1929 Alfred and Colleagues Chemin De Fer Du Nord Arras
I wonder what discussions these three comrades had when they met up again in 1929. They were bound together by privation and physical wretchedness. They lived knee deep in oozing stinking trenches with no comfort and the impossibility of getting their clothes dried or body clean. His son Norman (my dad) said Alfred "never got over the war."
When they returned home, it soon became apparent that their prospects were not good. There was little help in terms of housing, pensions and welfare, despite politicians promising that they were returning to 'a land fit for heroes.'
Alfred was still living in Rose Terrace in the 1920s, which is confirmed by the '192?' at the top of an invoice found in Aunt Eleanor's house. At this time Alfred was making a living running a carting, general dealer and 'pony and trap for hire' business; more than likely because he was no longer able to return to his job as a miner. My dad told me many lovely affectionate stories about the horses they had, but I can't remember him telling me they were used for his dad's carting business.
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