THE short lives of William and Alfred James Sortwell as read out by Callum Hibberd.

This project has been brought to you by Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

William and Alfred Sortwell

Alfred and William’s parents were Henry Sortwell, born in Potter Street in c.1866 and Jessie Stevens, born in Tiverton in c.1865. They married in West Ham in 18871.

Harry William Sortwell was born in Harlow in 18892. He was known as William throughout his life. Alfred James Sortwell was born in Harlow in 18913.

The 1891 census shows Alfred and William living at Spring Side, Roydon Villas, Netteswell. Henry was working as a bricklayer. The 1901 census shows the family living at Glovers Farm in Hastingwood. Henry was still working as a bricklayer. The 1911 census showed William and Alfred living at Rose Cottage, The Wantz, North Weald. Henry continued to work as a bricklayer while William was working as a poulterer and Alfred a butcher.

Alfred married Alice Aldons in early 1916 in Amersham4.

Private William Sortwell, 20826, enlisted in Warley serving with The 7th Battalion of The East Surrey Regiment. William was killed in action on 9 April 1917 at the age of 30 and is commemorated on The Arras Memorial to the Missing, France. Bay 6. Register Index Number MR20.

Private Alfred James Sortwell, S/4/250822, enlisted in Chelmsford and became a member of The Army Service Corps and subsequently 89497 in The 33rd Battalion of The Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Alfred was killed in action on 23 September 1918 aged 27 and is buried in Villers Hill British Cemetery, France. Plot 2, row B, grave 32. Register Index Number Fr.407.

Alfred’s widow Alice never remarried and died at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping on 1 February 1956. A grant of probate was issued to Annie Townsend on 28 March to the sum of £4,348 15s 1d5.