The 1911 census shows Albert Henry’s father Albert Griffiths, age 17, single and a Junior Chemist (Iron & Steel Manufacturers). Albert (Snr’s) parents, Griffith Griffiths, age 49 and a Platelayer with the G.C.R. Company and Mary Griffiths, age 38 tellls us that they had been married for 20 years, 5 sons had been born and all were still living, – as stated – Albert , age 17, James, 15, William, 13, Samuel 10 and Arthur age 8. The latter two were the only ones born in Northop, everyone else had been born in Hope Parish, Flintshire.
Albert Henry Griffiths was born circa 1918 in the Hawarden Registration District (Flintshire (Mold) HAW/23A/6) the son of Albert and Lilian Warburton Griffiths (nee Cargill), who married in the March Quarter of 1917 in a Civil Ceremony at Hawarden (Flintshire (Mold) HAW/05/77)
Albert Henry had a brother Leslie Cargill Griffiths in 1920 (Flintshire (Mold) HAW/26A/37), who is seen on the 1921 census, with Albert Henry, now known as Harry. The census was taken on the 19th of June 1921. Albert Griffiths was head of the household, he was now 28 years and 1 month old, he had been born in Caergwrle, Flintshire and was an Analytical Chemist at John Summers & Sons Ltd., Hawarden Bridge Steelworks, Shotton. Lilian Griffiths his wife, had been born at Mold Junction, Flintshire and was now 23 years and 7 months old, she was described as doing “Home Duties.” Albert Henry Griffiths, now known as Harry, was now 3 years and 6 months old, he had been born in Buckley, Flintshire while his brother Leslie Griffiths was 1 year and 1 month old and had been born in Pentre, Hawarden, Flintshire.
However, sadly, in 1923, I believe that their father Albert died as on the 1939 National Register, Lilian Warburton Griffiths is shown as a widow and the only death certificate that I can find that may fit is this one, (Flintshire (Mold) HAW/15A/18), it would have to be purchased to confirm/deny, so any help would be appreciated.
I do not know anything about Albert Henry’s childhood or early years, so if anyone can add to his story, please get in touch with the website, as he needs to be remembered for giving up his life for us all at such a young age.
He is seen on the Hawarden County School Admissions Register:-
Hawarden Grammar School Admissions Register E/GS/1/10
1239/1934 GRIFFITHS, Albert Hy., Date of Birth- 15th December 1917, 14 Sandy Lane, Garden City, Date of Entry – 16th September 1929, Father – Chemist, Sealand Cl., Sch £6, Date of Leaving – 21st July 1931 Surveyor.
The 1939 National Register was taken on the 29th September of that year, but Albert Henry is still seen on that, so I don’t know when he enlisted or was conscripted. The family were now living at 11, Windsor Avenue, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire. This source gives us the dates of birth. Lilian W. Griffiths had been born on the29th of November 1897 and was doing “Unpaid Domestic Duties.” On this register most married women, who did not have a job, were described this way. Albert H. Griffiths, (Harry), had been born on the 15th of December 1917 and was now a Metallurgical Chemist at the Steel Works. Leslie C. Griffiths had been born on the 23rd of April, 1920 and was a Steel Works Clerk. A boarder, I believe, Noel James, was a Police Constable.
I have the RAF Operation Record Book for the month of January 1945 – Albert Henry was lost when his Halifax 111 (NA237 “C”) was missing with all the crew.
16/1/45 Bombing attack on MAGDEBURG (Twenty Two Crews)
Route – Base – Flamboro’ Head – 54.30North by 05.00East – 06.00East on track – 54.10North by 07.10 East – 53.35North by 10.00East – Target – 52.00North by 11.40 East – 51.57North by 10.00East – 52.30North by 8.55East – 52.40North by 07.05 East – Base.
Bomb Loads: – all a/c 1/2000lb. HC. (M2) Fused Nose Inst. 4 x CP No. 15 C6/10. 6 x CP No. 14 06/10 and 1 x CP No. 14 X C6/10.
They went ‘Up” at 18.31 with 21 other aircraft but was missing – nothing heard from aircraft after take off.
FO MARSHALL, A.H. Cpt Bombing
Sgt. PAXTON, W, Nav.
FS. LAWRENCE,K.A/B.
FS. ELSOM D. W/C
Sgt. THORNLEY, J. M./
Sgt. GRIFFITHS, A. F/E.
Sgt. TUCK, R.C. T/G.
Two days before on the 14th January 1945 the same crew went on a Bombing Attack on the Marshalling Yards at Saabrucken (Fourteen Aircraft). HalifaxIII NA 228 ‘D.’ They were “Up” at 11.14 and “Down” at 17.13 They bombed the Target ay 1500hrs, from 18000ft, by visual identification and RED/GREEN T.I’s, weather was clear and target easily seen. Master Bomber was heard and obeyed. Bomb bursts were seen on the actual marshalling yards. There were only four bursts of Flak seen.
Please read about 10 Squadron on the website:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._10_Squadron_RAF
Also https://www.10sqnass.co.uk/
Chester Chronicle dated 24th March 1945, tells us that Harry was killed in action. – News has been received by Mrs. Griffiths, 11, Windsor-avenue, Connah’s Quay, that her son, Sergt. Harry Griffiths, R.A.F., was killed early in January during operations over Germany. Sergt. Griffiths was engaged to Miss Joan Groom, High Street.
Albert Henry was obviously loved and his mother was to suffer another bereavement, with her eldest son’s death, leaving her, I believe with 1 son. Any information would be gratefully received to make sure Albert Henry’s sacrifice is not forgotten.
