The earliest I can find Alfred is on the 1901 census when he was 20 and living with his parents in Flint. They had 8 rooms at 35 & 37, Swan Street, Flint,  Flintshire  (They all spoke only English). Head of household and father, was Arthur Prestidge 45, a Furnace Man who had been born in  Pontypool, Monmouthshire.  Arthur’s wife was Fanny 45  and originally from Bristol Gloucestershire. Their children were Arthur  24,  Alfred 20 and William 18 ,all Labourers.  Mary 16, Louisa 14,  Elizabeth.10,  Ellen  8 and  Harry  4.

Alfred Prestidge and Louise Pritchard married in Flint on 8th February 1902 – Flint Parish Registers (page 107 No 213). Alfred was an ironworker.

The 1911 census sees Alfred and Louise living at 167, High Street, Connahs Quay,  Flintshire ( 4 Children born, all living).  Their name on the census was spelt Prestage.  Alfred 31, was a Furnaceman. His wife  of ten years, Louisa was 32.  Their children were Alfred  7, Elisebth  5 and Lily 3.  Louisa signed the form as Louie.  A 4th child, I believe, Maud, is missing on this census.

UK soldiers who died in the Great War 1914 -19, accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental information above and adds that he had been  born in  Bedminster, Bristol and enlisted in Wrexham.

There is an index card for Alfred in the Flintshire Roll of Honour at the County Record office in Hawarden. (WW1 Index Cards  Connah’s Quay F 52)   It confirms the regimental details above. The address given is 167, High Street, Connah’s Quay. It says his period of Service: was 4 years and 6 months. ‘Killed 16th May 1915’ was written in red ink.   “No Parlicular available” was written on the card. It was signed on the 15th December 1919 by Mrs. Prestidge.

Alfred was named on 3 other memorials – the Hawarden War Memorial, the memorial screen at St Ethelwold’s Church, Shotton and Memorial Plaque in St.Mark’s Church, Connah’s Quay.   Somebody made an effort to ensure he was remembered.

Connah’s Quay Cemetery.  Monumental Inscriptions – Page 15  JR2 – 13. (Black kerb surround with Black Scroll on Plot) (Scroll)

In Loving Memory of Father & Mother, Alfred Prestidge  Killed in action France 1915 aged 32.   Louise Prestige died Jan 25th 1952 aged 71.  Also Daughter Elsie who died in infancy.   Also Grandchildren Samuel & Margaret who died in infancy. Also Joseph Pritchard aged 93 & his Wife Elizabeth age 91. Also Leonard Prestidge killed in action Nov 28th 1942 age 16.

UK soldiers who died in the Great War 1914 -19, accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental information above and adds that he was born Bedminster, Bristol and enlisted in Wrexham.

Alfred Prestidge in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that the sole Legatee was his widow Louisa who was paid his War Gratuiyt of £5 on the 26th August 1919. There was a Dr. Balance of 14/10 and ½ d. (I wonder if the Army Regimental Paymaster asked for the Debit Balances which was on some Soldiers Effects, and did actually ask the widows and Legatees for this?)   Any information gratefully received.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission additional Information:Husband of Louisa Prestidge, of 167, High St., Connah’s Quay, Chester.

Alfred’s medal card also accessible on ancestry, records his medal details. It  does not say where his first Theatre of War was but  he entered it on 2nd November 1914.

Thanks to Bill Tyrell, who allowed me access to the Minutes of the the Conservative Club Shotton where in a meeting on the 9th October 1916 the committee voted to give financial help to sixteen widows of the area.   Mrs. A. PRESTIDGE, 167 High Street, was one of those widows, they were each given 5/-.    Please click on the link to read the names of the others who were mentioned in the minutes.

Alfred’s Grandson, Leonard James Prestidge, was to be killed in WW2, please click on the link to read his story.