L/Cpl 15647 Alfred Henry Keiffer

• Age: 28
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• K.I.A Saturday 15th December 1917
• Commemorated at: Tyne Cot Memorial
  Panel Ref: Panel 31-34

Alfred Henry was born in Liverpool on 12th July 1889, the son of Louis Jerome Keiffer and his wife Fanny Mary (nee Grant). He was baptised in the Emmanuel Church, Everton on 29th September 1889. His father, Louis Jerome was a German citizen, employed as a waiter, who was born in Alsace which was part of the disputed territory which was taken from France, by Germany, following the war of 1870. The couple had married at St Cyprian's Church, Edge Hill in 1887.

The 1891 Census shows the family living at 66 Boaler Street, Liverpool. Alfred is 1 year old and lives with his parents, grandmother and elder brother. His father is aged 34, born in Germany and was working by day at a chandlers shop and by night as a waiter, whilst his mother is 35 years of age and was born in Gosport, Hampshire. His maternal grandmother is living in the household, she is Maria S. Grant a 67 year old widow born in Gosport. His brother Louis F.J. is 3 years of age and like Alfred was born in Liverpool.

By 1901 the family were living at 133 Royston Street, Liverpool. Alfred is now 11 years of age and lives with his parents and three brothers. His father is now aged 44 and a hotel waiter, whilst his mother is 45 years of age. His three brothers, all born in Liverpool, are listed as Louis, now aged 13 and an office boy in a draper's, Charles aged 9 and Herbert aged 6.  

In 1911 the famliy are still living at 133 Royston Street. Alfred now 21 is working for an electrical supply company. His parents are both resident in the houshold and state that they have been married for 24 years and have had four children, all of whom have survived. His father now gives his place of birth as Alsace, France although states his nationality as German. he is still a hotel waiter. His elder brother Louis a clerk in the city engineers department, his brother Charles, now 19 is a marble masons apprentice whilst his youngest brother Herbert is now 16 and a book binder apprentice. 

Alfred enlisted in Liverpool on 02nd September 1914 joining the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 15647. He was then aged 25. He was described as being 5'6 inches tall and weighing 126 lbs.

He was billeted at Prescot Watch Factory from 14^th September 1914, he trained there and also at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 17th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

He was appointed Lance Corporal on 09th August 1916 in the aftermath of the attack upon Guillemont on 30th July 1916. His service record shows he was awarded his first good conduct badge after two years of service on 02nd September 1916. 

Alfred was killed in action on 15th December 1917, aged 28.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 08th January 1918:

"Lance-corporal Alfred H.Keiffer has given his life for his country. He was struck by a large piece of shell and killed instantly. He was one of the first to join the Pals in September,1914 and has been in France since November,1915. His officer writes:-'We all feel his loss,keenly.He was avery popular and,promising boy.' Before the war he was employed by the Liverpool District Lighting Co.,Ltd.,Titthbarn street,and resided with his parents at 133 Royston strret,Edge Hill"

He has no known grave, his body either lost or his grave subsequently destroyed. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. 

Those United Kingdom and New Zealand servicemen who died after August 16th 1917 are named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, a site which marks the furthest point reached by Commonwealth forces in Belgium until nearly the end of the war.

The Tyne Cot Memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Herbert Baker with sculpture by Joseph Armitage and F.V. Blundstone, was unveiled by Sir Gilbert Dyett on 20 June 1927.

The memorial forms the north-eastern boundary of Tyne Cot Cemetery, which was established around a captured German blockhouse or pill-box used as an advanced dressing station.

Alfred's personal belongings were sent to his father these included letters, photographs, pocket books, postcards, papers and addresses, two farthings, purse, cloth badge, coins of 30 centimes in value and three halfpennies. His father replied that a wrist watch and a gold ring bearing the initials AHK were missing. 

Soldiers Effects to father Louis J., Pension to mother Fanny Mary

His family placed memorial notices in the Liverpool Echo on 16th December 1918

KEIFFER - in affectionate remembrance of Private ALFRED KEIFFER, Liverpool Pals, killed in action December 15, 1917. - Deeply regretted by his friends at Fallowfield, Lidderdale and Podium roads.

Also in the Liverpool Echo on 17th December 1918

KEIFFER - In loving memory of Lance Corporal ALFRED HENRY KEIFFER, 15647, 17th Battalion K.L.R. (Pals), who was killed in action in France December 15, 1917. Father, Mother and Brothers - 133 Royston Street, Edge Hill.

KEIFFER - In loving memory of my dear brother ALF KEIFFER, killed in France, December 15, 1917. - Ever remembered by Chuck in Mesopotamia. [Chuck was younger brother Cpl Charles Edward 15769 Royal Lancaster Regt] 

Alfred is commemorated on the War Memorial at St. Cyprians Church and was also commemorated on the Memorial at Clint Road School, sadly this is now lost. 

He brother Charles served with the Royal Lancaster Regiment in France. Another brother, Herbert, served with The King's Liverpool Regiment but was transferred due to a heart murmur.

His older brother Louis named his son, born in 1924, after Alfred.

We currently have no further information on Alfred Henry Keiffer. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.