A Toft (1876 – 1918)

Alfred Toft was born in Cheshire, the son of Solomon, a gardener, and his wife, Janet. They lived in Rusholme, Manchester. By the time he was 14, Alfred was working as a Draper’s assistant. Ten years later in 1901, Alfred had moved to Castle Terrace, Bridgnorth, where he was still working as a Draper’s assistant. At his death, in 1918, he was described as ‘Director of Waterloo House Drapers’.

Alfred served in the 7th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He died of wounds on 5th April, 1918 probably sustained during the Second Battle of the Somme (21st March – 5th April, 1918).

Private Toft, 23846, was awarded the Victory and British medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 13th April, 1918.

WOUNDED
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 6th April, 1918]
23846 Pte. A Toft, 7th K.S.L.I., has been severely wounded in action in France. Pte. Toft, previous to joining up, was a director of Waterloo House Drapers, Ltd.

DIED OF WOUNDS
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 13th April, 1918]
23846 Pte. A Toft, 7th K.S.L.I., who was reported in our last issue as wounded in action in France, died at a base hospital on Saturday last. Pte. Toft was in private life a director of Waterloo House Drapers, Ltd., Bridgnorth.