Motorfinity | The photograph remembers - A Battle of the Somme Story

Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo

This year we’re commemorating the Battle of the Somme’s anniversary with a personal story that sits closer to home.

Motorfinity’s Copywriter, Renee Foster, provides a heartwarming account of her grandparent’s experience during and after World War 1 which no doubt will feel familiar to many.

The story behind the photograph
Albert at war
Lily, the young widow
A toast

Motorfinity is proud to support the Armed Forces

Albert Riley is happily dating Lily Bullimore and enjoying his painting business when World War 1 is declared.

Enlisting with the 8th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, he marches 20 miles in new boots to embark on the train to hell. His blistered feet a sign of the unknown terror to follow.

Once a son, brother, husband, father, and then a grandfather never known, his legacy lives on and is a constant reminder of the sacrifices made to maintain our freedom today. The photograph hangs on my writing room wall – a proud tribute to Albert and Lily and a reflection of the sacrifice of millions.”

The story behind the photograph

A picture of Albert and Lily's marriage certificate.

The year is 1916, young Albert, 21, returns from France to marry his sweetheart, Lily, 19. His uniform sodden and full of lice, he’s stripped and his old uniform is burnt beneath the copper’s flames. A fresh uniform is purchased. Lily, in service at the time, is gifted a roll of bright blue velvet by the lady of the house and fashions her wedding gown.

The ceremony is simple and there’s just time to pose in Newark Castle grounds. Two faces bright and tender on this April 1916 day.

"The photograph remembers what the consequences of war would steal away."

Albert at war

Three medals Albert attained for his service.

Back to the trenches he marches to face the Somme’s unyielding hell.

He serves his captain well as a batman in the fight. He follows orders to fetch the rum – doses of courage for the men about to go into battle. While death is raging far and wide, he finds shelter in a crater:

“A bomb won't strike twice here".

And there in the mud, he drinks his liquid cargo and passes out beneath the screaming skies.

Failing to return, the men lament young Albert’s demise:

“That’s the end of Albert”.

His unit continues its quest as decoys in the Battle of the Somme’s sacrificial plan. On the 1st day of battle, 1st July 1916, he was with his Brigade when it attacked at Gommecourt.

Then tasked with finding his younger brother, Harry, he searches among the gassed and dead.

When hope is almost lost, he sees him standing there, though what a bitter cost – the gas, the wounds they bear.

Returning home, Albert does not mend. The war lives on in his brain and in his lungs until his days end – a life cut short.

Lily, the young widow

Lily relaxing in a deck chair post retirement.

In 1942, while two sons are away serving in the Army during WW2, Albert dies from lung disease aged 47.

Too soon.

Mother of 7, Lily with youngest babe in arms, stays forever strong and true. She works on in the local hospital and only stops when, at seventy years old, she reaches the NHS retirement age.

Petite but awesome, she spends 53 years without her Albert but remains there for all – family, friends and those less fortunate than herself.

Ignoring the law re feeding the homeless, ‘tramps’ would sit on her doorstep to receive her tasty offerings.

Despite her laborious life, Lily flies through five books a week and soars to ninety-eight years old, blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"The photograph remembers what the living slowly learns. Hearts so young and tender face the crucible of war. But love survives the sorrow and resilience finds a way. Lessons for tomorrow through the stories we narrate."

A toast

Here’s to those before us in their khaki and velvet blues who weathered war’s dark chorus and survived to tell the tale.

Let's listen to their voices. Honour every sacred thread. Remember all their choices, and the lives they bravely led.

"The photograph remembers, hanging on the writing room wall, two souls who gave their all. From Newark Castle grounds to Somme's relentless drums, their legacy resounds."

Albert and Lily, married 6 April 1916 Battle of the Somme, 01 July 1916 Lest we forget where we come from.

Motorfinity is proud to support the Armed Forces

Motorfinity’s unique service is built around providing support to eligible frontline workers. as a well-deserved ‘thank you’ for their hard that contributes to a positive impact on our communities.

And as such, we acknowledge the importance of shining a light on the sacrifices Armed Forces personnel have endured to keep our nation safe – both serving and retired. Our thoughts and support for both those who serve and their families will continue.

Many thanks to the Research team at the Museum of the Mercian Regiment for their services by confirming Albert's records.