15 year old Reggie died at the Somme 100 years ago


The Wandsworth Green Plaque that commemorates Private Twyford

The memory of a brave young soldier who died in the trenches of the First World War exactly 100 years ago at the age of just 15 has been honoured today (8th August).

Albert Reginald Twyford was only 14 when he volunteered for the British Army in 1915. The son of a gardener and domestic servant he successfully persuaded army recruiting staff that he was 18-years-old.

He was allowed to join the 13th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment – a so called ‘Pals battalion’ that had been raised by the then Mayor of Wandsworth and was comprised of men from Putney, Roehampton, Southfields and Wandsworth, who all signed up to serve alongside their friends and work colleagues.

Private Twyford, known as Reggie to his family and friends, managed to keep his secret safe from all those who served alongside him and was shipped to France on the eve of the Battle of the Somme.

He survived on the front line under constant enemy fire for two months until he was killed in a German artillery attack on the British lines on August 8, 1916. He was only 15-years-old.

His body, plus those of five comrades who died alongside him that day, is now buried in the Philosophe British War Cemetery on the outskirts of the nearby village of Mazingarbe.

In honour of his memory and his sacrifice, a Wandsworth Green Plaque was unveiled on Remembrance Day 2011 at the property in Roehampton High Street where he was born on February 8 1901. As a young child he and his family later moved to 70 Merton Road in Southfields.

These green plaques have been commissioned by Wandsworth Council to honour famous, notable and historically important people or places in the borough. Plaques have also been unveiled in recognition of former Prime Minister Clement Atlee, actress Margaret Rutherford; the Clapham Sect, who worked to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire and pioneering aircraft manufacturer AV Roe.

The Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Richard Field today visited the plaque in Roehampton High Street, which sits above the entrance to East Chemist, to pay his respects and honour Reggie’s memory. He said:
“The story of this brave young man and his tragic death at such a young age 100 years ago today is absolutely heartbreaking. It is a poignant reminder of why we must never forget the sacrifices of previous generations who fought for freedom – and why we must continue to honour the bravery and courage of those in our armed forces who are still serving today.”