Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
Alfred Kerry was born in Stretton in about 1898. He was the son of Frederick Kerry, a farm labourer, and his wife Elizabeth. The family lived at White Pump, Lapley in 1901 but had moved to Gunstone by 1911 when 13 year-old Alfred was still a schoolboy.
Alfred was called up in August 1916 but was posted to the reserves. He was recalled in March 1917 and joined the Leicestershire Yeomanry. In December 1917 he was transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment - eventually joining the 1/4 Battalion - and sent to France. Alfred was killed in action on 22nd June, 1918. He is buried in Fouquieres Churchyard Extension, France.
Private Alfred Kerry, 41146, was awarded the Victory and British Medals.
A FARM HAND'S MISFORTUNE. - A man, named Frederick Kerry, in the employ of Mr. Tolfree, of Gunstone Farm, Codsall, was taking one of the farm horses to the stable when, without the slightest warning, the animal bit the man's left arm between the elbow and the wrist, tearing a piece out of the fleshy part of the arm, which bled profusely. Dr Kirkcaldy, of Brewood, was summoned and dressed the wound but it is doubtful whether or not amputation will be necessary. By the next post, following this stroke of ill-luck, came an official intimation that Kerry's youngest son, aged 20, who was called up but a few months ago, and was a sniper at the front, had been killed and interred in a French cemetery with military honours. [Staffordshire Advertiser 6 July 1918]
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg.