Private G/11979 Albert John Morris of the 8th Battalion, the East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), was the son of George Morris and May Pope of Rock’s Cottage, Burwash, East Sussex.

In the 1901 census, he is recorded living with his family at Forge Cottages, all were born in the parish. George, aged 38, was a carter on a farm. Mary was also aged 38. Children recorded are Bessy, aged 14, Nelly, aged 12, George, aged 9, Albert aged 7 and Mary Ann aged 5.

By 1911, the family were at Rocks Cottage. Mary is now a widow, she and George had been married for twenty seven years and had produced six children, all of whom survived childhood and of those Nelly is not recorded and George and Albert are now farm labourers.

Albert enlisted at Chichester on the 14th of August 1916, his occupation being given as a milkman. His preference was to serve in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was posted to the 3rd Battalion of the Buffs on the same day, thence to the BEF on the 9th of December 1916 and then posted to the 8th Battalion on the 12th of the month.

On the 14th of June 1917 (this is the date on his record although one source gives 08.30 on the 15th), he received gun shot wounds to his thigh and abdomen and died of them on the following day.

He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium and his battlefield cross hangs in the church porch at Burwash (St Bartholomew) church.

On the 20th of February 1918, the personal effects of Private Morris were returned to his mother. These amounted to letters, photos, photo case. Silver watch, chain and key, buttons, money bag, two metal rings, two cap badges, two numerals, pocket knife, pen holder, three halfpenny stamps, and cards. She received his memorial scroll on March the 20th 1920.