Olympian Second Lieutenant Alfred Edward Flaxman

Alfred Edward Flaxman

Photograph from the Hexham Courant 10th Jan 2011.

It could be said that Alfred Ernest Flaxman was one of Wombwell's most accomplished soldiers, but it could also be said he is it's most forgotten. Despite being a talented musician, an athletics champion and 1908 London Olympian, he is largely forgotten in the town of his birth. Remembered only on the crumbling grave of his parents' in Wombwell cemetery.

Alfred was born in Wombwell on 1st October 1879. He was baptised on 28th November 1879. Alfred's mother was named Harriet Jecks Flaxman. Though Alfred was to have little memory of her as she died before his second birthday. Her death came in the Autumn of 1880, shortly after the birth of Alfred's younger brother and only sibling Samuel Christopher Reeve Flaxman. Alfred's father was born in 1850 at Great Ryhburgh, Norfolk. He was became rector of St Mary's Church, Wombwell in the 1870s. The family lived at 10 Summer Lane (The Rectory) along with  three servants. One of whom, Mary Crookson would remain with Alfred's father until his death. The site of the Rectory is on what is now Summer Lane Car park.

By 1901 the family were no longer living in Wombwell. Alfred's father had taken a new position as rector in Grundisburgh, Suffolk. His sons were away pursuing their respective careers. Alfred in athletics and Samuel in medicine. Both men would eventually settle in London. It seems the only tie to Wombwell that remained was their mother's grave. In 1911 Alfred was studying music in Marylebone, London While his father had retired to Bournemouth to live with his sister-in-law, (Alfred's Aunt Elizabeth Reeve.)

Alfred Flaxman is remembered on the grave
of his parents in Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorks.

During WWI Alfred Flaxman served as Second Lieutenant with the 1/6th South Staffordshire regiment. He was commissioned on 18th June 1915. Once he arrived in France he was given command of battalion of bombers, where his athletic abilities and body building skills were put to good use. Once during a training exercise at the Bull Ring in Etaples, he managed to throw a grenade a full 75 yards. He was chosen to lead a battalion of bombers at the Somme. Unable to find away through their intended path his group got caught between the wires. They were shot down by enemy fire while exposed in the open. Alfred was killed in action on 1st July 1916, aged 36. His brother Captain Samuel Flaxman, who was serving with the 1/2nd North Midland Field Ambulance searched for Alfred's body without success. His remains were never recovered and subsequently he is remembered on the Thiepval memorial, along with the other missing of the Somme.

His superior LT Col F A M Webster described A E Flaxman as:
  "A simple gentleman, the best of sportsmen and a very gallant soldier"

Learn more about A E Flaxman:
British Olympians - Alfred Flaxman
CWGC.org - Casualty
LFWW - 
The Great War Forum - 46th Division Officers
Wikepedia Entry

Books:
A Lack of Offensive Spirit?: 
The 46th (North Midland) Division at Gommecourt, 1st July 1916
By Alan MacDonald