Albert Edward's Story.
Albert's grave in Hoylake (Holy Trinity) Churchyard.
Birkenhead News 16 June 1917
SOLDIER DROWNED AT HOYLAKE.
The Late Cadet A. E. Barton.
A sad fatality occurred at Hoylake early on Thursday morning by which Cadet Albert Edward Barton, third son of Mr. William Barton, 33, Groveland Avenue, Hoylake, lost his life. He had been in the ranks of the 22nd Manchester Regt., taking part in the Battle of the Somme, and had been recommended on the field for a commission. After a successful course of training at the 17th Officers’ Training Battalion at Kinmel Park, he was awaiting his commission at his home. He went out to bathe with his younger brother Fred and a companion a little before 7 on Thursday morning. They had been in the baths the previous morning, but this time decided to swim in the open sea. They entered just opposite the baths, and set off to swim to a boat a little distance out. Deceased, who was an indifferent swimmer, was soon well behind the other two. After a few minutes his brother observed he was in difficulties, probably caused by cramp. Though his brother got to him he was unable to keep him up, and eventually had to let go, or he also might have been drowned. The young soldier sank before the companion could render assistance. The body was recovered some time after by Mr. George Beck. Dr Hablot Brown was summoned, but life was extinct. The funeral is set to take place at Hoylake Parish Church this (Saturday) afternoon. The deceased who was only 20 years of age, was quite an exemplary young man.
As a boy he was a member of the Parish Boy choir. Before enlisting he went to sea in the Orduna, one of the Pacific Co.’s ships. His two elder brothers are in the forces, the eldest, Percy, being in the Navy, and the second, Richard, in the Lancashire Fusiliers. Sincere expressions of sympathy with the bereaved father, sister and brothers are heard on every side.