Herbert T Shinkfield

Private, London Rifle Brigade

Age 13.4, Class IV-A: 'Hard working little fellow: fair ability'

Herbert T Shinkfield was born 31st August 1896, the son of H J Shinkfield, who was an ironmonger in Camberwell. He was also the brother of Eric and Leonard Shinkfield who were both killed during WW1. He attended Alleyn's from May 1905 until December 1912 when he left to become a Junior in a wholesale Ironmongery business. It is probable, but not proven, that this was his family's business. Unlike his two brothers Herbert survived WW1 as he was invalided out of the army after he was gassed in July 1916, aged 21. Herbert's sister, Irene, wrote a short account of her brothers' involvement in WW1 for her old school, The James Allen Girls School,and it is this account that has provided some of this information about Herbert. Herbert was awarded the Victory Medal.