Private Albert Edward “Pop” Downsborough
Introduction
Albert Edward “Pop” Downsborough was a Private in the 1st World War. He served in the 7th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery. He is my great great grandfather (my grandfather’s grandfather).
Early life
Pte A E Downsborough was born in Halifax, England on the 12 of August 1892, to Jeanette Downsborough and Fred Downsborough. When he turned 19, he moved to Australia were he got a job as a Mechanic.
Enlistment and Departure from Australia
Pte A E Downsborough Enlisted on the 17th of July 1916 at the age of 23. on the 9th of November he left on the HMAT Argyllshire heading for Devonport Plymouth UK.
Training
Pte A E Downsborough arrived at Devonport on the 10th of January 1917 where he joined the 7th Training Battalion he spent 4 months at Rollestone camp in Salisbury UK before proceeding overseas to Shelterwood camp in France were he had equipment/weapons training for a month before he joined the 28th battalion
The 28th Battalion
The 28th battalion was tasked with taking supplies to a camp at Beugnatre. While they marched near Sunken Road a strong enemy attack started, however, they had no enemy contact and successfully got the supplies to Beugnatre. On the 19th They took over the fighting in Noreuil from the 19th Battalion. They were then relieved by the 7th Battalion and went to Longatte Road.
The Battle of Bullecourt
The barrage opened at 3:45 on May the 4th. Five hours later several companies moved to the Railway Embankment to bomb the old German trenches. 2 hours later the orders were received for everyone to move forward to the old German trenches and to prepare to bomb the trenches. The orders were then received 3 hours later to commence the bombing. After fighting for another 10 hours orders were received to pull back due to artillery fire. They then went back to Shelterwood camp and trained more. Then on the 23rd of May Pte A E Downsborough was attached to the light trench mortar battery for duty
The 7th Light Trench Mortar Battery
While Pte A E Downsborough was with the 7th ALTMB he fought in several battles including the battle of Broodseinde, the battle of Hamel and the battle of Amiens
During this time, he went on leave to London and arrived back late (AWL), so he was given 7 days field punishment and forfeiture of 11 days’ pay.
The Battle of Amiens
The 7th ALTMB moved into positions at 2:00 on the 8th of July
The day later the 7th ALTMB took part in the preliminary bombardment they then moved there equipment for use on the 11th. Another preliminary bombardment happened in which 100 rounds were fired by the 7th ALTMB. Later that day Pte A E downsborough was moved to a casualty clearing station because he had pyrexia of unknown origin. From there he was moved to the 53rd general hospital. This was also the day the war ended
The 7th Light Trench Mortar Battery post-war
On the 13th of January 1919 he re-joined the 7th Light trench mortar battery
Throughout the year they mostly guarded camp Charleroi were Pte A E Downsborough made a dagger/letter opener out of a piece of shrapnel and a blade as a souvenir of the war. He left the military on the 13th of April and received his last payment on the 25th of August 1919. 7 days later on the 18th of April the 7th Australian light trench mortar battery ceased to exist
After service
A E Downsborough married Minnie Buckley in the Parish church of King’s Cross Halifax. Afterwards they moved back to Australia and to Stuart St Inglewood. He also got an avenue named after him called Downsborough Avenue in Kewdale.
Conclusion
Albert Edward Downsborough was a private in the 7th light trench mortar battery he fought many battles and eventually left the military to settle down with his wife Minnie Downsborough

Thu 17 Sep 2020