebrugge
Accession Number: KO3054/068

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Souvenir de Zeebrugge
Accession Number: KO3054/069

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Le Parc de Tervueren
Dated May 1919
Accession Number: KO3054/070

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Musee du Congo, Tervueren
Dated May 1919 and ‘AH’
Accession Number: KO3054/071

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: La Belgigue Historique, Chateau Et Parc de Laeken
Accession Number: KO3054/072

Booklet of Postcards, First World War: Belgian Army photographs of the Belgium Sector.
Accession Number: KO3054/073

First World War Postcard: Arras, Rue Meaulens
Accession Number: KO3054/074

First World War Postcard: Amiens, German Troops
Accession Number: KO3054/075

First World War Postcard: Pas-En-Artois, British and French Troops
Accession Number: KO3054/076

First World War Postcard: Entrance to Ypres
Accession Number: KO3054/077

First World War Postcard: Sea-Fusiliers conveying a blind-auto on a raft, to cross the Yser Canal
Accession Number: KO3054/078

First World War Postcard: Ypres, Part of the Station Square after the bombardment.
Accession Number: KO3054/079

First World War Postcard: Nieuport, a street after the last bombardment
Accession Number: KO3054/080

First World War Postcard: Ruins of Ypres
Accession Number: KO3054/081

First World War Postcard: Ruins of Ypres
Accession Number: KO3054/082

First World War Postcard: Ypres Bombarded
Accession Number: KO3054/083

First World War Postcard: Ypres, The Halls.
Accession Number: KO3054/084

First World War Postcard: Ypres, The Halls after the bombardment
Accession Number: KO3054/085

First World War Postcard: Ypres, La Rue au Beurre (Butter Street)
Accession Number: KO3054/086

First World War Postcard: Amiens, Cathedral
Accession Number: KO3054/087

First World War Postcard: Amiens, Cathedral
Accession Number: KO3054/088

First World War Postcard: Amiens, Cathedral
Accession Number: KO3054/089

First World War Postcard: Amiens, Cathedral
Accession Number: KO3054/090

First World War Postcard: Antwerp, Le Calvaire, rue des Menuisiers
Accession Number: KO3054/091

First World War Postcard: Antwerp, Le Puits Quinten Matsijs
Accession Number: KO3054/092

First World War Postcard: Antwerp, Cathedral
Accession Number: KO3054/093

First World War Postcard: Antwerp, Harbour
Accession Number: KO3054/094

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Bois de la Cambre, Le Pont Rustique
Accession Number: KO3054/095

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Le Lac due Bois de la Cambre – Canotage
Accession Number: KO3054/096

First World War Postcard: Brussels, La Bourse et le Boulevard Anspach
Accession Number: KO3054/097

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Gare du Nord
Accession Number: KO3054/098

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Place de Brouckere
Accession Number: KO3054/099

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Maison des Corporations
Accession Number: KO3054/100

First World War Postcard: Brussels, General View
Accession Number: KO3054/101

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Grand Place
Accession Number: KO3054/102

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Theatre Royal
Accession Number: KO3054/103

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Le Grand Place
Accession Number: KO3054/104

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Les Arcades du Cinquantenaire
Accession Number: KO3054/105

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Natural History Museum
Accession Number: KO3054/106

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Natural History Museum
Accession Number: KO3054/107

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Natural History Museum
Accession Number: KO3054/108

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Natural History Museum
Accession Number: KO3054/109

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Natural History Museum
Accession Number: KO3054/110

First World War Postcard: Brussels, Natural History Museum
Accession Number: KO3054/111

First World War Postcard: Doullens, Le Boulevard
Accession Number: KO3054/112

First World War Postcard: Doullens, Rue du Borg
Accession Number: KO3054/113

First World War Postcard: Doullens, Le Pont de Briques sur l’Authie
Accession Number: KO3054/114

First World War Postcard: Doullens, Rue des Boucheries
Accession Number: KO3054/115

First World War Postcard: Chateau de Fricourt (Somme) before the war.
Accession Number: KO3054/116

First World War Postcard: Le Havre. Le Boulevard Albert
Accession Number: KO3054/117

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Rue d’Ath
Accession Number: KO3054/118

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Rue du Bois Blanc
Accession Number: KO3054/119

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Rue de Tournai
Accession Number: KO3054/120

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Rue Saint-Martin
Accession Number: KO3054/121

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Panorama de la Gare
Accession Number: KO3054/122

First World War Postcard: Leuze, La Grand’ Place
Accession Number: KO3054/123

First World War Postcard: Leuze, La Dendre
Accession Number: KO3054/124

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Hotel de Ville et l’Egilse Saint Pierre
Accession Number: KO3054/125

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Rue de la Liberte
Accession Number: KO3054/126

First World War Postcard: Leuze, La Gare
Accession Number: KO3054/127

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Le Marche u Lundi
Accession Number: KO3054/128

First World War Postcard: Leuze, Quinconce de la Tour Saitn-Pierre
Accession Number: KO3054/129

First World War Postcard: A Street in Loos
Accession Number: KO3054/130

First World War Postcard: Marseille, Yachts in the Port
Accession Number: KO3054/131

First World War Postcard: Marseille, La Rue Cannebiere
Accession Number: KO3054/132

First World War Postcard: Marseille, Quai des Belges
Accession Number: KO3054/133

First World War Postcard: Marseille, L’ascenseur de N.D. de la Garde
Accession Number: KO3054/134

First World War Postcard: Marseille, Quai de la Fraternite et rue Cannebiere
Accession Number: KO3054/135

First World War Postcard: Marseille, Vue prise de N. D. de la Garde
Accession Number: KO3054/136

First World War Postcard: Neuve Chapelle, Ruins after bombardment
Accession Number: KO3054/137

First World War Postcard: Paris, La Porte St. Denis
Accession Number: KO3054/138

First World War Postcard: Paris, L’Arc de Triumphe
Accession Number: KO3054/139

First World War Postcard: Paris, Place et Colonne Vendome
Accession Number: KO3054/140

First World War Postcard: Paris, Le Seine au Pont Royal
Accession Number: KO3054/141

First World War Postcard: Paris, La Place de la Concorde
Accession Number: KO3054/142

First World War Postcard: Paris, Place de la Bastille
Accession Number: KO3054/143

First World War Postcard: Paris, Le Petit Palais des Champs-Elysees
Accession Number: KO3054/144

First World War Postcard: Paris, Le Trocadero
Accession Number: KO3054/145

First World War Postcard: Paris, La palce de L’Opera
Accession Number: KO3054/146

First World War Postcard: Paris, Quai de l’Hotel-de-Ville
Accession Number: KO3054/147

First World War Postcard: Paris, Eiffel Tower
Accession Number: KO3054/148

First World War Postcard: Paris La Madeleine
Accession Number: KO3054/149

First World War Postcard: Paris, Gare Montparnasse
Accession Number: KO3054/150

First World War Postcard: Paris, L’Hotel de Ville
Accession Number: KO3054/151

First World War Postcard: Paris, Notre Dame
Accession Number: KO3054/152

First World War Postcard: Paris, Notre Dame
Accession Number: KO3054/153

First World War Postcard: Paris, L’Institut
Accession Number: KO3054/154

First World War Postcard: Paris L’Observatoire et les Jardins
Accession Number: KO3054/155

First World War Postcard: Paris, Jardine du Trocadero
Accession Number: KO3054/156

First World War Postcard: Paris, La Porte Saint-Martin
Accession Number: KO3054/157

First World War Postcard: Paris, Le Chambre des Deputes
Accession Number: KO3054/158

First World War Postcard: Paris, Le Funiculaire de Montmartre et le Sacre-Coeur
Accession Number: KO3054/159

First World War Postcard: Paris, Le Sainte-Chapelle
Accession Number: KO3054/160

First World War Postcard: Paris, Gare de l’Est
Accession Number: KO3054/161

First World War Postcard: Paris, Theatre et Place du Chatelet
Accession Number: KO3054/162

First World War Postcard: Paris, Pont Alexandre III
Accession Number: KO3054/163

First World War Postcard: Poperinghe, Shell hole in Furness Street
Accession Number: KO3054/164

First World War Postcard: Poperinghe, Cueillette de Houblon, Picking Hops.
Accession Number: KO3054/165

First World War Postcard: Ypres, Street leading to Square
Accession Number: KO3054/166

First World War Postcard: Unidentified location showing damage to bridge
Accession Number: KO3054/167

First World War Postcard: Unidentified location showing damage to bridge
Accession Number: KO3054/168

Brass matchbox holder, with King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment badge on one side, and three half bullets and the crown from a button on the other.
Accession Number: KO3054/169

Form of Indenture of Apprenticeship for a single master, for Albert Holt, Lanccaster, dated 18 Oct 1905. With William Huntington & Sons, King Street Saw Mills, Lancaster.
Accession Number: KO3054/170

Letter dated 21 Aug 1905 from William Huntington & Sons, King Street Saw Mills, Lancaster, to the parents of Albert Holt, regarding his work as a Builders Clerk, and the payments he will receive.
Accession Number: KO3054/171

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.