Born: 22 September 1883, Apperley Bridge
Died: 17 April 1931
Buried:
Address: 11 Victoria Place, Eccleshill
Parents: George & Annie
Spouse: Margaret, nee Braithwaite
Siblings:
Occupation: Slater
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Sgt
Medals/awards: Military Medal
Rolls of Honour:
Children: Elsie, Mary, George, Arthur
Regiment: West Yorkshire
Eli Alred
Eli was born on 22 September
1883, the son of slater George and
Annie Alred. At the time of the
1901 census they were living at
Norman’s Lane, Eccleshill and 17-
year-old Eli was described as a
millhand at a spinning factory.
On Boxing Day 1904 he married
Margaret Braithwaite of Yeadon
and then his occupation was given
as butcher and by the time of the
1911 census, Eli was now a slater,
like his father, and he and
Margaret, together with four
children were living at 11 Langleys
Ford, Well Hill, Yeadon.
On 19 October 1917, the Shipley
Times & Express reported:
“A Military Medal has been
awarded to Sgt Eli Alred of 11
Victoria Place, Eccleshill.
“He joined the colours on October
19th, 1914. Within three months of
joining he was given his first stripe
and within six months was made
corporal and instructor. Five
months ago he was promoted to
sergeant in the West Yorkshire
Regiment.
“Ever since going up the line his
regiment has been in
the thick of the
fighting. His name
was at the head of
the list of non-
commissioned
officers who were
especially thanked
by Brigade Major J
Harter for gallantry
shown in the fighting
on the 6th and 11th
September and Alred
was granted the
Military Medal on
September 22nd,
which is his birthday.
Commended
“His captain commended him for
some distinction for, first, keen
observation and organising sniping
posts; second, killing two and
wounding three Germans who were
observing our movements; thirdly,
coolness and resourcefulness under
heavy shell fire; fourth, selected by
platoon officer for patrol work in
no-man’s land and to particularly
examine what had been reported as
a disused trench.”
Eli didn’t get his medal until the
following year, as
reported on 24 May
1918:
“At the close of the
cricket match between
Eccleshill and Saltaire
on Monday, Sgt Eli
Alred of 11 Victoria
Place, was presented
with the Military
Medal.
“The Deputy Lord
Mayor, Alderman
Squire Deighton, was
chairman. He said that
Bradford’s sons had
proved their valour during the last
three years.
“Sgt Alred and his comrades had
been waging war against an enemy
who, for brutality, were worse than
savages.
“He then called on Cllr John Guy
to make the presentation and before
pinning the medal, Cllr Guy
remarked that he looked upon it as
one of his greatest privileges.
“He had known Sgt Alred before
the war and was assured that he
was made of sterling stuff. He
heartily congratulated him on his
achievement and said he had just
cause to be proud
“Sgt Alred thanked the gentlemen
who had taken part for their
kindness and said that all the lads
had gone out to do their ‘bit.’ There
had been some good lads with him
or he would never have got the
medal.
Three hearty cheers
“On the suggestion of the Deputy
Lord Mayor, three hearty cheers
were given for the gallant soldier
who is with the West Yorks Regt.,
and has been out 12 months. He has
been wounded. He wears the cross
guns and the two blue chevrons.
“The medal was won on 11th
September 1917. Sgt Alred and an
officer, along with 50 men, went
out to bomb 120 yards of the
German first line and to capture
prisoners.
“This they succeeded in doing and
brought back five prisoners. Only
three of their men were wounded.”
From the Ancestry website we
know that Eli died on 17 April
1931, aged 47.