Albert Brine

Story:
Albert Brine was born in 1887 in Shaftesbury and baptised at St. John's Church, Enmore Green on 20th February 1887. He was the son of John Brine, a contractor/haulier, and Louisa Brine (née Prior). His siblings included Frank, born in 1889, who also died in the war. Other brothers, Douglas Harold (b.1895) and Percival both served and survived.   Cousin Reginald Brine served in the Royal Navy and lost his life.  At the time of the 1911 Census Albert was single, working as a road contractor/carter and living at the family home on Sherborne Causeway, Enmore Green. Prior to this he had enlisted with the 44th Company, 3rd Depot of the Royal Garrison Artillery (Service No. 20661). He served for three years from 9th September 1907, then went into the reserves.

He was mobilized on 11th August 1914 and served with various Batteries within the Royal Garrison Artillery until he was transferred to the Royal Engineers on 28th May 1917 (New Service No. 252577). At the time of his death he held the rank of Corporal. He served in France & Flanders and towards, the end of the conflict, was posted to Italy. Whilst there he was awarded the Bronze Medal for Military Valour by the Italian Government, an announcement of which appeared in the London Gazette on 10th September 1918. He was also awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star medals. He contracted influenza and died on 29th October 1918 at the 11th General Hospital, Genoa. He had been attached to the 15th Brigade of the Royal Garrison Artillery, Signal Sub-Section, R.E. He was buried at Staglieno Cemetery, Piazzale Resasco, Genoa, Italy (grave id. I.D.11). He is remembered on the war memorials at Motcombe and Enmore Green, Shaftesbury.

Albert's cousin Reginald Henry Brine served in the Royal Navy during the war but sadly died in 1918 on board HMS Lion.

Source:
Photographs of Albert Brine and the Brine family home on Sherborne Causeway provided by Nigel Garrett.