terry carter
Birmingham Pals
Remembering
Saturday 31 March 1917, The Birmingham Weekly Post
Pte Alfred Green, South Staffs, killed in action 17 February, aged 29, had also been wounded three times previously. At the outbreak of war he was in the Phillippine Islands, having served 8 years in the USA Army and Navy. He was in the old Militia of the Warwicks when only 15 years of age, enlisting as 17, his mother being a widow with five children. He eventually joined the USA army at the time the American fleet had a voyage around the world. He was in the trouble in Mexico at the time they captured Vera Cruz. Feeling he should be doing his bit for the old country, Pte Green left his ship and came to England, and enlisted into the South Staffs and went to the Dardanelles, where he was wounded. Afterwards he went to France. He enlisted under the name of Colbourne, the second marriage name of his mother, Mrs E Colbourne, 10 Clifton Place, Colville Road, Sparkbrook, B'ham.
Pte Alfred Colbourne, No.17233, 2nd Bn South Staffs. KIA 17/2/17 Thiepval Memorial