Albert Pearson Grainger was born on 20th July 1892 at Selston, Notts, son of William Grainger manager of the local brickworks and Louisa Grainger.  Albert had elder brothers Arthur, Ernest and John and sisters Sarah, Louisa and Mary A.  Mary A. who was employed as a post office assistant later went on to marry Sgt Wilfrid Cook, who is also named on the Jacksdale War Memorial as having served. The Grainger family lived at 'The Limes', Selston Road, Jacksdale. 

Albert attested in 1915 at Clapham, S.W. London in the London Brigade R.G.A. Regimental No 1971, but was discharged in 1916 and granted a temporary commission for the duration of the war. Albert had attended Heanor Technical School, Derbyshire   Prior to joining up Albert had been employed as an export buyer and departmental head. His application for entry to an Officer Cadet Unit indicated that he was not married. The Reverend Pleming, Vicar of Mapperley provided a character reference and the headmaster of Heanor Secondary School, R Stoddard, Bsc confirmed his standard of education was suitable for a commissioned rank. His Officer Commanding at Winchester also confirmed his suitability.

In November 1920 Albert relinquished his commission.  His niece, daughter of Wilfrid Cook informs us that Albert later married a London girl named Doris. They settled in Kent and ran a fine quality clothes shop. They were not to have any children of their own but their nieces and nephews were regular visitors especially at Christmas time and were always made very welcome. Albert and Doris kept a dog, an Airdale/Golden Retriever type whom the children loved.  Doris spoilt the children with dolls houses, pottery dolls and also made fairy dresses for the dolls. Albert was taken very seriously ill in the 1950's but luckily survived and went on to live into his nineties.

Little boy on left of Louisa Grainger is Albert and little girl on right is Mary Grainger.

Lt Albert Grainger appears on the 'Absent Voters List 1918/19' residence given as Selston Road, Jacksdale. The Roll lists him as a Second Lieutenant but the Jacksdale Memorial records his rank as Lieutenant.

Family snapshot taken at 'The Limes' Jacksdale
Back Row - standing 2nd left is Albert and 3rd is Doris. 6th Standing on end is Wilfrid Cook.
Seated in front of Wilfrid, far right is Mary Alice Cook (nee Grainger).

Last updated 2010